Keshi Ghata
Vrndavan, Braj Mandal, Uttar Pradesh (UP) India

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Lord Krishna killed the Keshi demon here. Keshi Ghata is on the bank of the Yamuna. One who bathes here gets the benediction of bathing in all of the holy places. There is an arati performed here every day at sunset. This is the only ghata in Vrindavana that is still on the bank of the Yamuna. The Adi-varaha Purana says that Keshi Ghata is a 100 times more sacred than the Ganges and that by offering pinda (sraddha) to the forefathers at Keshi Ghata, one gets the same result of offering pinda in Gaya.

On the ghata are some small temples dedicated to Rama, Hanuman and Yamuna. There is the Mancinteswara Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Siva here. Next to it is the Yamuna Temple, which has a picture of Krishna thrusting His hand into the mouth of the Keshi demon.

About 100 metres upstream from this ghata the rare sewage from the town of Vrindavana enters the Yamuna.

“After being instructed by Kamsa, the demon Keshi assumed the form of a terrible horse. He entered the area of Vrindavana, his great mane flying and his hooves digging up the earth. He began to whinny and terrify the whole world. Krishna saw that the demon was terrifying all the residents of Vrindavana with his whinnying and his tail wheeling in the sky like a big cloud. Krishna could understand that the horse was challenging Him to fight. The Lord accepted his challenge and stood before the Keshi demon. As He called him to fight, the horse began to proceed toward Krishna, making a horrible sound like a roaring lion. Keshi rushed toward the Lord with great speed and tried to trample Him with his legs, which were strong, forceful, and as hard as stone. Krishna, however, immediately caught hold of his legs and thus baffled him. Being somewhat angry, Krishna began to move around the horse dexterously. After a few rounds, He threw him a hundred yards away, just as Garuda throws a big snake. Thrown by Krishna, the horse immediately passed out, but after a little while he regained consciousness and with great anger and force rushed toward Krishna again, this time with his mouth open. As soon as Keshi reached Him, Krishna pushed His left hand within the horse’s mouth. The horse felt great pain because the hand of Krishna felt to him like a hot iron rod.

Immediately his teeth fell out. Krishna’s hand within the mouth of the horse at once began to inflate, and Keshi’s throat choked up. As the great horse began to suffocate, perspiration appeared on his body, and he began to throw his legs hither and thither. As his last breath came, his eyeballs bulged in their sockets, and he passed stool and urine simultaneously. Thus the vital force of his life expired. When the horse was dead, his mouth became loose and Krishna could extract His hand without difficulty. He did not feel any surprise that the Keshi demon was killed so easily, but the demigods were amazed, and out of their great appreciation they offered Krishna greetings by showering flowers.” (Krishna Book, Chap. 36)
“My dear friend, if you still have any desire to enjoy the company of your friends within this material world then don’t look upon the form of Krishna, who is standing on the bank of Keshi Ghata. He is known as Govinda, and His eyes are very enchanting. He is playing upon His flute, and on His head there is a peacock feather. And His whole body is illuminated by the moonlight in the sky.” (Nectar of Devotion)

WARNING! Several people have been robbed at knifepoint at Keshi Ghat while doing Vrindavan Parikrama. It is not a good idea to bathe here if you have any valuables with you. You should be especially cautious if you are alone or it is getting dark.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides