By the Vrajraj team, Govardhan · Last verified
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are two adjoining sacred ponds on the Govardhan Parikrama. For followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition in particular, Radha Kund is the holiest place in Braj, dearer even than Govardhan Hill itself. The village around the kunds is filled with temples, ashrams and the samadhis of saints.
The story of the kunds
As tradition tells it, Krishna killed the bull-demon Arishtasura near this spot. Radha and the gopis teased him that he must now purify himself by bathing in every holy river. Krishna struck the ground with his heel, called all the sacred rivers into the hollow, and so Shyam Kund was formed. Not to be outdone, Radha and her friends dug a pond of their own with their bangles and filled it, creating Radha Kund. The two kunds lie side by side, joined by a narrow channel.
The Gaudiya tradition holds that in the early 16th century Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu identified the forgotten kunds among the fields during his journey through Braj, and that they were later restored by his followers.
Ahoi Ashtami: the midnight snan
On Ahoi Ashtami (also called Bahulashtami), in the month of Kartik, devotees bathe in Radha Kund at midnight. Couples especially pray here for children and for their children's well-being. In 2026 this falls on Sunday 1 November. Crowds are enormous, so arrive early, keep valuables to a minimum and follow the instructions of the local administration.
Visiting Radha Kund
- On the parikrama: the kunds are on the shorter loop, between Uddhav Kund and Kusum Sarovar.
- By road from Vrajraj: about 12 km, 25–35 minutes.
- Best time: early morning or after the evening aarti, when the ghats are calm and lamps float on the water.
- Etiquette: dress modestly, remove footwear near the ghats, and do not use soap or leave offerings in plastic in the water.
Combine it with
Kusum Sarovar is a short distance away and beautiful at sunset, and Manasi Ganga and Daan Ghati are in Govardhan town. See places to visit in Govardhan, and make Vrajraj your quiet base on the southern side of the hill.
