Why is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?
Govardhan Puja is celebrated to honor Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan, as described in the Bhagavata Purana. The festival commemorates the divine event where Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to shield the villagers from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra, symbolizing God's protection over his devotees. This act represents the assurance that those who seek refuge in God will always be protected. As a mark of gratitude, devotees offer a variety of vegetarian dishes to Lord Krishna, creating a mountain of food that symbolizes Govardhan Hill. This offering serves as a ritual reminder of Krishna’s protection and renews the devotees' faith in surrendering to God’s grace.
Mythological story of Govardhan Puja
The origin of Govardhan Puja goes back to a famous event in the life of Lord Krishna. Krishna spent much of his childhood in Braj, a place known for his divine and heroic acts with his friends. One of the most significant events described in the Bhagavata Purana is when Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan. The villagers, who traditionally worshipped Indra, the god of rain, were encouraged by Krishna to stop the practice and instead worship the Purna Parmatma (Supreme Being). Angered by this, Indra unleashed heavy storms on the village. In response, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger, providing shelter for the people and cattle. After seven days, Indra accepted defeat and ceased the storms. To commemorate this, the festival celebrates Govardhan Puja by offering a giriyajna—a grand feast of food to honor the hill.
Rituals of Govardha Puja
Govardhan Puja is marked by the creation of large quantities of food, symbolizing nature's abundance. The festival is also referred to as Annakut, meaning “mountain of food,” where devotees prepare and offer a vast variety of food items to Lord Krishna.
- Annakut Preparation: Temples and households prepare a grand feast of 56 varieties of food, known as Chappan Bhog, which is offered to Lord Krishna as a gesture of thanksgiving for nature’s blessings.
- Govardhan Hill Representation: A small mound made of cow dung or clay is created to symbolize Govardhan Hill. This symbolic hill is decorated with flowers and leaves and worshipped with great devotion.
- Processions and Bhajans: In many regions, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, devotees organize processions carrying images of Lord Krishna while singing devotional songs (bhajans), celebrating his divine act of protecting the villagers.
- Circumambulation of Govardhan: In certain parts of India, particularly near Govardhan Hill, devotees perform a parikrama (circumambulation) around the hill, an act of reverence and devotion to Lord Krishna.
How Govardhan Puja is Celebrated in Different Regions?
While the essence of Govardhan Puja remains the same, the way it is celebrated varies across different regions:
- Mathura and Vrindavan: These are the places where Krishna spent his childhood, and the celebrations here are the grandest. Temples in these areas offer massive Annakut feasts to the deities, and devotees throng to perform Govardhan parikrama.
- Gujarat: In Gujarat, Govardhan Puja coincides with the Gujarati New Year. People prepare an Annakut of 56 or 108 varieties of dishes, symbolizing the abundant blessings of nature.
- Maharashtra: It is Known as Bali Pratipada in Maharashtra, the festival also honors King Bali. The Annakut feast here includes traditional Maharashtrian dishes and prayers for prosperity.
Govardhan Puja, or Annakut Puja, is a profound expression of gratitude towards both nature and the divine. By honoring Govardhan Hill and offering food to Lord Krishna, devotees celebrate the balance between humanity and nature, recognizing the divine protection and blessings bestowed upon them.