2025.07.08 (Vrindavan Today News): A new controversy has emerged in the pilgrimage town of Govardhan surrounding the centuries-old Mudiya Shobha Yatra, one of the most revered religious processions in the Braj region. For the first time in 468 years, a separate Mudiya procession is being planned in Radhakund — an unprecedented move that has drawn strong objection from traditional saintly groups who see this as a direct violation of established religious protocol.
According to spiritual tradition, the Mudiya Shobha Yatra commemorates the demise of Shrila Sanatan Goswami, one of the principal disciples of Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This tradition began in the year 1588 when Goswami’s disciples, after shaving their heads in a gesture of mourning and devotion, undertook a sacred parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhan Hill. Since then, this ritual has been observed annually, drawing thousands of devotees from across India and beyond.
The procession traditionally originates from two major temples in Govardhan: Shri Radha Shyam Sundar Mandir, led in the morning by its Mahant Ramakrishna Das, and from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Mandir in Chakleshwar, led in the evening by Shri Shyam Sundar Das. These two processions have represented the authentic expression of the Mudiya Yatra’s spiritual legacy for centuries.
However, this year, a parallel procession is reportedly being organized in Radhakund by Radha Kund Das Goswami Gaddi Mahant Shri Keshav Das, triggering widespread dissatisfaction among the traditional saints. They argue that such a move not only breaks a deeply rooted tradition but could also mislead future generations and cause fragmentation in the religious fabric of the region.
Leading the protest, Mahant Ramakrishna Das of Radha Shyam Sundar Mandir submitted a formal memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Govardhan, urging authorities to prevent this “unauthorized” and “irreverent” act. In his statement, he emphasized that Radhakund has no historical association with the Mudiya Shobha Yatra, and the attempt to establish a new tradition there undermines the sanctity and continuity of the original observance.
Quoting Mahant Ramakrishna Das:
“Keshav Das’s initiative to conduct a Mudiya Shobha Yatra in Radhakund is a direct affront to our sacred customs. Why should a new tradition be forced when an authentic one has been thriving from the times of Sanatan Goswami? This is not only misleading but deeply disrespectful to the sanctity of the tradition.”
The memorandum submitted to the SDM was supported by several prominent saints and spiritual leaders, including Baba Pawan Gaurang Ram, Sant Hare Krishna Das, Sakhi Charan Das, Vrindavan Das, Radha Shyam Das, Kali Charan Das, Gaurang Das, and Subham Das. These spiritual figures united in their call for administrative action to safeguard the legacy of the Mudiya Yatra and prevent the emergence of what they termed “a baseless parallel practice.”
The controversy has stirred concern among devotees and heritage scholars alike. While some argue that religious expression should evolve with time, others stress the importance of preserving core traditions that have been passed down for generations. With two processions now expected on July 10, tensions continue to simmer as the region awaits a possible decision from local authorities.
As the sun sets over Govardhan’s sacred hills, only time will reveal whether harmony or conflict will define this year’s Mudiya Shobha Yatra.
