After the Diwali celebration, it is the day that is devoted to Lord Krishna. Families build a mountain of food on this day. A hill is worshipped along with little Krishna. This day is named Govardhan Puja. Govardhan Puja looks back to a childhood miracle in Vrindavan, when Krishna raised a whole hill to shelter people from a storm. In this blog, we will discuss the Govardhan Puja story, what it means, and show how you can keep it close in your own home.
The Govardhan Puja Story: When Krishna Lifted the Hill
The Govardhan Puja Story: When Krishna Lifted the Hill
According to the Bhagavata Purana, this tale is linked with Braj. It is the place where Krishna grew up. The people lived by their cattle. The herders of Braj depended on rain for their cattle, so each year they offered a large worship to Indra. They organized an occasion to worship him. When the little Krishna noticed all this, he simply asked a question. Why did they worship Indra every year? He made them understand that Govardhan Hill gave their cows grass to eat and herders a place to rest in the shade. So instead of revering Indra, we should honor Govardhan Parvat. His words stayed with them, and the villagers decided to honour the hill that year, bringing their offerings to it and not to Indra.
When Lord Indra came to know this, he felt insulted. In anger, he sent a terrible storm over Vrindavan. Initially, there was a thunderstorm; later, rain poured down for hours. When Lord Krishna witnessed this, he walked up to Govardhan Hill and lifted it to save the people from the wrath of Indra. The villagers came beneath it with their children and cows. Legends believed that the storm lasted for seven days. For seven long days, little Krishna helped push the hill up.
Later, Lord Indra understood that he was not an ordinary child. He cooled his anger and brought back the storm. Krishna placed the hill back in its place, and all celebrated it with great celebration. So this is the origin of Govardhan Puja.
Why Did Krishna Point the Villagers to the Hill?
Why Did Krishna Point the Villagers to the Hill?
This question is widely searched by many people. Was Lord Krishna against Indra? The actual story is that he did not ask anyone to stop worshipping Indra. He just said to worship what you are thankful for and what you use daily. Govardhan Parvat was the ground where cows graze. Krishna’s request shows that gratitude matters more than requests.
Govardhan Puja Significance: Lesson From the Story
Govardhan Puja Significance: Lesson From the Story
The story has many lessons. It holds great Govardhan Puja significance.
Humility Over Pride
Indra brought a storm because his pride was hurt. It ended only when he accepted Krishna’s greatness.
Refuge in Krishna
The people of Vrindavan had no option. When they turned to Krishna, he protected every person, including cattle.
Gratitude for Nature
The grass, the cows, and the hill gave the villagers everything they required. So it reminds us to notice such gifts and treat them with care.
Togetherness
Everyone collected and stood under the hill, young and old. The Govardhan Puja story is more about togetherness.
Is Govardhan Puja About Worshipping Cow Dung?
Is Govardhan Puja About Worshipping Cow Dung?
On this auspicious day, Govardhan is prepared with cow dung. It is worshipped as Sri Giriraj. People decorate it with flowers and also do Parikrama. In North India, people know this as Govardhan Baba. Devotees visit the main temple, Shri Giriraj Ji Mukharvind Temple, in Jatipura village near Govardhan in Mathura district.
Annakut: The Mountain of Food
Annakut: The Mountain of Food
Annakut means a heap of food. This is how the story of Annakut originates. Families cook many vegetarian dishes. They arrange the dishes in such a way that it looks like Govardhan Hill. The pile is all together. Firstly, Lord Krishna is worshipped and offered food, and then shared with family and neighbors. At home, some families also offer food to Lord Krishna murti or picture.
You might have heard about Chhappan Bhog. This means a complete 56 offerings. Legends believe that the number 56 comes from eight meals a day for Lord Krishna for seven days. It is not compulsory to prepare 56 dishes. Not everyone follows this. What matters more is offering to Lord Krishna with a pure heart.
Bringing Lord Krishna’s Story Into Your Home
Bringing Lord Krishna’s Story Into Your Home
You do not need to go to Vrindavan to observe Govardhan Puja. No blessing depends on going there and then worship. Another best way many families prefer is bringing a Lord Krishna murti or a sacred Krishna image. If you are thinking of adding one to your home mandir, here are three options you can consider from Cottage9.
The traditional Lord Krishna statue in bronze or Krishna art print shows Krishna as Guruvayurappan, the form worshipped at the Guruvayur temple in Kerala. He appears as a chubby child with four arms, holding a discus, conch, mace, and lotus.
If you are more inclined towards the Nathdwara style, a handmade Shrinathji Pichhwai painting is the best option to bring home. Krishna’s stories are also told through sculptures. A Chola style Kaliya Nartana Krishna statue shows him dancing on the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna. Whichever idol you choose, check the space on your shrine shelf first.
Final Thoughts
Many people remember Govardhan Puja for the food and the lamps. The simple thought behind the story is that the things that hold up our lives deserve our thanks. You can carry Govardhan Puja significance into daily life. If you are setting up a shrine, a Lord Krishna statue or any other devotional idol from Cottage9 can be a lovely start. You can browse our collection of Indian art and religious artefacts at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story behind Govardhan Puja?
Lord Indra’s hurt pride sent a storm for seven days. When Indra’s storm struck Vrindavan, Krishna raised Govardhan Hill and sheltered the villagers and their cattle beneath it for seven days.
Why did Lord Krishna lift Govardhan Hill?
Krishna lifted the mountain to protect the villagers and cattle from the storm sent by Lord Indra. Many devotees take it as a sign that Lord Krishna is always there for those who seek his help.
What is the significance of Annakut on Govardhan Puja?
Annakut refers to offering plenty of food made in gratitude. It reminds us of the time the Villagers of Vrindavan shared a meal after the storm had passed.
How is Govardhan Puja celebrated at home?
Many families start by cleaning their temple place, placing a Lord Krishna murti, offering the Annakut, singing bhajans, and sharing the prasad. Some also make a small Govardhan Hill from cow dung and decorate it with flowers.
Is it necessary to prepare 56 dishes for Annakut?
No. The 56 Chhppan bhog is a tradition that usually runs in temples. There is no rule to prepare all 56 dishes. What matters most is offering it with a sincere heart.
