In Hindu Epics and mythology there are vivid descriptions of Braja, which was covered with thick lush green forest, full of trees laden with fruits and flowers, vegetables and pasturing grass. The Braja forest was as sanctified as the clear mind of a devotee and was full of hovering bees, birds and bountiful nature. There are chirping birds and clear water lakes with waters that could relieve one of all fatigues. Sweet flavored breeze blew always, refreshing the mind and body.
Braj comprises of over forty eight sacred groves mentioned in the mythology and folklore built around Lord Krishna’s life and times. Each garden-grove has a Krishna related narrative attached to it. The narrative is a mythical rationale for the significance of the location and makes the abstract structure more concrete and alive and the experience more ethereal.
At the strategic entry point to Vrindavan from the National Highway, there is this 27 acre grove known as “Shadang Van” which inhabits the famous temple of Krishna popularly known as Shri Garud Govind Temple. The presiding deity of the temple is a rare marvel where Krishna is in the form of lord Vishnu, with twelve arms, and is riding on the back of Shri Garuda ji. That’s the reason why Thakurji is famous by the name of "Shri Garud Govind". Mother Lakshmi is seated on Lord’s left hand side.
This Temple was constructed almost 5000 years ago and the Deity was installed by lord Krishna’s great-grandson King Vajranabha under the guidance of Lord Krishna’s family priest Shri Garghacharya ji. The Temple is one of the oldest and spiritually strongest temples of lord Krishna, and is world famous for "Kaal Sarp Yog Anushthan".
A mere glimpse of the most merciful Lord Shri Govind ji on the back of Garuda is truly astonishing and spell bounding, and is considered to be very auspicious and removes all the ill effects of Kaal Sarp Dosha and brings harmony, peace and bliss. Lord Garud Govind is capable of fulfilling all the desires of his devotees like a 'Kalpa-Taru' and he is a family god of all the brajwasis. Braja Mandala Parikrama is considered incomplete without the darshan of Shri Garud Govind ji
Saints, poets and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this beautiful deity. The various scriptures that deals with the glory of lord Shri Garud Govind ji are:- Garuda Purana, Garga Samhita, Bhaktamal, etc.
There is a good chance that if you ask the pujari’s over there, they may raise the dress of the Deity and show you the form of Krishna with twelve hands riding on the back of Garuda. Outside the temple, to the left is a beautiful idol of Garuda. This is a well-known temple in the Vrindavana area.
A special festival day in this temple is Akshaya Tritiya. This festival takes place in the month of Vaishaka (April-May). On this day the 12-handed Deity of Govinda is seen mounted on his bird carrier, Garuda.
“Garuda appears to belong to the Kinnara planet. The inhabitants of the Kinnara planet have the same features as Garuda. Their bodily features are like those of a human being, but they have wings. These inhabitants of Kinnaraloka are very expert in singing the glories of the Lord. As they fly their wings vibrate the hymns of the Vedas.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.30.6 purport)
