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श्याम कुंड

Shyam Kund

The tank Krishna created with his heel, next to Radha Kund and joined to it.

KundGovardhanKrishna (Shyam)
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund together
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund togetherPhoto: Aliva Sahoo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story: The pool made by a heel

After Krishna killed the bull Arishta, the gopis asked him to cleanse himself by bathing in the tirthas. So he struck the earth with his heel and the waters of all the holy places flowed into a pool, Shyam Kund. He bathed, and the gopis' teasing turned into the building of their own kund (see Radha Kund).

The two kunds sit side by side, separated by a narrow strip. Pilgrims say that Shyam Kund is where Krishna gave and Radha Kund is where she received. This is the Gaudiya reading of the lila.

Where this is told
  • Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36: Arishtasura
  • Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda)
  • Local and Gaudiya tradition for the heel story

History

  • Developed with Radha Kund by the Goswamis and royal patrons. See Radha Kund for details.

What to see

  • Shyam Kund's ghats
  • The Pancha Pandava kunds nearby
  • Mahaprabhu Baithak

Key festivals

  • Oct to Nov: Bahulashtami

Timings and rules

Summer darshanOpen all day
Winter darshanOpen all day
ClosedNone
Dress codeModest.
Photos and phonesFine.

Check locally.

Parking and getting there

Parking

Same lot as Radha Kund.

Charge: As Radha Kund.

Restrictions

  • As Radha Kund

Cab drop and walk

Drop: Radha Kund crossing.

Walk: 2 minutes.

Town-wide parking and transport rules: Govardhan guide.

Distances and nearby places

From Mathura JunctionAbout 27 km
From Banke Bihari, VrindavanAbout 30 km
From Delhi Airport (IGI)About 180 km

Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.

Radha Kund: 0.1 kmKusum Sarovar: 2 km

Practical tips

Timing and crowds

Best time: Morning.

Crowds: As Radha Kund.

Monkeys: Yes.

Comfort

Footwear: Stand near the entrance.

Toilets: Limited.

Accessibility: Steps.

Scams to avoid

  • Same as Radha Kund

Where to eat nearby

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

Can I bathe here?

Pilgrims do. Take care at the steps.

Check locally

  • Timings

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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