Shyam Kund

Shyam Kund is a sacred pond located in Govardhan town in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to Radha Kund on the Govardhan Parikrama route. Revered in Hindu tradition as the bathing pond of Lord Krishna, it forms part of the twin kunds considered highly holy in Braj pilgrimage. The rectangular stepped kund with ghats, temples and shrines around it attracts pilgrims and tourists year-round, especially during festivals and the Govardhan Parikrama.

Visitors can expect a large rectangular stepped water tank with stone ghats and stairways leading down to the water, surrounded by small temples, shrines and ashrams. The kund lies immediately adjacent to Radha Kund, separated by a narrow causeway, within the Govardhan Parikrama circuit. The setting is devotional and busy with pilgrims performing parikrama, offering prayers, and taking holy dips where permitted. The area has shops, prasad stalls and views of Govardhan Hill surroundings.

Shyam Kund is traditionally believed to have been created by Lord Krishna after defeating the demon Arishtasura, when he struck the ground to create water for purification. It has been a center of Braj pilgrimage for centuries and was revived and restored in the 16th century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who rediscovered the lost kunds. The kund and its ghats have been renovated by various rulers and devotees over time.

Highly revered in Hinduism, especially in Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Braj culture, Shyam Kund is considered the bathing place of Krishna while the adjacent Radha Kund is that of Radha. Together they are regarded as the most sacred water bodies in Braj. Bathing and parikrama here during Kartik month, Radhashtami and Govardhan Puja is believed to be highly auspicious. It is an integral part of Govardhan Parikrama and Braj Mandal Yatra.