Govardhan Puja holds a very significant place among the festivals celebrated immediately the day after Diwali. This festival is a symbol of our unwavering faith in nature, the environment, and Lord Sri Krishna. Have you ever wondered why Govardhan Puja is performed? And why a hill is made of cow dung in homes and worshipped on this day? If such questions are in your mind as well, let us understand every secret associated with Govardhan Puja, its mythological story, and its spiritual significance in very simple language through this article.
Why is Govardhan Puja Performed? (What is the Purpose of Govardhan Puja)
In Sanatan culture, nature itself is considered a form of God. The main reason why Govardhan Puja is performed is to acknowledge nature's bounties on human life and to express gratitude towards them. Until the Dvapara Yuga, people used to worship Indra Dev, the god of rain, because it was believed that rain occurred on time and food crops grew only due to Indra's grace.
However, Lord Sri Krishna explained to the residents of Braj that Indra only performs his duty, whereas the true object of worship is Govardhan Hill, which provides us with fruits, flowers, pure air, and grass for our sacred cows. Thus, the purpose of Govardhan Puja is not just the observance of a tradition, but to convey the message of environmental conservation and the protection of cattle. This festival teaches us that we must protect and worship the nature that nurtures us.
The Mythological Story of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill
The story behind Govardhan Puja is one of the most exciting and miraculous tales of Lord Sri Krishna's pastimes. Let us know this story in detail:
Once, everyone in Braj was preparing for the worship of Indra Dev. Delicacies were being prepared all around, and there was a festive atmosphere. In his childhood, Lord Krishna asked his mother Yashoda and Nanda Baba what this celebration was for. Then Nanda Baba explained that this was the worship of Indra Dev, who gives us rain.
Hearing this, Lord Krishna smiled and said, "Father, if Indra gives rain, it is his duty. Our livelihood comes from Govardhan Hill, which gives fodder to our cows and provides us with herbs and shelter. Therefore, instead of Indra, we should worship Govardhan Hill."
Listening to child Krishna, all the residents of Braj started worshipping Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. When Devaraj Indra came to know about this, he became extremely angry. Blinded by his ego, he ordered the apocalyptic clouds to cause torrential rain over the land of Braj and destroy everything.
When Sri Krishna Lifted Govardhan Hill
Due to Indra's wrath, a severe flood-like situation arose in Braj. Torrential rain continued for seven days straight, frightening all the residents of Braj and animals, who then sought refuge in Lord Krishna. Then Banke Bihari Sri Krishna lifted the gigantic Govardhan Hill like an umbrella on his little (smallest) finger to protect the people of Braj.
For seven days, all the residents of Braj remained safe under Govardhan Hill along with their cows and belongings. Ultimately, Devaraj Indra's ego was shattered, and he realized his mistake. He begged forgiveness from Lord Sri Krishna and stopped the rain. Ever since then, the tradition of Govardhan Puja on the day of Kartik Shukla Pratipada began.
The Story of Govardhan Puja and Its Message
The story of Govardhan Puja gives us the great message that the destruction of ego is certain. Devaraj Indra had become proud of his position and powers, which Lord Krishna shattered by taking the form of a child. Along with this, this story teaches us that we must respect everything that directly or indirectly sustains our lives, such as our mountains, rivers, and especially the sacred cow.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
From a religious and spiritual perspective, the significance of Govardhan Puja is very vast. The importance of this day can be understood through the following points:
- Message of Environmental Love: This festival teaches us that instead of exploiting trees, mountains, and natural resources, we should conserve them.
- Importance of Cow Service: On this day, cows are bathed, decorated, and worshipped, as 33 कोटि (all divine forms) deities are believed to reside in the sacred cow.
- Prasad of Annakoot: On this day, 'Annakoot' prasad—consisting of fifty-six offerings (Chhappan Bhog) or a mixture of various grains—is offered to the Lord, which promotes the spirit of sharing and eating together in society.
- Victory of Devotion: This festival is a symbol of the victory of humility and devotion over ego.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Puja?
If you want to know how the puja is performed on this sacred day, follow the Govardhan Puja Vidhi given below:
- Make a Hill of Cow Dung: Wake up early in the morning on the day of puja and complete your bath and purification. Afterward, shape a Govardhan hill using cow dung in your courtyard or main entrance.
- Decorate It: Offer flowers, durva grass, kheer, sugar drops (batasha), and various types of sweets on this cow dung hill. Keep an idol or picture of Lord Krishna near the hill.
- Light a Lamp: Perform the Lord's Aarti by lighting a ghee lamp and incense sticks.
- Perform Parikrama (Circumambulation): Take seven rounds (parikrama) around the Govardhan Hill (which you made from cow dung). While doing parikrama, hold a pot of water, pour a stream of water continuously, and sow barley seeds.
- Offer Annakoot Bhog: Offer Annakoot bhog to the Lord and later distribute it as prasad among family members and the poor.
Rules for Govardhan Hill Parikrama
The parikrama of the original Govardhan Hill located in Mathura holds special spiritual significance. Every year, millions of devotees come to perform its parikrama. If you are also going to perform the Govardhan Parikrama, be sure to follow these rules:
- Parikrama Distance: The total parikrama of Govardhan Hill is about 21 kilometers long. It is completed on foot, barefoot, or while offering prostrations (dandvat pranam).
- Start and End: The parikrama usually starts from Mansi Ganga and ends there. On the way, Daan Ghati Temple, Mukharvind, and other sacred sites fall along the path.
- Positive Thinking: Throughout the parikrama, one should keep remembering Lord Sri Krishna in mind. One should avoid speaking ill of anyone or entertaining negative thoughts.
- Follow Rules: During the journey, do not cause harm to any living creature and do not litter the environment (do not spread polythene or waste).
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja is not merely a religious ritual; rather, it is a celebration of love for our culture, nature, and all living beings. The path shown to us by Lord Sri Krishna has become even more relevant in today's modern era where we are struggling with issues like environmental pollution and global warming. This Govardhan Puja, resolve to protect nature and serve the sacred cow. Hail Banke Bihari Lal ki Jai!
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