Located on the sacred Govardhan Parikrama Marg, the Mukharvind Temple is one of the most revered spiritual spots in Brajbhoomi. Devotees performing Govardhan Parikrama often consider darshan at Mukharvind as important as circumambulating the entire hill. It is believed that this temple offers the divine face (mukharvind) of Lord Giriraj—the presiding deity of Govardhan Hill.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the temple’s history, spiritual importance, darshan timings, how to reach, and how to include it in your Govardhan Parikrama plan.
What is Mukharvind Temple?
“Mukharvind” literally means face or mouth of the Lord, and this temple is dedicated to the face of Giriraj Govardhan, considered non-different from Lord Krishna himself.
Unlike other temples with deity idols, here the worship is offered directly to the hill rock. Devotees lovingly bathe the stone with milk, water, ghee, honey, and offer tulsi, laddus, and flowers.
The feeling at this temple is that you are directly serving Krishna, as Giriraj is believed to be Krishna’s form as the mountain protector of Braj.
History of Mukharvind Temple
The temple’s history goes back thousands of years, rooted in the Srimad Bhagavatam and other Braj scriptures. According to legend:
- When Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill, He declared the hill to be non-different from Himself.
- Over centuries, saints like Sanatan Goswami emphasized the worship of Govardhan as the supreme form of devotion.
- The Mukharvind Temple marks the face of the hill that receives direct offerings, just as one would serve a living deity.
- Devotees believe this spot to be the most sacred location on the Govardhan Parikrama path.
The present-day structure is maintained by Vaishnav saints and local temple trusts, and is adorned during festivals with lights, bhog offerings, and devotional music.
Spiritual Significance of Mukharvind
The Mukharvind is considered to be:
- The manifested form of Krishna’s compassion
- The “darshan sthan” of Giriraj Ji (the viewing point of His divine face)
- A place where Krishna still accepts offerings personally, especially during festivals
- A spot where prayers are fulfilled when made with pure devotion
Many devotees offer Anna Daan (food donation), milk abhishek, and perform 108 pradakshinas around the stone. It’s believed that touching or even viewing Mukharvind with love washes away sins and brings divine grace.
Darshan Timings of Mukharvind Temple
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
- Aarti is performed in the morning around 6:00 AM and in the evening at 6:30 PM.
- Temple remains open on all festival days with extended darshan hours during Govardhan Puja, Guru Purnima, and Kartik Purnima.
For peaceful darshan, visit early morning or during the afternoon lull (2 PM – 4 PM) when crowds are thinner.
Location and How to Reach
Mukharvind Temple is located in Jatipura, on the Govardhan Parikrama Marg.
| From Location | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | ~30 km | ~50 minutes by cab |
| Vrindavan ISKCON | ~28 km | ~45–50 minutes |
| Manasi Ganga | 4 km (Parikrama route) | ~1-hour walk |
| Radha Kund | 2.5 km | 20-minute walk |
How to Reach:
- You can start the Govardhan Parikrama from Manasi Ganga, and reach Mukharvind around halfway.
- Or you can go directly by cab/auto to Jatipura, and begin Parikrama from here.
- Electric rickshaws and private vehicles are available outside the temple area for convenience.
Major Festivals Celebrated at Mukharvind
| Festival Name | Celebration Highlights |
|---|---|
| Govardhan Puja | Huge Annakut (mountain of food) offered to Giriraj Ji |
| Guru Purnima | Saints and sadhus gather; mass parikrama celebrations |
| Kartik Purnima | Moonlight darshan, bhajan events, oil-lamp parikrama |
| Holi & Janmashtami | Flower decorations, special sweets, spiritual dramas |
These days attract thousands of devotees, so it’s advisable to reach early and stay nearby.
Rituals and Offerings at Mukharvind
Devotees engage in various forms of seva and rituals at the temple. Some of the most common include:
- Milk Abhishek – Pouring milk on the stone to cool Giriraj Ji
- Annakut Bhog – Offering cooked food or sweets in large quantities
- Tulsi Mala Offering – Placing tulsi garlands on the stone
- Dandvat Pranam – Prostrating fully on the ground before the deity
- Circumambulation (Parikrama) – Walking around the temple area as a personal prayer
You can also sponsor daily puja or give prasad donation at the temple counter.
Mukharvind as a Stop in Govardhan Parikrama
| Order on Parikrama Route | Name of Place | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manasi Ganga | Starting point, sacred kund |
| 2 | Haridev Mandir | Darshan before Parikrama |
| 3 | Daan Ghati | Symbol of Krishna’s leela |
| 4 | Jatipura (Mukharvind) | Face of Giriraj Ji |
| 5 | Govinda Kund | Holy water body for bathing after puja |
| 6 | Radha Kund & Shyam Kund | Highest devotional significance in Vaishnavism |
Therefore, whether you walk or drive, Mukharvind is one of the essential darshan points that completes the Parikrama.
What to Do After Darshan
Many devotees spend time near the temple even after darshan. You can:
- Sit in the bhajan mandap and chant with others
- Buy prasad, mala, or local sweets from temple shops
- Walk to nearby Govinda Kund for a holy dip
- Visit Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, just 15–20 minutes away
- Enjoy a satvik meal at a nearby bhojanalay or ashram
Jatipura is a peaceful village with many small ashrams, guesthouses, and spiritual centers for extended stays.
Travel Tips for Mukharvind Visitors
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Carry water and an umbrella | The Parikrama route can be sunny or hot |
| Dress modestly and traditionally | Temples require respectful clothing |
| Avoid leather, tobacco, or plastic | These are not allowed near the hill |
| Offer prasad bought inside temple | To avoid unauthorized vendors |
| Stay hydrated and walk slowly | For a safe and meaningful experience |
The temple area is generally safe, but be careful of monkeys near the food shops.
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Final Thoughts
The Mukharvind Temple is not just a stone to be worshipped—it is the living, breathing face of Lord Krishna in his Govardhan form. Every flower offered, every circumambulation made, and every chant whispered at this holy site brings a devotee closer to divine grace.
Whether you’re planning to complete the Govardhan Parikrama or just seeking a moment of spiritual connection, don’t miss darshan at Mukharvind—where the Lord still smiles through stone, and listens with love.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Mukharvind Temple in Govardhan?
Ans- Mukharvind is believed to be the mouth (mukh) of Lord Govardhan, where devotees offer worship before starting or after completing the Govardhan Parikrama. It holds deep spiritual importance as the symbolic face of Lord Krishna in his Govardhan form.
2. Where is Mukharvind Temple located?
Ans- Mukharvind Temple is located in Jatipura, on the southern side of Govardhan Hill, around 23–25 km from Mathura. It is a key stop on the Govardhan Parikrama path.
3. What are the darshan timings of Mukharvind Temple?
Ans- The temple is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, but timings may vary during festivals like Govardhan Puja and Guru Purnima.
4. What is the historical and mythological background of the temple?
Ans- According to legend, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to shelter Vrindavan residents from Indra’s wrath. Devotees began worshipping the hill as Krishna himself. Mukharvind Temple marks the “face” of this sacred hill, and is worshipped as Govardhan Maharaj.
5. What rituals or offerings are done at Mukharvind?
Ans- Devotees offer milk, flowers, sweets, chappan bhog, and Giriraj stones. Some perform Abhishek (holy bath) and Govardhan Aarti, especially on Ekadashi, Purnima, and during Govardhan Puja.
6. Is Mukharvind part of the Govardhan Parikrama route?
Ans- Yes, it is one of the most sacred stops along the 21-km Govardhan Parikrama. Many devotees begin and end their Parikrama at Mukharvind for blessings.
7. How can I reach Mukharvind Temple from Mathura or Vrindavan?
Ans- You can reach Jatipura (Mukharvind) by:
- Private taxi or auto-rickshaw from Mathura (takes 45–60 minutes)
- Shared vehicles or buses to Govardhan town, then a short walk or e-rickshaw to Jatipura
8. Is there any special significance of Govardhan Puja at Mukharvind Temple?
Ans- Yes, Govardhan Puja (a day after Diwali) is the biggest celebration here. A massive Annakut (mountain of food) is offered to Govardhan Maharaj, attracting thousands of devotees from across India.
9. What facilities are available near Mukharvind Temple for visitors?
Ans- Basic facilities include:
- Prasad shops
- Clean washrooms
- Water stalls
- Nearby ashrams, dharamshalas, and bhojanalayas for budget accommodation and meals
10. Are there any rules for visiting or doing Parikrama starting from Mukharvind?
Ans- Yes. Follow these:
- Walk barefoot (if possible)
- Dress modestly
- Avoid carrying leather items
- Maintain silence or chant bhajans
- Respect local customs and temple decorum