Govardhan Restaurant (opposite the Daan Ghati temple)
Thali, snacks and sweets, affordable
राधा कुंड
Radha Kund
The holiest of all Braj's tanks: Radha's own pond, said to be dearer to Krishna than any other place.
KundGovardhanRadha, Krishna
The story: A bull, a heel and the holy kund
The demon Arishta came to Braj in the shape of a huge bull, and Krishna killed him (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36). The gopis, led by Radha, teased that Krishna had killed a bull, a sin, and must purify himself with a bath in all the holy rivers.
Krishna struck the ground with his heel and all the holy waters came into a new pool, Shyam Kund, and he bathed. Radha and her friends then dug their own kund with their bangles, and Krishna called the waters of Mansi Ganga to fill it. The two kunds were joined, and Krishna promised that Radha Kund would be dearer to him than any place in the world.
This account is told in Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda) and Gaudiya works. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is said to have rediscovered both kunds in 1515 (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya Lila 18). At midnight on Bahulashtami, in Kartik, thousands bathe here for the blessing of a child and of love.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36: Arishtasura
- Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda): the glory of Radha Kund
- Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya Lila 18
- Kund creation story is from tradition and Gaudiya texts
History
- The kunds were located and developed by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1515) and the Goswamis, especially Raghunath Das Goswami who lived here.
- The stone ghats were built later by royal patrons (Jaipur and Bharatpur houses), including 18th-century works. Check locally.
- Many Gaudiya samadhis and temples stand around the kund.
What to see
- The Radha Kund tank with its stone ghats
- Raghunath Das Goswami's samadhi
- Krishnadas Kaviraj's samadhi
- Gaudiya Math and Kunj shrines
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Bahulashtami: midnight bath at the kund (Kartik Krishna Ashtami)
- Feb to Mar: Holi
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Open all day |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Open all day |
| Closed | Temples close in the afternoon |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Fine at the kund; not inside temples. |
Check locally for individual temples.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Lot at the Radha Kund entrance on the Govardhan-Radha Kund road.
Charge: About Rs 30 to 80. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Bahulashtami night: roads closed to cars; e-rickshaw only
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the main crossing.
Walk: 5 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Govardhan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 27 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 30 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 180 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning, or Kartik for the lamps.
Crowds: Heavy on Bahulashtami.
Monkeys: Yes.
Comfort
Footwear: Shoe stands near the entrance.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps to the kund.
Scams to avoid
- Pandas who 'sell' kund water or a sankalp
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
What is Bahulashtami?
Kartik Krishna Ashtami, when thousands bathe in Radha Kund at midnight.
Check locally
- Timings
- Parking
- Patron details
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Radha Kund