Govardhan Restaurant (opposite the Daan Ghati temple)
Thali, snacks and sweets, affordable
हरिदेव मंदिर
Harideva Temple (Govardhan)
Often called the oldest temple of Govardhan, Harideva honours Krishna as the Lord of the hill.
TempleGovardhanHarideva (Krishna as Lord of Govardhan)
The story: Harideva, the Lord who held the hill
Harideva is the form of Krishna worshipped at Govardhan as the lord who lifted the hill. Tradition says that Krishna's great-grandson Vajranabha, who set up many of Braj's first images, installed Harideva here. The story behind the worship is the Govardhan Lila: the villagers worshipped the hill instead of Indra, and Krishna held it up for seven days (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.24 and 10.25).
When Mughal-era disturbances threatened the deity in the 17th century, the image is said to have been hidden and the worship moved. The temple then and now stands close to Mansi Ganga, a short walk from the lake.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.24 and 10.25: Govardhan Lila
- Garga Samhita, Giriraja Khanda
- The Vajranabha installation is local tradition
History
- The red sandstone temple is commonly attributed to Raja Bhagwan Das of Amber in the late 16th century (about 1580), during Akbar's reign. Check locally for the date and patron.
What to see
- The red sandstone temple
- Harideva deity
- Mansi Ganga nearby
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Govardhan Puja and Annakut
- Jun to Jul: Guru Purnima
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
| Closed | Check locally |
| Dress code | Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside any sanctum. Check locally for the rest. |
No reliable published timings were found. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near the Mansi Ganga road lots.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- No special rule found. Festival days bring diversions. Check locally
Cab drop and walk
Drop: At the temple lane.
Walk: 5 minutes from Mansi Ganga.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Govardhan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 25 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 27 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 175 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning.
Crowds: Usually light. Heavier on festival days.
Monkeys: Possible. Keep spectacles, phones and food out of sight.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave shoes at the gate or with your driver.
Toilets: Limited. Use facilities before you arrive.
Accessibility: Uneven ground and steps are likely. Check locally.
Scams to avoid
- Touts who offer a 'special' puja or darshan for a fee
Where to eat nearby
Krishna Bhojanalay (near Govardhan hill)
Rotis, curries and rice
Radha Ashtami Bhojanalay and Shree Radha Bhojanalay (near Radha Kund)
Simple Braj veg meals
Shree Krishna Prasad (near Shyam Kund)
Prasad and quick snacks
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Is it on the parikrama route?
Yes, near Mansi Ganga.
Check locally
- Timings
- Builder and date
- Parking
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
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