Gulal Kund, Govardhan

Gulal Kund, Govardhan

Gulal Kund, a site where the Holi pastime of Shri Radha Krishna unfolded, earned its name as the pond's water turned crimson from the hues of Gulal (colored powder).

Pastime :
According to Shri Narhari Chakravarty Thakur in his book 'Bhakti Ratnakar,' the event is vividly described:
E Hetu Gantholi - E Gulal Kund Jale.
Ebe Phag Dekhe Lok Vasanter Kaale.

-Shri Narhari Chakravarty Thakur, Bhakti Ratnakar

"This is the water of Gulal Kund located in Gantholi village. In the spring season, devotees get to see Holi Pastimes here."
Raghav Pandit recounted to Srinivas the origin of the village's name, Ganthuli. He explained that during the spring season, Shri Radha and Shri Krishna were seated on a throne there. The Sakhis, in a playful act, secretly tied knots (Ganth) in their clothes. This led to the village being named Ganthuli. When Shri Shyamashyam rose and moved, the knots in their clothes caused them to stumble, and they embraced each other. Witnessing this, the Sakhis joyfully laughed and applauded. To resolve the laughter, the Sakhis untied the knots and showered Gulal on the divine couple. The abundance of Gulal was so immense that the sky itself was painted in its colors. This event turned the water of the pond red, giving rise to the name Gulal Kund. Even now, each spring witnesses the pond's water filled with Gulal, turning it a vibrant red.

Context of Shri Raghavdas Ji :
Shri Raghavdas Ji, the son of the renowned Ashtachhap poet Shri Chaturbhujdas Ji, experienced the Holi pastime of Shri Radha Krishna at this location. Singing a song that encapsulates the essence, he said:

E Jaay Jahaan Hari Khele Gopin Sanga.
- Shri Raghavdas Ji

"Let's go there where Lord Hari plays with Gopis."
Departing this world while singing this song, his daughter completed it.
The site hosts a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with Gulal Kund Mahadev residing within. Nearby is a Baithak (meeting place) of Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji.

Location :
Gulal Kund is situated on the left side of the highway near Gantholi village of Govardhan.
  1. Darshan of a small Shiva Linga at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Darshan of a small Shiva Linga at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  2. Signboard of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Signboard of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  3. Baithak of Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Baithak of Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  4. A nice and wonderful view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    A nice and wonderful view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  5. A nice view of Golden complexioned Kadamb and dark complexioned Tamal tree united at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    A nice view of Golden complexioned Kadamb and dark complexioned Tamal tree united at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  6. View of temple surroundings at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    View of temple surroundings at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  7. Entrance to the temple of Shri Radha Krishna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Shanidev, etc at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Entrance to the temple of Shri Radha Krishna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Shanidev, etc at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  8. A wonderful view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    A wonderful view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  9. Darshan of Govardhan rocks at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Darshan of Govardhan rocks at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  10. View of forest path near Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    View of forest path near Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  11. A calm view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    A calm view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  12. A nice view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    A nice view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  13. Forest view around Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Forest view around Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  14. Beautiful Kadamb and Tamal trees surround Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Beautiful Kadamb and Tamal trees surround Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  15. A soothing view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    A soothing view of Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  16. Different types of birds chirping at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Different types of birds chirping at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  17. View of the divine forest surrounding Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    View of the divine forest surrounding Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  18. Beautiful view of the parikrama path at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Beautiful view of the parikrama path at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  19. Darshan of Golden complexioned Kadamb and dark complexioned Tamal tree united at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Darshan of Golden complexioned Kadamb and dark complexioned Tamal tree united at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  20. View of Shri Radha Krishna's flower house at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    View of Shri Radha Krishna's flower house at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  21. Darshan of Lord Giriraj Govardhan at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Darshan of Lord Giriraj Govardhan at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  22. An artwork depicting the Holi pastime of Shri Radha Krishna on the temple wall at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    An artwork depicting the Holi pastime of Shri Radha Krishna on the temple wall at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  23. Darshan of Gulal Kund Mahadev at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Darshan of Gulal Kund Mahadev at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
  24. Darshan of Lord Govardhan at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.
    Darshan of Lord Govardhan at Gulal Kund in Gantholi, Govardhan.