Govardhan Puja: The story behind this festival

November 11, 2023 Saturday

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali. The festival holds great significance in the states of North India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The festival revolves around the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. The Legend of Govardhan Puja: According to the Bhagavata Purana, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, with grand offerings and rituals. However, Lord Krishna convinced the villagers to stop these offerings and instead worship Govardhan Hill, a sacred mountain in the region. Enraged by the cessation of his worship, Lord Indra unleashed a furious storm with heavy rains on the village. The people of Vrindavan were terrified, and in response, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger to provide shelter to the villagers and livestock. He held the hill aloft like an umbrella for seven days and nights, until Lord Indra realized his mistake and stopped the storm. Upon witnessing the immense power of Lord Krishna, Lord Indra bowed down in submission, and the people of Vrindavan realized the true divinity of Krishna. Significance of Govardhan Puja: Symbol of Faith: Govardhan Puja is considered a symbol of faith and devotion. It signifies that devotion and righteousness (dharma) are more important than rituals and ceremonies. Harmony with Nature: The festival emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. By worshiping Govardhan Hill, which is often seen as a representation of nature, people are reminded of their responsibility to protect the environment. Community Bonding: Govardhan Puja is celebrated with enthusiasm in communities. People come together to build small replicas of the Govardhan Hill made of cow dung, which are then adorned with flowers and worshipped. This fosters a sense of community and unity among the people. Gratitude towards Cows: Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, and during Govardhan Puja, they are particularly honored. The festival reinforces the importance of cows in agriculture and their role in sustaining human life. Abundance and Prosperity: The offering of various food items, known as 'Annakut,' symbolizes the abundance of nature's bounty. Devotees prepare a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, which are then offered to the deities in gratitude for the harvest and prosperity. In summary, Govardhan Puja commemorates the divine feat of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill and emphasizes the significance of devotion, faith, and living in harmony with nature. The festival is a celebration of gratitude and a reminder of the importance of humility and righteousness in one's life.