Prayers to Shri Govardhana Hill

Here are the ShrI Govardhana-vAsa-prArthanA-dazaka & ShrI GovardhanAzraya-dazaka from Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami which were the favourites of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami. They have been translated by Kusakratha dasa prabhu.

ShrI Govardhana vAsa prArthanA dazaka

Ten Appeals for Residence at Govardhana Hill

Text 1

nija-pati-bhuja-daNDac-chatra-bhAvaM prapadya
     pratihata-mada-dhRSToddaNDa-devendra-garva
atula-pRthula-zaila-zreNi-bhUpa priyaM me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     nija-own; pati-of the Lord; bhuja-arm; daNDac-handle; chatra-of an umbrella; bhAvam-the state; prapadya-attaining; pratihata-checked; mada-arrogant; dhRSTa-bold; uddaNDa-with raised wepons; devendra-the king of the demigods; garva-pride; atula-incomparable; pRthula-great; zaila-mountain; zreNi-series; bhUpa-king; priyam-dear; me-to me; nija-own; nikaTa-near; nivAsam-residence; dehi-please give; govardhana-O Govardhana; tvam-you.

     O Govardhana, O king of all incomparable great mountains, O hill that became an umbrella with the arm of your own Lord as the handle and then destroyed the pride of the deva king madly attacking with raised weapons, please grant the residence near you that is so dear to me.

Text 2

pramada-madana-lIlAH kandare kandare te
     racayati nava-yUnor dvandvam asminn amandam
iti kila kalanArthaM lagnakas tad-dvayor me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     pramada-passionate; madana-amorous; lIlAH-pastimes; kandare kandare-in every cave; te-of you; racayati-performs; nava-yUnor dvandvam-the youthful divine couple; asminn-in this; amandam-great; iti-thus; kila-indeed; kalana-of seeing; artham-for the purpose; lagnakaH-guarantee; tad-that; dvayoH-of the two; me-of me.

     O Govardhana, please grant to me the residence near you that will guarantee the sight of the youthful divine couple as they enjoy passionate amorous pastimes in your caves.

Text 3

anupama-maNi-vedI-ratna-siMhAsanorvI-
     ruha-jhara-dara-sAnu-droNi-saGgheSu raGgaiH
saha bala-sakhibhiH saGkhelayan sva-priyaM me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     anupama-incomparable; maNi-jeweled; vedI-courtyards; ratna-jeweled; siMhAsana-lion-thrones; UrvIruha-trees; jhara-waterfalls and swiftly-flowing mountain brooks; dara caves; sAnu-peaks; droNi valleys; saGgheSu-in the multitudes; raGgaiH-with happiness; saha-with; bala-Lord BalarAma; sakhibhiH-with friends; saGkhelayan-playing; sva-own; priyam-dear; me-to me.

     O Govardhana, O hill where Lord KRSNa happily plays with BalarAma and His friends in the incomparable jeweled courtyards, jeweled lion-thrones, trees, waterfalls, mountain-brooks, caves, peaks, and valleys, please grant the residence near you that is so dear to me.

Text 4

rasa-nidhi-nava-yUnoH sAkSiNIM dAna-keler
     dyuti-parimala-viddhaM zyAma-vediM prakaSya
rasika-vara-kulAnAM modam AsphAlayan me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

rasa-of nectar; nidhi-oceans; nava-yUnoH-of the youthful divine couple; sAkSiNIm-the witness; dAna-keleH-of the dAna-keli pastime; dyuti-splendor; parimala-fragrance; viddham-filled; zyAma-dark; vedim-courtyard; prakaSya-manifesting; rasika-vara-kulAnAm-of the best of those expert at relishing transcendental pastimes; modam-happiness; AsphAlayan-causing; me-of me.

     O Govardhana, O hill that provides the dark courtyard that witnesses the dAna-keli pastime of the nectar-treasure youthful divine couple, O hill that brings great bliss to the best of they who relish transcendental nectar, please grant to me residence near you.

Text 5

hari-dayitam apUrvaM rAdhikA-kuNDam Atma-
     priya-sakham iha kaNThe narmaNAliGgya guptaH
nava-yuva-yuga-khelAs tatra pazyan raho me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     hari-to Lord KRSNa; dayitam-dear; apUrvam-unprecedented; rAdhikA-kuNDam-RAdhA-kuNDa; Atma-own; priya-sakham-dear friend; iha-here; kaNThe-on the neck; narmaNA-playfully; AliGgya-embracing; guptaH-hidden; nava-yuva-yuga-of the youthful divine couple; khelAH-pastimes; tatra-there; pazyan-seeing; rahaH-in a solitary place; me-of me.

     O Govardhana, O hill that, hiding as you playfully embrace the neck of your dear friend, Lord Hari's dear, unprecedented RAdhA-kuNDa, secretly gazes at the pastimes of the youthful divine couple, please grant to me residence near you.

Text 6

sthala-jala-tala-zaSpair bhUruha-chAyayA ca
     pratipadam anukAlaM hanta samvardhayan gAH
tri-jagati nija-gotraM sArthakaM khyApayan me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     sthala-land; jala-water; tala-surface; zaSpaiH-with grasses; bhUruha-of trees; chAyayA-with the shade; ca-and; pratipadam-at every step; anukAlam-at the right time; hanta-indeed; samvardhayan-nourishing; gAH-the cows; tri-jagati-in the three worlds; nija-own; gotram-name; sArthakam-meaningful; khyApayan-proclaiming; me-of me.

     O Govardhana, O hill that by nourishing the cows with its water, grass, and the shade of its trees declares to the three worlds the appropriateness of its own name, please grant to me residence near you.
     Note: Govardhana means "that which nourishes (vardhana) the cows (go)."

Text 7

surapati-kRta-dIrgha-drohato goSTha-rakSAM
     tava nava-gRha-rUpasyAntare kurvataiva
agha-baka-ripuNoccair datta-mAna drutaM me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     surapati-of the king of the demigods; kRta-done; dIrgha-long; drohataH-from the enmity; goSTha-of Vraja; rakSAm-protection; tava-of you; nava-new; gRha-house; rUpasya-in the form; antare-within; kurvatA-doing; eva-indeed; agha-baka-ripuNA-by Lord KRSNa, the enemy of BakAsura; uccaiH-greatly; datta-given; mAna-honor; drutam-quickly; me-of me.

     O Govardhana, O hill that the enemy of Agha and Baka honored by transforming into a new house to give Vraja protection from the sustained fury of the sura king, please grant to me residence near you.

Text 8

giri-nRpa-hari-dAsa-zreNi-varyeti-nAmA-
     mRtam idam uditaM zrI-rAdhikA-vaktra-candrAt
vraja-nava-tilakatve klpta-vedaiH sphuTaM me
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     giri-of hills; nRpa-the king; hari-of Lord KRSNa; dAsa-of servants; zreNi-of the multitudes; varya-the best; iti-thus; nAma-name; amRtam-nectar; idam-this; uditam-spoken; zrI-rAdhikA-of zrI  RAdhA; vaktra-of the mouth; candrAt-from the moon; vraja-of Vraja; nava-new; tilakatve-as the tilaka marking; klpta-conceived; vedaiH-by the Vedas; sphuTam-manifested; me-of me.

     O Govardhana, O king of mountains, O hill whose nectar name "the best of Lord Hari's servants"  flows from the moon of zrI RAdhA's mouth, O hill that the Vedas declare to be the tilaka marking of Vraja,  please grant to me residence near you.

Text 9

nija-jana-yuta-rAdhA-kRSNa-maitrI-rasAkta-
     vraja-nara-pazu-pakSi-vrAta-saukhyaika-dAtaH
agaNita-karuNatvAn maM urI-kRtya tAntaM
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     nija-own; jana-people; yuta-endowed; rAdhA-kRSNa-of zrI zrI RAdhA-KRSNa; maitrI-friendship; rasa-nectar; Akta-anointed; vraja-of Vraja; nara-of the people; pazu-animals; pakSi-and birds; vrAta-to the hosts; saukhya-of happiness; eka-sole; dAtaH-giver; agaNita-immeasurable; karuNatvAn-because of mercy; mam-me; urI-kRtya-accepting; tAntam-distressed.

     O Govardhana, O philanthropist that gives transcendental happiness to Vraja's people, animals, and birds, all anointed with the nectar of friendship for zrI zrI RAdhA-KRSNa surrounded by Their friends, out of Your immeasurable mercy, please accept unhappy me and please grant me residence near you.

Text 10

nirupadhi-karuNena zrI-zacInandanena
     tvayi kapaTi-zaTho 'pi tvat-priyenArpito 'smi
iti khalu mama yogyAyogyatAM mAm agRhNan
     nija-nikaTa-nivAsaM dehi govardhana tvam

     nirupadhi-boundless; karuNena-with mercy; zrI-zacInandanena-by the son of zacI; tvayi-in you; kapaTi-a cheater;; zaThaH-a rascal; api-although; tvat-priyena-by your beloved; arpitaH-given; asmi-I am; iti-thus; khalu-certainly; mama-my; yogya-suitability; ayogyatAm-or unsuitability; mAm-me; agRhNan-not considering.

     Although I am a cheater and a criminal, unlimitedly merciful Lord zacInandana, who is very dear to you, has given me to you. O Govardhana, please do not consider whether I am acceptable or not, but simply grant me residence near you.

Text 11

rasada-dazakam asya zrIla-govardhanasya
     kSitidhara-kula-bhartur yaH prayatnAd adhIte
sa sapadi sukhade 'smin vAsam AsAdya sAkSAc
     chubada-yugala-sevA-ratnam Apnoti tUrNam

     rasada-nectarean; dazakam-ten verses; asya-of this; zrIla-govardhanasya-zrIla Govardhana; kSitidhara-of mountains; kula-of the multitudes; bhartuH-the king; yaH-one who; prayatnAd-with care; adhIte-reads; sa-he; sapadi-at once; sukhade-blissful; asmin-in this; vAsam-residence; AsAdya-attaining; sAkSAc-directly; chubada-auspicious; yugala-of the divine couple; sevA-of the service; ratnam-the jewel; Apnoti-attains; tUrNam-quickly.

     One who carefully reads these ten nectar verses describing zrIla Govardhana, the king of mountains, will very soon reside near that blissful hill and quickly attain the precious jewel of the service to the handsome divine couple.



zrI GovardhanAzraya-dazaka

Ten Appeals for Shelter at Govardhana Hill

Text 1

saptAhaM murajit-karAmbuja-paribhrAjat-kaniSThAGguli-
     prodyad-valgu-varAtakoparimilan-mugdha-dvirepho 'pi yaH
pAthaH-kSepaka-zakra-nakra-mukhataH kroDe vrajaM drAg apAt
     kas taM gokula-bandhavaM giri-varaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

    sapta-seven; aham-days; murajit-of Lord KRSNa; kara-hand; ambuja-lotus; paribhrAjat-shining; kaniSTha-little; aGguli-finger; prodyad-manifest; valgu-beautiful; varAtaka-lotus whorl; upari-above; milan-meeting; mugdha-charming; dvirephaH-bumblebee; api-also; yaH-who; pAthaH-water; kSepaka-expelling; zakra-of Indra; nakra-of the crocodile; mukhataH-from the mouth; kroDe-in the lap; vrajam-Vraja; drAg-at once; apAt-protected; kaH-who; tam-that; gokula-of Gokula; bandhavam-the friend; giri-of mountains; varam-the best.

     Who will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill, the best of mountains, the friend of Gokula, the charming bumblebee that for seven days stood on the graceful whorl of the lotus flower of Lord KRSNa's hand and protected Vraja from the mouth of the Indra-crocodile raining a great monsoon?

Text 2

indratve nibhRtaM gavAM suranadI-toyena dInAtmanA
     zakreNAnugatA cakAra surabhir yenAbhiSekaM hareH
yat-kacche 'jani tena nandita-janaM govinda-kuNDaM kRtI
     kas taM go-nikarendra-paTTa-zikharaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

     indratve-as king; nibhRtam-in a solitary place; gavAm-of the cows; suranadI-of the celestial Ganges; toyena-with the water; dInAtmanA-humble; zakreNa-by Indra; anugatA-following; cakAra-did; surabhiH-surabhi; yena-by whom; abhiSekam-bathing ceremony at the coronation; hareH-of Lord KRSNa; yat-of which; kacche-in the vicinity; ajani-was manifested; tena-by Him; nandita-delighted; janam-the people; govinda-kuNDam-Govinda-kuNDa; kRtI-pious person; kaH-who?; tam-that; gaH-of the cows; nikara-of the herds; indra-of the king; paTTa-zikharam-whose peak is the place of pastimes.

     What pious person will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill, whose peak is the place of pastimes for Lord KRSNa, the master of the surabhi cows, and near which is blissful Govinda-kuNDa, where a surabhi cow, followed by humbled Indra bearing the waters of the celestial Ganges, bathed Lord KRSNa and secretly crowned Him king of the surabhi cows?

Text 3

svar-dhuny-Adi-vareNya-tIrtha-gaNato hRdyAny ajasraM hareH
     sIri-brahma-harApsaraH-priyaka-tat-zrI-dAna-kuNDAny api
prema-kSema-ruci-pradAni parito bhrAjanti yasya vratI
      kas taM manya-munIndra-varNita-guNaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

     svar-dhuni-the celestial Ganges; Adi-beginning with; vareNya-best; tIrtha-of sacred places; gaNataH-of multitudes; hRdyAni-charming; ajasram-always; hareH-of Lord KRSNa; sIri-to Lord BalarAma; brahma-to Lord BrahmA; hara-Hara; apsaraH-ApsaraH; priyaka-Priyaka; tat-that; zrI-dAna-zrI DAna; kuNDAni-lakes; api-also; prema-love; kSema-happiness; ruci-love; pradAni-giving; paritaH-everywhere; bhrAjanti-shine; yasya-of which; vratI-a pious person; kaH-who?; tam-that; manya-great; muni-of sages; indra-by the best; varNita-described; guNam-virtues.

     What pious person will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill, which is glorified by the great sages, and which is encircled by the lakes SIri-kuNDa, Brahma-kuNDa, Hara-kuNDa, ApsaraH-kuNDa, Priyaka-kuNDa, and zrI-dAna-kuNDa, which are splendid with the happiness of pure love and more dear to Lord Hari than the celestial Ganges and a host of other sacred places?

Text 4

jyotsnAmokSaNa-mAlya-hAra-sumano-gaurI-balAri-dhvajA
     gAndharvAdi-sarAMsi nirjhara-giriH zRGgAra-siMhAsanam
gopAlo 'pi hari-sthalaM harir api sphUrjanti yat-sarvataH
     kas taM go-mRga-pakSi-vRkSa-lalitaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

     jyotsnAmokSaNa-jyotsnAmokSaNa; mAlya-MAlya; hAra-HAra; sumanaH-SumanaH; gaurI-GaurI; balAri-BalAri; dhvajA-Dhvaja; gAndharva-GAndharva; Adi-beginning with; sarAMsi-lakes; nirjhara-with swiftly moving streams; giriH-the mountain; zRGgAra-of amorous love; siMhAsanam-the lion-throne; gopAlaH-Lord KRSNa; api-also; hari-of Lord KRSNa; sthalam-the place; hariH-Lord KRSNa; api-also; sphUrjanti-is manifested; yat-sarvataH-everywhere; kaH-who?; tam-that; gaH-cows; mRga-deer; pakSi-birds; vRkSa-trees; lalitam-charming.

     Who will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill, which is charming with cows, deer, birds, and trees, and which is the place where the lakes JyotsnAmokSaNa-kuNDa, MAlya-kuNDa, HAra-kuNDa, SumanaH-kuNDa, GaurI-kuNDa, BalAridhvaja-kuNDa, GAndharvA-kuNDa, many other lakes, many swiftly-moving mountain streams, many lion-thrones for amorous pastimes, many places for Lord Hari's other pastimes, and the cowherd boy Lord Hari Himself, are all splendidly manifest?

Text 5

gaGgA-koTy-adhikaM bakAri-pada-jAriSTAri-kuNDaM vahan
     bhaktyA yaH zirasA natena satataM preyAn zivAd apy abhUt
rAdhA-kuNDa-maNiM tathaiva murajit-prauDha-prasAdaM dadhAt
     preyaH-stavyamano 'bhavat ka iha taM govardhanaM nAzrayet

     gaGgA-of Ganges Rivers; koTi-than millions; adhikam-greater; bakAri-of Lord KRSNa; pada-from the foot; ja-born; ariSTAri-kuNDam-zyAma-kuNDa; vahan-carrying; bhaktyA-with devotion; yaH-who; zirasA-on the head; natena-bowed; satatam-always; preyAn-dearer; zivAd-than ziva; api-even; abhUt-became; rAdhA-kuNDa-RAdhA-kuNDa; maNim-jewel; tathA-still; eva-certainly; murajit-of Lord KRSNa; prauDha-great; prasAdam-mercy; dadhAt-manifested; preyaH-stavyamanaH-the most glorious of the dear devotees; abhavat-became; ka-who?; iha-here; tam-that.

     Who will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill? He who with always devotedly caries on his bowed head the lake known as zyAma-kuNDa, which is millions of times greater than the Ganges, and which was born from the foot of Lord KRSNa, becomes more dear to the Lord than even the demigod ziva. He who in the same way carries the jewel known as RAdhA-kuNDa attains the full mercy of Lord KRSNa. He becomes the most dear and glorious of devotees.

Text 6

yasyAM mAdhava-nAviko rasavatIm AdhAya rAdhAM tarau
     madhye caJcala-keli-pAta-valanAt trAsaiH stuvatyAs tataH
svAbhiSThaM paNam Adadhe vahati sA yasmin mano-jAhnavI
     kas taM tan nava-dam-pati-pratibhuvaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

     yasyAm-where; mAdhava-Lord KRSNa; nAvikaH-the boatman; rasavatIm-sweet; AdhAya-taking; rAdhAm-RAdhA; tarau-on the boat; madhye-in the middle; caJcala-restless; keli-pastime; pAta-valanAt-because of the violent waves; trAsaiH-with fear; stuvatyAH-prayed; tataH-then; svAbhiSTham-own desire; paNam-the price; Adadhe-took; vahati-carries; sA-She; yasmin-in which; mano-jAhnavI-the MAnasa-gaGgA; kaH-who?; tam-that; tan-that; nava-young; dam-pati-of the divine couple; pratibhuvam-place.

     Who will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill, where the divine couple enjoy Their rescue-fee pastimes, and where the MAnasa-gaGgA flows? In the MAnasa-gaGgA the pilot MAdhava took sweetly beautiful RAdhA on His boat, and when She, frightened by a great storm, prayed that He calm it, He claimed from Her as a rescue-fee the fulfillment of His amorous desires.

Text 7

rAse zrI-zata-vandya-sundara-sakhI vRndAJcitA saurabha-
     bhrAjat-kRSNa-rasAla-bAhu-vilasat-kaNThI madhau mAdhavI
rAdhA nRtyati yatra cAru valate rAsa-sthalI sA parA
     yasmin sa sukRtI tam unnatam aye govardhanaM nAzrayet

     rAse-in the rAsa dance; zrI-of goddesses of fortune; zata-by hundreds; vandya-worshiped; sundara-beautiful; sakhI-of friends; vRnda-by multitudes; aJcitA-accompanied; saurabha-fragrant; bhrAjat-glistening; kRSNa-of Lord KRSNa; rasAla-nectar; bAhu-arm; vilasat-splendid; kaNThI-neck; madhau-in spring; mAdhavI-dear to Lord KRSNa; rAdhA-RAdhA; nRtyati-dances; yatra-where; cAru-beautiful; valate-moves; rAsa-sthalI-the arena of the rAsa dance; sA-She; parA-transcendental; yasmin-in which; sa-he; sukRtI-pious; tam-that; unnatam-exalted; aye-ah!

      Ah, what pious person will not take shelter of lofty Govardhana Hill, the beautiful and transcendental place of the rAsa dance, where zrI RAdhA, accompanied by Her beautiful friends worshiped by hundreds of goddesses of fortune, and the splendid, nectar arm of Lord KRSNa playfully resting on Her neck, dances in the springtime rAsa-lIlA?

Text 8

yatra svIya-gaNasya vikrama-bhRtA vAcA muhuH phullatoH
     smera-krUra-dRg-anta-vibhrama-zaraiH zazvan mitho viddhayoH
tad yUnor nava-dAna-sRSTija-kalir bhaGgyA hasan jRmbhate
     kas taM tat-pRthu-keli-sUcana-zilaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

     yatra-where; svIya-gaNasya-of Her own friends; vikrama-bhRtA-bold; vAcA-with words; muhuH-continually; phullatoH-blossoming; smera-smiling; krUra-cruel; dRg-eyes; anta-corners; vibhrama-moving; zaraiH-with arrows; zazvan-always; mithaH-together; viddhayoH-pierced; tad-that; yUnoH-of the youthful couple; nava-new; dAna-of the dAna-keli pastimes; sRSTija-manifested; kaliH-quarrel; bhaGgyA-by the crooked words; hasan-laughing; jRmbhate-becomes manifested; kaH-who?; tam-that; tat-of that; pRthu-great; keli-pastimes; sUcana-indication; zilam-nature.

     Who will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill where, blossoming with happiness at the outrageous joking words of Their friends, perpetually wounded by the swift arrows shot from the corners of Their cruel, smiling eyes, and laughing at the crooked words of the ever-new dAna-keli quarrel, the youthful divine couple displayed so many transcendental pastimes?

Text 9

zrIdAmAdi-vayasya-saJcaya-vRtaH saGkarSaNenollasan
     yasmin go-caya-cAru-cAraNa-paro rIrIti gAyaty asau
raGge gUDha-guhAsu ca prathayati smAra-kriyAM rAdhayA
     kas taM saubhaga-bhUSitAJcita-tanuM govardhanaM nAzrayet

      zrIdAma-zrIdAmA; Adi-beginning with; vayasya-friends; saJcaya-multitudes; vRtaH-surrounded; saGkarSaNena-with BalarAma; ullasan-playing; yasmin-in which; gaH-of cows; caya-herds; cAru-beautiful; cAraNa-herding; paraH-devoted; rIrI iti-rI rI; gAyati-sings; asau-He; raGge-in the arena; gUDha-hidden; guhAsu-in caves; ca-and; prathayati-manifests; smAra-amorous; kriyAm-pastimes; rAdhayA-with zrI RAdhA; kaH-who?; tam-that; saubhaga-with auspiciousness; bhUSita-decorated; a{.sy 241}cita-graceful; tanum-form.

     Who will not take shelter of graceful and auspicious Govardhana Hill, where, accompanied by zrIdAmA and His other friends, playing with SaGkarSaNa,  and carefully herding the cows, Lord KRSNa happily sings rI rI, and where Lord KRSNa enjoys amorous pastimes with RAdhA in the rAsa dance arena and deep in the hidden caves?

Text 10

kAlindIM tapanodbhavaM giri-gaNAn aty-unnamac-cekharAn
     zrI-vRndAvipinaM janepsita-dharaM nandIzvaraM cAzrayam
hitvA yaM pratipUjayan vraja-kRte mAnaM mukundo dadau
     kas taM zRGgi-kirITinaM giri-nRpaM govardhanaM nAzrayet

      kAlindIm-the YamunA River; tapana-of the sun-god; udbhavam-the daughter; giri-of hills; gaNAn-the multitudes; ati-very; unnamac-lofty; cekharAn-crowns; zrI-vRndAvipinam-zrI VRndAvana; jana-by the people; Ipsita-desire; dharam-fulfilling; nandIzvaram-NandIzvara; ca-and; Azrayam-shelter; hitvA-abandoning; yam-which; pratipUjayan-worshiping; vraja-kRte-for the sake of Vraja; mAnam-respect; mukundaH-Lord KRSNa; dadau-gave; kaH-who?; tam-that; zRGgi-of mountains; kirITinam-the crown; giri-of  mountains; nRpam-the king.

     Who will not take shelter of Govardhana Hill, the crowned king of all mountains? For the people of Vraja's sake Lord Mukunda neglected the sun-god's daughter YamunA, a host of other lofty hills, the wish-fulfilling forest of VRndAvana, and the town of NandIzvara, and respectfully worshiped Govardhana Hill.

Text 11

tasmin vAsadam asya ramya-dazakaM govardhanasyeha yat
     prAdurbhUtam idaM yadIya-kRpayA jIrNAndha-vaktrAd api
tasyodyad-guNa-vRnda-bandhura-khaNer jIvAtu-rUpasya tat-
     toSAyApi alaM bhavatv iha phalaM pakvaM mayA mRgyate

     tasmin-in this; vAsa-residence; dam-granting; asya-of this; ramya-charming; dazakam-ten verses; govardhanasya-of Govardhana Hill; iha-here; yat-which; prAdurbhUtam-manifested; idam-this; yadIya-of which; kRpayA-by the mercy; jIrNa-an old; andha-blind man; vaktrAd-from the mouth; api-even; tasya-of that; udyad-manifesting; guNa-of virtues; vRnda-multitudes; bandhura-charming; khaNeH-of the mine; jIvAtu-the life; rUpasya-in the form; tat-that; toSAya-for satisfaction; api-also; alam-greatly; bhavatv-may be; iha-here; phalam-the fruit; pakvam-ripened; mayA-by me; mRgyate-sought.

     By the mercy of Govardhana Hill these ten beautiful verses about Govardhana Hill, which grant residence at Govardhana Hill, have come from the mouth of a blind old man. The pleasure of Govardhana Hill, which is my life and soul, and which is a beautiful jewel-mine of transcendental virtues, is the ripe fruit I seek from my labor in writing these verses.

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Chapter 3 of Vraja-riti-cintamani

Chapter 3
1       Govardhana Hill is like a flag of intense sweetness placed in the opulent land of Vrndavana.  As the king of mountains Govardhana Hill offers very pleasing royal service to the young prince of Vraja.
2       The rocks of Govardhana Hill are many kinds of splendid jewels that provide thrones, couches, and other kinds of furniture for Sri Krsna, the supreme monarch of all nectar mellows.
3       Govardhana Hill's beautiful forests and caves are Krsna's nectar pastime palaces, each one perfect for the supreme good fortune of His beloved and Her friends.
4       Govardhana Hill's trees and vines serve Sri Krsna by offering Him blossoming branches with sweet fruits, and flowers filled with honey, nectar and fragrant pollen.
5       The red, vermilion, yellow and other coloured pigments of Govardhana Hill decorate Lord Krsna's transcendental body for the pleasure of His beloved gopis.
6       The musk left by deer, as well as the kunkuma, camphor, and aguru naturally produced by Govardhana Hill, were all used to give a sweet fragrance to the transcendental body of Lord Krsna.
7       There is a pleasant grove of sandalwood trees on Govardhana Hill.
Although snakes generally flock to sandalwood trees, no snakes ever come here, or if sometimes a snake may come it is not poisonous, or if sometimes a poisonous snake may come its poison is automatically counteracted, and it can do no harm.  As the best servant of Lord Hari, Govardhana Hill has made this wonderful arrangement for the Lord's pleasure.
8       One time a contrary fawn-eyed gopi left Sri Krsna.  A short time afterwards She saw a snake on the road.  Frightened, She took shelter of Lord Krsna, embracing Him and begging for protection.  As Lord Hari's best servant, Govardhana Hill made all these nectarean arrangements for His pastimes.
Note: This verse may also be translated in the following way:
        Rejected by a certain contrary fawn eyed gopi, Sri Krsna said: "I have just been bitten by one of Govardhana Hill's snakes".  When the gopi heard this, she became repentant and came before the Lord with many apologies.  As Lord Hari's best servant, Govardhana Hill made all these arrangements for His pastimes.
9       The rocks of Govardhana Hill are all precious gems.  Some are sapphires, some emeralds, some rubies or crystals.  They provide the perfect backdrop for Lord Krsna's pastimes.
10      If, while walking on Govardhana Hill, Krsna's elder brother Balarama sees a series of golden stones, He thinks: 'the daughter of King Vrsabhanu must have just now walked before Me', and He changes course to avoid an awkward situation.  In the same way, if She sees a series of crystal stones, She thinks: 'Balarama must have just now walked before Me', and She changes Her course.
11      If, on Govardhana Hill, which is the best of Lord Hari's servants, Sri Krsna sees a golden stone, He takes it to be His beloved.  In the same way, His beloved sees a sapphire, She assumes it is Her lover.
12      The gopis' necklaces, ornaments, red foot cosmetic, betelnuts, and other paraphernalia gaze on the beauty of Govardhana Hill's groves and caves. Who would not become enchanted by the beauty of Govardhana Hill?
13      Sri Krsna is the sapphire and the gopis the golden necklaces ornamenting Govardhana Hill.  The pastimes of Krsna and the gopis are the sons and daughters of Govardhana Hill.  Who is able to describe the glories of Govardhana Hill?
14      The peacocks dance enthusiastically, the bees and cuckoos sing melodiously and may other birds chirp a rhythmic accompaniment, as they all gaze on the serve to Lord Hari done by Govardhana Hill, the best of Lord Hari's servants.
15      The land around Govardhana Hill in all directions is filled with many lakes, groves, and other charming places of Lord Krsna's pastimes.  Many lovely streams flow from Govardhana Hill onto these lands in all directions.
16      To the east is Dana-nivartana-kunda.  When Sri Radhika's handsome beloved remembers it, He begins to tremble, and the hairs on His body stand erect.
17      To the east of that is Candra-sarovara, where the divine couple enjoyed many rasa dances.  The memory of this place makes Them dance in ecstatic love.
18      Southeast of Govardhana Hill is Sanksarsanananda-sarovara, and to the east of that is Gauri-tirtha, which is scrupulously avoided by Gauri's husband, Lord Siva.
19      The nectar flood of supreme good fortune rising from His eternal pastimes with Her has made Her beloved supremely learned in the philosophy of forest-pastimes.
20      In between Sankarsana-sarovara and Dana-nivartana-kunda is Anandaraja-tirtha, where the Mahanna-kuta festival delighted the young prince of Vraja.
21      West of that are two splendid places in the mouth of Krsna's pastimes. They are Sri Dhana-ghata and Sri Sumani-ghata, where the divine couple playfully talked and joked.
22      At this place the divine couple enjoyed the playful quarrel pastimes known as dana-keli.  Who would not be astonished by this pastime?  When this pastime enters the ears it makes both the body and mind dance.
23      Govardhana Hill resembles a gigantic peacock that has Govinda-kunda as its tail.  The Manasa-ganga, where the divine couple eternally enjoys boat-sailing pastimes, enters into the waters of Govinda-kunda.
24      If one hears about the divine couple's boat-sailing pastimes, he will become stunned in ecstasy and it will not be possible for him to stop hearing about them.
25      On the Manasa-ganga's shores are many madhavi-vine pavilions with nectar beauty that shines in the three worlds.  There the divine couple enjoys splendid pastimes that are eternally remembered in the world's hearts.
26      With its nearby forest groves and the limitless nectar-trickling flowers in its waters, Kusuma-sarovara shines with great splendour.  Is it the handsome face of Govardhana Hill, the king of mountains?
27      This lake is known as Kusuma-sarovara because of the many blossoming flowers, destined to become gopis in the future, that grow in its waters. Simply by one bathing in this Kusuma-sarovara, Narada Muni attained a gopi-form.  This fact is directly confirmed in the words of the enchanting Supreme Personality of Godhead.
28      The Supreme Personality of Godhead eternally enjoys pastimes on Govardhana Hill.  He personally lifted Govardhana Hill with His own hand to protect His cowherd associates.  Who is able to describe the glories of Govardhana Hill, the best of Lord Hari's servants?
29      Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda are Govardhana's two love-filled eyes. Because it nourishes the gopas, gopis, and surabhi cows with Lord Madhava's sweetness, it shines with the name 'go-vardhana'.
30      Syama-kunda and Radha-kunda are two great floods of the nectar of beauty.  They are two great oceans of splendour.  They are two beautiful roots from which sweet devotional service grows.
31      They are two jewel-mines of love.  They are two seeds from which grow the jewel-vines of transcendental pastimes.  How did they become two splendid and nectar-sweet lakes?
32      By seeing these two lakes, Radha and Krsna believe They are present in them.  It is as if They directly see each other there.  The wise say that by approaching these lakes one directly approaches Radha and Krsna.
33      Longing to meet, but forced to remain separate, Radha and Krsna assumed the forms of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda.  In this way They becomes splashed with the nectar of meeting each other.
34      I think that when Radha saw Krsna She melted with ecstasy and thus assumed the liquid state of the waters of Radha-kunda, and in the same way when Krsna saw Radha He also melted in ecstasy and became the waters of Syama-kunda. In this way these two lakes bear the names and qualities of the divine couple.
35      Out of great kindness to the people, so they could directly taste Their sweetness, Radha and Krsna have become these two lakes.  Shining with happiness, the devotees bathe in these two lakes.
36      I think these two lakes are the divine couple's love.  They who are fortunate bathe there.  Because bathing there is like bathing in Their transcendental love, these two lakes bear the names of the divine couple.

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Sri Govardhanastaka
Eight Prayers Glorifying Govardhana Hill


1    krsna-prasadena samasta-saila-
        samrajyam apnoti ca vairino pi
    sakrasya yah prapa balim sa saksad
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

May Govardhana Hill, which by Krsna�s mercy became the king of all mountains and received the respectful tribute of its arch-enemy Indra, fulfil my desire.

2    sva-prestha-hastambuja-saukumarya-
        sukhanubhuter ati-bhumi-vrtteh
    mahendra-vajrahatim apy ahanan
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

As it was held above the earth it became so filled with happiness by experiencing the softness of its beloved Krsna�s lotus hand it did not even know it was being struck by Indra�s thunderbolt.  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

3    yatraiva krsno vrsabhanu-putrya
        danam grhitum kalaham vitene
    sruteh sprha yatra mahaty atah sri-
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

Trying to collect a toll, Krsna quarrelled there with King Vrsabhanu�s daughter.  The personified Vedas yearn to listen to that quarrel.  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

4    snatva sarah svasu samira-hasti
        yatraiva nipadi-paraga-dhulih
    alolayan khetali caru sa sri-
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

Bathing in a nearby lake, the elephant of a pleasant breeze covered with pollen of kadamba and other flowers gracefully plays there.  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

5    kasturikabhih sayitam kim atrety
        uham prabhoh svasya muhur vitanvan
    naisargika-sviya-sila-sugandhair
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

How is it that sweet fragrance of the musk deer and the various natural scents there make the Lord so calm and relaxed?  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

6    vamsa-pratidhvany-anusara-vartma
        didrksavo yatra harim harinyah
    yantyo labhante na hi vismitah sa
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

Searching there for Lord Hari on the path of His flute music, the astonished deer do not find Him.  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

7    yatraiva gangam anu navi radham
        arohya madhye tu nimagna-naukah
    krsno hi radhanugalo babhau sa
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

As the divine couple travelled on the Ganges there the boat began to sink in the middle.  Krsna was splendidly handsome as Radha clung to his neck.  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

8    vina-bhavet kim hari-dasa-varya-
        padasrayam bhaktir atah srayami
    yam eva saprema nijesayoh sri-
        govardhano me disatam abhistam

Without taking shelter of the feet of the hill that is the best of Lord Hari�s servants and full of love for the divine king and queen, how is it possible to attain pure devotional service?  May Govardhana Hill fulfil my desire.

9    etat pathed yo hari-dasa-varya-
        mahanubhavastakam ardra-cetah
    sri-radhika-madhavayoh padab ja-
        dasyam sa vinded acirena saksat

May the reader of these eight verses glorifying Lord Hari�s greatest servant, his heart melting with pure love, quickly attain direct service to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava.

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Sri Krsna-Sandarbha by Srila Jiva Goswami

Text 39-40
It may appear that the statement of our paribhasa-sutra and the statement of the Bhuma-purusa contradict each other, but actually they do not. This may be seen from the following explanation: Even though Sri Krsna is the Original Personality of Personality, in order to bewilder the residents of Vrajabhumi during the worship of Govardhana Hill, He manifested and expansion of His own transcendental form and then along with the residents of Vraja, offered respectful obeisances to this expanded form of Himself. In this way, even though Krsna is the Original Personality of Godhead, He offered respectful obeisances to His own expansion, as a part of His transcendental pastimes. Offering obeisances to His expansion during the worship of Govardhana Hill, Sri Krsna said ( S.B. 10.24.36): "Accompanied by the residents of Vrajabhumi, I offer my respectful obeisances to Myself, the Supreme Person."

Anuccheda 92, Text 16
"O Lord Govinda, O beloved of the gopis, O Supreme Controller, O killer of Kamsa, O supreme object of worship for the demigods, O Lord who expertly lifted the great Govardhana Hill with one hand and protected all the cows, calves and cowherds of Vraja, O best of the gopas, please cure the blindness in my eyes."

Anuccheda 94
That Sri Krsna is the eternal Personality of Godhead is also confirmed in the following statement of the cowherd residents of Vrndavana (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.26.25):

"Let Krsna, who is so kind, beautiful and merciful, protect us. When angry Indra sent torrents of rain, accompanied by showers of ice blocks and high wind, He immediately took compassion upon us and saved us and out families, cows, and valuable possessions by picking up the Govardhana Hill, just as a child picks up a mushroom. He saved us so wonderfully. May He continue to mercifully glance over us and our cows. May we live peacefully under the protection of wonderful Krsna."*

Anuccheda 106, Text 69
...where is the beautiful and opulent hill named Govardhana, which is filled with pleasant streams, waterfalls, and caves with many minerals and precious jewels, and crowded with many handsome birds,...

Anuccheda 152, Text 6
The word 'sukhapah' may also be interpreted to mean 'easily understood'. When Sri Krsna performs extraordinary feats (such as the lifting of Govardhana Hill), the mental speculators and materialists immersed in the bodily concept of life become able to understand that Sri Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The intimate devotees and associates of the Lord, however, continue to consider the Lord to be their friend or son, and thus, in one sense, it is difficult for them to understand the true position of the Lord, because of their intimate friendship with Him.

Anuccheda 172, Text 2
Each different abode of the Lord has its own specific feature, and specific pastimes are enjoyed in each abode. There is no overlapping of pastimes, where the pastimes of one abode are performed in another. However, even in the Lord's manifest pastimes within the material world, the Lord's abode manifests very wonderful features. For example, although the inner part of Dvaraka city is only 12 yojanas (96 miles) in diameter, within that relatively small place there are millions of palaces 2 krosas (4 miles) across, as well as many gardens, lakes and so on, all very large. Another example is the valley Govardhana Hill, which although very small in size, contains the infinitely large spiritual realm of Gokula.


Sri Brihad-Bhagavatamirta, The Nectar of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by Srila Sanatana Goswami

Text 7
Glory to Govardhana Hill, the king of mountains, the hill the gopis declared was the best servant of Lord Hari, the hill personally worshipped by Lord Krsna when He stopped the indra-yajna, the hill that for seven days rested on Lord Krsna's lotus hand.

Text 87
In the land of Vraja, in Vrndavana forest, or on Govardhana Hill, places where there is no danger of their being killed or stolen, the cows, buffaloes, and other animals go in the morning, eat grass and drink water to their heart's content, and then voluntarily return to their homes in the evening.


Sri Vraja-vilasa-stava: Prayers Glorifying the Lord's Pastimes in Vraja by Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami

Text 51
Full of love for the residents of Vraja, and eager to protect Him, Lord Krsna respectfully lifted Govardhana Hill for seven days with His graceful hand. The caves of Govardhana Hill are splendidly decorated with kunkuma particles left when Sri Sri Radha-Krsna enjoyed transcendental pastimes. May Govardhana Hill, which is studded with many beautiful jewels, protect you all.

Text 53
The delightful forest of Vrndavana, beautiful Govardhana Hill and the nectarean area of the rasa dance, what to speak of other places are not equal to even a single particle of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda. Let me take shelter of these two lakes, which are more dear to Lord Krsna than His own life's breath.

Text 64
The Manasa-ganga River flows so swiftly on the side of Govardhana Hill that it's waves push the splendid rocks lining it's shores. I pray the Manasa-ganga River, where Sri Sri Gandharvika-Muravimardana (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna) enjoy jubilant boating pastimes, may give me shelter.

Text 75
When Vraja's king offered a great quantity of foodstuff to Govardhana Hill, Krsna, the enemy of Aghasura, assumed a gigantic form, proclaimed that He was actually Govardhana Hill, invited everyone to ask boons from Him, and, fooling even Srimati Radharani, ate all the offered food. Let me take shelter of the anna-kuta festival, when Lord Krsna enjoyed these pastimes.

Text 76
Charming and handsome Lord Krsna enjoys transcendental pastimes on the summit of Govardhana Hill, the king of mountains. There He splendidly manifest, eternally enjoying the pleasures of a transcendental king. With great love and devotion I worship Govardhana Hill, where Lord Krsna enjoys transcendental pastimes.

Text 79
Sri-sarovara, Brahma-sarovara, Kadambakhanda-sarovara, Sumanah-sarovara, Rudra-sarovara, Apsarah-sarovara, Gaurika-sarovara, Jyotsnamoksana-sarovara, Malyahara-sarovara, Vibudhari-sarovara, Indradhvaja-sarovara, and many other beautiful lakes are splendidly manifested as so many beautiful jewels in a circle around divine Govardhana Hill. Let me glorify these transcendental lakes.

Text 103
When, aimlessly wandering around Govardhana Hill, madly calling out "O Radha! O Krsna!" again and again, and stumbling as I walk, will I sprinkle the places of the Lord's pastimes with tears from my eyes?

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