Govardhana Puja
Govardhana Puja is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the god of thunder, Indra, and his protection of the villagers of Vrindavan. It falls on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Kartik month, immediately after Deepawali (Diwali), typically in October or November.
Significance of Govardhana Puja
The festival commemorates the event from Hindu mythology when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from a massive storm sent by Lord Indra. The story is part of the Bhagavata Purana and is particularly important in regions associated with Krishna's life, such as Vrindavan and Mathura.
Protection of the Villagers: According to the legend, Lord Indra, the king of the gods, became angry when the people of Vrindavan stopped offering him regular sacrifices. In retaliation, he sent a devastating storm to flood the region. To protect his devotees, Lord Krishna, who was a young child at the time, lifted the Govardhana Hill with his little finger and held it up like an umbrella, providing shelter for the people, cows, and other animals for seven days and nights. The people of Vrindavan were safe, and the storm ceased when Indra realized Krishna's divine powers.
Defeat of Indra's Pride: The act of lifting the Govardhana Hill symbolizes Krishna's power and his protection of his devotees. It also highlights Krishna’s teachings of humility, as he saved the villagers without expecting any reward, showing that true devotion and faith in God can conquer even the wrath of the gods.
Rituals of Govardhana Puja
Govardhana Puja is celebrated with devotion and various rituals, especially in places like Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul, and Nandgaon, where Krishna's childhood is particularly revered. The key aspects of the celebration include:
Govardhana Hill Worship:
- In places like Vrindavan and Mathura, people create small representations or symbolic replicas of Govardhana Hill from mud or cow dung. This is done to replicate Krishna's lifting of the hill. Devotees worship these replicas by offering flowers, fruits, and sweets. The worship is usually done with prayers to Lord Krishna and a focus on expressing gratitude for his protection.
Offering of Food:
- One of the main rituals of Govardhana Puja is the offering of food to Lord Krishna. This includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, particularly the Annakoot (mountain of food), symbolizing the food that Krishna provided to the people of Vrindavan during the storm. The food offerings may include rice, vegetables, sweets, and dairy products like butter and curd, which were beloved by Krishna. The food is typically arranged in the shape of a small hill, imitating the Govardhana Hill that Krishna held.
Puja and Prayer:
- Devotees perform special pujas (rituals) to Lord Krishna, recite hymns, and offer prayers of gratitude for his divine protection. The prayers typically focus on the victory of good over evil, Krishna's compassion, and his role as the protector of his devotees.
Parikrama:
- In Vrindavan, devotees perform a Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation) of the Govardhan Hill, a sacred journey that holds spiritual significance. This act of walking around the hill is considered to bring spiritual merit and is believed to purify the devotee's mind and soul. It is said that performing the parikrama will bestow blessings and spiritual rewards.
Special Offerings to Cows:
- Since the villagers of Vrindavan were primarily cowherds, cows are revered and worshipped during Govardhana Puja. Special prayers and offerings are made to cows, and they are decorated with garlands and treated with respect. This tradition is a mark of respect to the role cows played in sustaining the people during the storm.
Festive Celebrations:
- The day is also marked by festive activities and community gatherings. In places like Vrindavan and Mathura, the streets are decorated with flowers, and people sing devotional songs, dance, and participate in festive processions. The festival brings together local communities in a spirit of joy and gratitude for the divine protection and love of Lord Krishna.
Symbolic Meaning of Govardhana Puja
Divine Protection:
- The lifting of the Govardhana Hill by Krishna symbolizes divine protection. The festival reminds devotees that Krishna is always there to protect his followers from harm and calamity, just as he protected the people of Vrindavan.
Devotion and Faith:
- Govardhana Puja teaches the importance of unwavering faith and devotion in God. The villagers of Vrindavan had complete faith in Krishna, and through this devotion, they were saved from the wrath of Indra. The festival encourages devotees to rely on their faith in Krishna during times of trouble or adversity.
Humility and Righteousness:
- Krishna's act of lifting the hill and his defiance of Indra’s pride reflects the values of humility, righteousness, and the victory of the divine over arrogance. Krishna’s humility in protecting the people without expecting anything in return serves as an example of selfless service.
Community and Harmony:
- The festival fosters a sense of community and harmony, as it involves collective worship, feasts, and participation in rituals. The worship of Krishna during Govardhana Puja strengthens the bond between family members and communities, promoting unity and togetherness.
Regional Celebrations of Govardhana Puja
Vrindavan: In Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Govardhana Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The parikrama around the Govardhana Hill is one of the most important rituals. Thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to Krishna and to engage in devotional singing and chanting.
Mathura: Similar to Vrindavan, Mathura (the birthplace of Krishna) observes this festival with grand processions, food offerings, and prayers. Local temples are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and joy.
Maharashtra and Gujarat: In these states, Govardhana Puja is also celebrated, often as part of the larger Diwali celebrations. The focus is on the worship of Lord Krishna and the offering of food to mark the occasion.