Located in the village Jatipura in Govardhan, Mukharvind of Shrinathji is a highly revered pilgrimage site that lies at a distance of merely 28 km from Mathura. Govardhan is the sacred hill and popularly called Shri Giriraj. The temple of Mukharvind Of Shrinathji is at the foot of Govardhan hill and famous as the place of appearance of Lord Giriraj. Despite this temple in Mathura is not famous as that of other temples of the region, yet this shrine is visited by hundreds of pilgrims and devotees every day. Devotees from different parts of the country visit this temple to offer prayers and sacred offerings to the deity.
Situated on the northern bank of Mansi-Ganga, this place is the lotus face (Mukharvind) of Giriraj, Govardhan. The temple houses a huge rock formed idol of Giriraj and also called Shringar Sthali. One can find many other sacred places of saints around the Mukharvind of Shrinathji. Many famous saints worshiped in these holy places and even now these spots are absolutely filled with divine vibrations and energy.
Interesting Facts About Mukharvind of Shrinathji:
As per the legends, when Lord Krishna left Braj Dham and went to Nathdwara for further essential duties, on the request of Brijwasis and Gopis, he decided to stay and sleep at Govardhan Parvat for six months. It is strongly believed that Lord Krishna comes to Govardhan and rests here for six months every year i.e. from Vasant Panchami to Dassehra. It is said that after the Sandhya Aarti at the Nathdwara Temple, Lord Krishna comes to Mukharvind of Shrinathji Temple at Govardhan hill to give Shayan Darshan. During this time, the presence of the Lord can be felt by the devotees.
People from all corners of the nation visit the Mukharvind of Shrinathji to worship. The main offering to the presiding deity is milk and flowers. Devotees perform Abhishek (a special pooja) here to please the God. During festive days, a large number of devotees and visitors come here to offer prayer. One of the special offerings to the deity in Mukharvind of Shrinathji is annakut, which is organized just a day before Diwali or Dipawali.
Many people who visit Govardhan also begin their parikrama from Mukharvind of Shrinathji. They used to walk with a pitcher filled with milk that flows slowly in a stream through the pitcher. This parikrama is popularly known as Doodh Dhaar Parikrama.
Best Time To Visit Mukharvind of Shrinathji:
This famous pilgrimage site in Govardhan can be visited throughout the year. However, the winter season i.e. from months of October to March is considered to be a suitable time to visit Mukharvind of Shrinathji. In the winter season, the entire region experiences cool, peaceful and pleasant weather conditions making the period best for tourism.
How To Reach Mukharvind of Shrinathji:
The temple of Mukharvind of Shrinathji is located just at a distance of 28 km from Mathura. Once you reach Mathura you can easily hire a taxi, cab, or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
• By Air- For air travelers, the nearest airport to reach Mathura is Kheria airport, (Agra) situated at a distance of 49 km. Visitors can easily take private vehicles to reach Mathura, Govardhan, and Mukharvind of Shrinathji.
• By Rail- Mathura railway junction connects the place very well to the important cities of the country like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, etc. So, railways are the best and cost-effective way of reaching Mathura. Various taxis, cabs, and auto-rickshaws are available at the station to travel to nearby locations including Mukharvind of Shrinathji.
• By Bus- Many government buses are running from the major cities of the country to Mathura. From the bus terminals, one can take a private vehicle to reach Govardhan and Mukharvind of Shrinathji.
Additional Information For Visitors:
The temple of Mukharvind of Shrinathji remains open every day in a week. Visitors can visit this shrine at any time from morning to evening. The darshan timing in the morning is from 5.30 am to 11.00 am and in the evening from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Nearby Attractions:
While visiting the Mukharvind of Shrinathji, visitors can explore some of the other places of interest in and around Govardhan hills such as Daan Ghati Mandir, Govardhan Parikrama, Kusum Sarovar, Mansi Ganga Kund, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, and many more.