The Govardhana Hill is a mystic mountain bearing appearance of a peacock with two eyes, neck, mouth, back and feather peacock. The two eyes are called Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda. The neck of peacock is called Dan Ghati, while its mouth is called Mukharavinda. The tail and feathers are collectively called Punchari. The hill is mystic and is believed to bow like a peacock bows bringing its head close to the stomach.
It is believed that the hill was 16 miles (29 kilometers) high 5,000 years ago. However, it was once cursed by a Sage Pulastya and hence has been diminishing at a height of a mustard seed each day! Here is the story relating this -
Once there lived a Sage named Pulastya during the epoch of Satya Yuga. The sage once went to the King of Mountains - Dronacala.
Sage Pulastya said, "O vitreous King, your son Govardhan is over five years now. He should be send to a gurukul where he can receive education formally. He can acquire the art of war and warfare".
King Dronacala loved his son very dearly. Though he knew the importance of education, he was overcome by the agonising thoughts of separation from his son. He became very anxious and depressed. The King rose up and said, "O venerated sage, the thoughts of separation from son suffocates me. It is unbearable for me!"
The sage pacified the morning King. He explained Govardhan's need to acquire education and skills to aptly conduct his kingly duties in future. The King was convinced by the sage's words. He finally agreed to send Govardhan with the sage but conditioned, "O respected sage, you can take Govardhan with you to the gurukul. However, there is condition to this - Once placed on the ground, Govardhan shall never displace again".
The sage agreed with the King 's condition.
Next day, a grand ceremony was held to rejoice the start of education journey of prince Govardhan. After the ceremony was over, the king painfully bid farewell to his son.
Sage Pulastya began his journey towards the gurukul with Govardhan. They walked continuously since early morning. By late afternoon, they reached Braja Mandala. The sage was now compelled by the call of nature. He recited shokas to protect Govardhan requesting him, "I am placing you on this land with due to unavoidable reasons. We shall continue our journey towards my hermitage soon after I return".
Keeping his good faith in Govardhan, Sage Pulastya placed down the mountain and left for ablutions.
The Sage returned after sometime. He recited his prayers and once again attempted lifting Govardhan. Much to his dismay and anger, he found that Govardhan had disobeyed his directions and had grounded himself. The sage was filled was anger and spelled a curse on Govardhan, "Govardhan, I placed you on this land in good faith. You have betrayed me. I curse that you shall reduce by size of a mustard seed with each passing day".
Saying this the angry Sage continued his journey further. The mountain If Govardhan continues to stay in Braja Mandala. It is believed that when the mountain was grounded it was 115 km (64 miles) long, 72 km (40 miles) wide and 29 km (16 miles) high. However, due to effect of curse, the mountain is currently less than 80 feet high.
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