Gopa-kupa
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
Gopi-Kupa means the well used by the gopis. During Krsna's pastimes five thousand years ago, the gopis used to fetch water from this well. Krsna also used to come here and the gopis would give Him water to quench His thirst.
This same well was later excavated by Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami to provide water for washing clothes so that the local inhabitants need not use the sacred waters of Radha-Kunda. During the digging, the workmen struck a rock that started to bleed profusely and they immediately ran to Raghunatha dasa to inform him of the incident.
Fearing that some offence may have been committed, Raghunatha immediately halted the digging. That night, in a dream, Lord Giri-Govardhana appeared before Raghunatha and informed him that the rock that began to bleed, was in fact the tongue of Govardhana. Lord Giri-Govardhana then instructed Raghunatha to install the tongue of Govardhana in a shrine and offer worship with tulasi leaves and water from Radha-Kunda. Thi shrine is known as the Jihva Mandira (jihva means tongue). Pilgrims performing parikrama of Radha-Kunda as well as Govardhana, offer their respects here at Gopi-Kupa before continuing their parikrama.
Directions:
Take a short walk from the Radha-Vinoda temple, and on the left is the well where the tongue of Govardhana was found. This well is a large circular stone structure, also known as Giriraja jihvaa prakata stali.