Shree Giriraj ji Maharaj Danghati mandir Goverdhan — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

"Dāna-ghāṭī is situated in the middle of Govardhana on the present-day road between Mathurā and Kāmyavana. Even today, a toll must be paid to pass through here. At the time of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, Kṛṣṇa became a toll collector and performed dāna-līlā, or a toll pastime, with the gopīs through loving quarrels and sarcasm. This pastime has been beautifully described in Dāna-kelī-kaumudī, Dāna-kelī-cintāmaṇi and other books of the Gauḍīya gosvāmīs. Once, on the bank of Govinda-kuṇḍa, Śrī Bhāgurī Ṛṣi was performing a sacrifice for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord. The cowherd boys and girls were bringing ingredients for the sacrifice from distant places. From the other side of Dāna-ghāṭī, Śrīmatī Rādhikā and Her sakhīs were also bringing yoghurt, milk, butter and various kinds of milk-sweets, such as rabaḍī. Śrī Kṛṣṇa, along with Subala, Madhumaṅgala and other sakhās, obstructed their path and forcibly demanded toll-tax, and the sakhās and gopīs began to taunt each other. Standing in His enchanting threefold-bending form, Śrī Kṛṣṇa mischievously asked the gopīs, “What are you carrying?” “Milk, yoghurt and butter for Bhāgurī Ṛṣi’s sacrifice,” they replied. Madhumaṅgala’s mouth started to water upon the mere mention of butter. “Quickly pay the toll-tax and move on,” he said. “What toll-tax?” Lalitā angrily asked. “We have never paid any toll-tax before.” “You can pass only after paying toll-tax,” Kṛṣṇa insisted. “Since when have You become the toll collector here?” Śrīmatījī asked. “Did You inherit this place from Your father?” “Don’t be so insolent,” He replied. “I am Vṛndāvaneśvara, the ruler of the kingdom of Vṛndāvana.” “How is that?” “Vṛndā is My wedded wife,” Kṛṣṇa asserted. “The property of the wife is also the property of the husband. Vṛndāvana is the kingdom of Vṛndā-devī, and therefore it is My kingdom.” “Really?” Lalitā answered haughtily. “We have never heard anything about this. Let us ask Vṛndā right now.” She turned to Vṛndā. “Vṛndā, is this ‘black one’ your husband?” “Never!” Vṛndā flared in disgust. “I have no relation with this lying debauchee. Previously this was my kingdom, but I have given it to Vṛndāvaneśvarī Śrīmatī Rādhikā.” All the sakhīs burst into laughter, which slightly embarrassed Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Nonetheless, He was determined to collect the toll-tax. After this love-quarrel the gopīs exchanged the toll-tax of prema at Dāna-nivartana-kuṇḍa, some distance from Dāna-ghāṭī. To find out more about this pastime, you can read Dāna-kelī-kaumudī and Dāna-kelī-cintāmaṇi."

Excerpt from the book 'Sri Vraja-mandal Parikrama' by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana...

Shri Govardhan Ji Maharaj – Danghati Temple, Govardhan, Mathura (U.P.)

📍 Location: Danghati Temple is a sacred and historic temple located in Govardhan town, part of Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. It lies approximately 22 km from Mathura, 25 km from Vrindavan, and is a prominent stop on the holy Govardhan Parikrama route. This revered site sits at the base of the Govardhan Hill, considered a living form of Lord Krishna.

🕉️ Historical & Religious Significance:

According to Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on His little finger to protect the villagers of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. This divine act humbled Indra and marked the beginning of Govardhan Puja.

The Danghati Temple stands at a key location where the Lord is believed to have performed this miraculous feat. The word Danghati comes from “Dang” meaning stick or staff — symbolizing Krishna’s divine strength.

Inside the temple, devotees worship Govardhan Shila, believed to be a direct manifestation of Lord Krishna himself. Pilgrims seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and devotion here.

📿 Temple Highlights:

🔄 Govardhan Parikrama (21 km) starts from near the temple.

🪔 Govardhan Puja & Annakut Festival draws thousands of devotees after Diwali.

🧘 Daily aartis, bhajans, and darshan of sacred Shila.

🐄 Associated with cow protection, bhakti, and Vraj traditions.

🛣️ How to Reach:

🚉 By Train: Nearest major station – Mathura Junction (22 km).

🚗 By Road: Well connected via Mathura-Vrindavan roads and Delhi-Agra NH2.

✈️ By Air: Nearest airports – Agra Airport (60 km), Delhi International Airport (160 km).

🌟 Summary:

Shri Govardhan Ji Maharaj – Danghati Temple is not just a place of worship, but a living memory of Krishna’s divine Leelas. A must-visit for those on a spiritual journey in Braj, it offers deep devotional vibrations, rich history, and peaceful surroundings.

📌 Ideal for pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and tourists exploring...

The temple of Daan Ghati is in Govardhaṅ located between Mathura and Kamvana. Here the deity is in the form of a rock. The deity when dressed up by temple pujaris looks like Shri Krishna holding Govardhan parvat (hill) on his little finger.

The deity is said to be going degrading every year into the Earth by a few millimeters every year. Though there is no scientific proof, local people have been witnessing the changes that confirm the same. Besides sweets, the main offering to the deity is milk and milk products. On special occasions and festivals, the deity is offered ‘Chhappan bhog’ i.e. fifty six varieties of offerings.

The location of the temple is also important in the way that the ‘parikarma marg‘ (the road that helps you take a full round of the Govardhan hill barefoot) starts from this temple. Therefore people usually perform a ritual called pooja to praise the deity and take blessings before starting the Parikrama of Giriraj ji or Govardhan hill. There are two parikrama roads in Goverdhan, out of which the larger one starts from this temple. Performing the Giriraj ji parikrama gives immense pleasure to every pilgrim performing the same.

The popularity of this temple is increasing day by day. The infrastructure of the temple is been changed seeing the crowd that comes to visit the temple. Now there are various eating joints and lodges to stay for the convenience of the visitors. On a daily basis, thousands and sometimes lakhs of pilgrims visit this holy place of Hindus and feel blessed by having a glimpse of their deity. Govardhan being a Hindu pilgrimage witness people from all...