Vrindavan Ghats (Yamuna River)

Vrindavan is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, making it home to numerous sacred ghats connected with Lord Krishna’s pastimes. These ghats are not only spiritual landmarks but also sites of historical and cultural significance. Each ghat has a story or divine episode associated with Krishna, Radhika, or other devotees, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all over.

Major Ghats & Historical Significance

·        Shri Varah Ghat: Located in southwest Vrindavan, this ghat hosts Lord Varahdev above the shore. Nearby is Shri Gautam Muni’s ashram.

·        Kaliyadaman Ghat (Kaliyadah): About half a mile north of Varah Ghat, this is where Shri Krishna defeated Kaliya. Maharaj Nand later gave cows to Brahmins here for Krishna’s well-being.

·        Surya Ghat (Aditya Ghat): North of Gopal Ghat, featuring Aditya Tila with Shri Madan Mohan Ji Temple on top. Praskandan Tirtha is also nearby.

·        Yugal Ghat: North of Surya Ghat, it houses the old Shri Yugalbihari Temple and a nearby Jugal Kishore Temple, both partially roofless.

·        Shri Bihar Ghat: North of Yugal Ghat, where Shri Radhakrishna and friends used to bathe and play.

·        Shri Andher Ghat: Krishna and Gopis played a hiding game here. The gopis covered their eyes, and Krishna or Kishori Ji would hide.

·        Imli Ghat (Gaurang Ghat): North of Andher Ghat, beneath an old tamarind tree where Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu chanted the holy name of Hari.

·        Shringar Ghat: East of Imli Ghat, where Shri Krishna decorated Shri Radhika and Shri Nityanand Prabhu bathed here.

·        Shri Govind Ghat: North of Shringar Ghat; the site where Krishna appeared before the Gopis after disappearing from Shri Rasmandal.

·        Chir Ghat (Chain/Chayanghat): Krishna climbed a Kadamba tree here, taking clothes of bathing Gopikumaris and later rested here after killing demon Keshi.

·        Shri Bhramar Ghat: North of Chir Ghat; named for the sweet smell that made the bodies of children feel like swirling whirlpools during play.

·        Shri Keshi Ghat: Northwest of Vrindavan, north of Bhramar Ghat; site of the demon Keshi’s defeat.

·        Dhir Samir Ghat: Northeast of Keshi Ghat; the breeze here was believed to gently serve Shri Radhakrishna and friends.

·        Radha Bag Ghat: Located in eastern Vrindavan.

·        Shri Pani Ghat: Where Gopis crossed the Yamuna to serve food to Maharishi Durvasa.

·        Adi Badri Ghat: South of Pani Ghat; Krishna revealed himself as Adi Badri Narayan.

·        Shri Rajghat: Southeast Vrindavan; Krishna disguised as a sailor to take Radhika and friends across the Yamuna, giving it its famous name.

Visiting Info
Pilgrims visit these ghats to perform holy rituals, take a sacred dip, and connect with Krishna’s divine pastimes. Visiting hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM; best season: October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the ghats are lively with devotees and festivals.