What is Govardhan puja ?
Varshapratipada, commonly known as Govardhan Puja, is celebrated the day following Diwali. The fourth day of Diwali has arrived. Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut (“hoard of grain”), commemorates the day Krishna defeated Indra by raising the Govardhan hill.
The origins of this celebration are the subject of numerous stories. However, it is most widely observed in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Maharashtra. Depending on the significance of the local event, it is observed under several titles in various regions of the nation. This event is less concerned with the participants themselves and more with the puja, or prayer service, for the deity.
History and origin of Govardhan Puja :
To protect the residents from the intense flood, the Bhagavata Purana claims that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill with his little finger. Lord Krishna saved people and all creatures by doing such a generous and godly deed.
Every year, people used to worship Indra and offer sacrifices in Gokul, the renowned Brij Bhumi. They thought that by worshipping Indra, Rain would fall on them annually. After observing their conviction, Krishna told them that the Govardhan hill was what caused the rain. That was accurate because Govardhan Hill used to give the locals access to resources like firewood and pasture for their cows.
That year, the residents of that village did not worship or appease Indra. As Indra watched what Krishna said, he became enraged at the actions of those villagers. He flooded the community because he was egotistical and wanted to punish them.
The heavy rain was destroying everything. Then, Lord Krishna defends the villagers and raises the Govardhan hill on their little fingers to let them understand its significance. The crowd was enthralled by Krishna’s performance and realized that he represented the Supreme Power.
Everyone sought refuge beneath the hill, including their pets. Govardhan Hill shielded every living thing during the days-long downpour. Indra then stopped the rain and admitted his error. Since then, the Vallabh Group (Pushtimarg), the Gaudiya Sampradaya of Chaitanya, and the Swaminarayan community have been the main celebrators of Govardhan Puja.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
The Hindu religion puts a lot of importance on this ceremony. On this day, followers of Lord Shri Krishna worship the cow, Govardhan Parvat, and the cow. The festival of Govardhan Puja honors Lord Krishna and expresses reverence and affection for Mother Nature. On this day, devotees who worship the Govardhan hill and his favorite cows are reported to obtain Lord Krishna’s blessings.
According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Krishna elevated the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger to spare the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra, the rain God. People began to worship Govardhan Parvat with great zeal, and Lord Krishna was given the names “Govardhandhari” and “Girirdhari.”
Gowardhan puja ritual:
Preparing the cow dung hillocks is a crucial part of Govardhan Puja. Flowers, kumkum, and akshat are creatively used to embellish these hills. A “parikrama” of these hillocks is another aspect of the ritual.
The idea of building and worshipping hills is related to pleading with Lord Krishna to take away one’s problems in life. People often dress up their cows and bulls with flowers and kumkum on this day. They are considered to be devoted to Lord Krishna. Hence they are adorned and revered.
The preparation of Annakoot is a significant aspect of the rites held on this day. Additionally, Annakoot Prasad is prepared at various temples and given to loved ones. Every puja ritual must be done in a correct format with the correct damage to achieve its maximum benefits.
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