Divine Govardhandhari Temple, Kopargaon, Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar

The Govardhandhari Temple is situated on the banks of the Godavari River in the Saraf Bazaar, located in the heart of Kopargaon city. This sacred site is also renowned throughout the surrounding region as the Murlidhar Temple. The unique feature of this temple is the ancient idol of Shri Gopalkrishna as Govardhandhari, carved entirely from a single stone. All the garments and ornaments on this monolithic idol are also intricately sculpted into the stone.


The entrance to the Govardhandhari Temple, nestled among the many temples along the banks of the Godavari, resembles an old traditional mansion (wada). The spacious courtyard surrounding the temple is paved with blocks, giving the premises a clean and well-maintained appearance. The temple structure consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabhamandap appears to have been constructed in front of the original temple at a later date. In the sanctum of the main temple, the idol of Govardhandhari Shri Krishna stands on a pedestal in the center, flanked by a female figure on the left and a male figure on the right. The idol of Shri Krishna rests on an octagonal stone base, with a cow (Gomata) near His feet. The Govardhan mountain is intricately carved with temples, trees, peacocks, monkeys, elephants, cows, and calves. Additionally, there are carvings of Lord Mahadev in the form of a Shiva Linga and the deity Murlidhar on the mountain.


During worship and Abhishekam, when water or Panchamrit is poured over the idol, the ritual offering touches only the upper idol of Murlidhar; the water flows down only near the feet of the three figures beneath the mountain, ensuring the lower idols do not get completely wet. When Lord Indra caused torrential rains, creating a catastrophic situation in Gokul, Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on His little finger to protect the entire land of Gokul. The sculptor demonstrated exceptional skill in creating this unique idol. It is said that the sculptor crafted this monolithic masterpiece hundreds of years ago using a Gandaki stone from the Gandaki River basin.

There is a firm belief among the residents of Kopargaon that just as Shri Krishna protected the entire Gokul, He protects them as well. It is said that on September 9, 1969, the Godavari River took a fierce form and surrounded the entire city of Kopargaon. As soon as the floodwaters reached the feet of the Govardhandhari Shri Krishna idol, the flood began to recede immediately. Similarly, in 2006, when floodwaters began entering the temple, the temple priest performed a puja to Shri Krishna, touched the floodwater to the Lord’s feet, and offered it back to the river, causing the floodwaters to recede rapidly.

It is believed that if any crisis befalls the city or an individual, performing puja, Abhishekam, or the recitation of the Shrimad Bhagavata at this temple dispels the misfortune. Consequently, many devotees visit here to perform Abhishekam. A Maha-Abhishekam is performed every Ekadashi, and Annadan (offering of food) is conducted on Dwadashi. Furthermore, Gokulashtami and Ram Navami are celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery