Pastimes :
Shri Krishna engaged in numerous divine activities at this location, situated near Chhatikara. One day, while tending to the cows, Sri Krishna immersed Himself in playful activities with his companions, the sakhas. During their playful interactions, Krishna assigned the role of Garuda to Sridama Sakha, upon which He climbed onto his back, embodying the portrayal of Narayana, the husband of Laksmi, riding Garuda. Even to this day, visitors can witness the divine presence of Govinda Ji, with Sridama assuming the role of Garuda.
This location holds significance in the tales of Lord Rama's pastimes. When the serpents, sent by Meghanath, ensnared Shri Ramacandra, rendering Him helpless, Sage Narad brought news of the situation to Garuda. Rushing to the scene, Garuda's mere presence compelled the serpents to release Lord Rama and retreat. This event briefly stirred doubts within Garuda regarding Shri Rama's true identity as the Supreme Lord. However, through his association with the great devotee Shri Kakabhusundi and the divine encounters with Shri Krishna during His earthly pastimes, Garuda's doubts dissolved. During one such encounter, Shri Krishna mounted Garuda's back, affirming His divine status as the Supreme Lord.
Garuda-Govind is the place where Garuda had darshan of Shri Govinda, the maintainer of the cows and cowherd boys.
Establishment of Garuda Govind Ji :
The establishment of Garuda Govind Ji dates back approximately 5000 years, attributed to King Vajranabh Ji of Mathura. He, being the great-grandson of Lord Shri Krishna and the son of Aniruddha Ji, orchestrated the establishment alongside the guidance of Acharya Garga Muni, with Lord Garuda Govind Ji and Lakshmi Ji being enshrined during that period.
Form of Lord Garuda Govind Ji :
Within the Garuda Govind temple, Lord Govind Ji, also known as Lord Narayana, is depicted seated on the back of Garuda. An exquisite image of Satyabhama and Rukmini Ji, both esteemed queens of Lord Krishna, rests at the feet of the Lord. Lord Narayana is portrayed with twelve arms in this sacred temple. Furthermore, an ancient saying is associated with this temple—
“Aath Hath Ko Mandir, Jame Barah Hath Ko Thakur.”
The temple is eight cubits high in which the Lord is twelve cubits high.
Lakshmi Ji occupies the left side of Lord Govinda. Owing to Garuda Ji's influence, this temple has gained worldwide renown for its efficacy in preventing and conducting rituals for Sarpa Dosha and Kaalsarpa Yoga.
Location :
Shri Garuda Govind Temple is located near Chhatikara on the Mathura-Delhi Highway, 7 km south of Vrindavan.