Govardhan Puja is celebrated with enormous enthusiasm all over India. It is celebrated a day after Diwali, that is the 4th day of the 5-day grand Hindu celebration. Sometimes there can be a day gap between Diwali festivities and Govardhan Puja. As per the Hindu schedule it falls on the first lunar day called as ‘Ekam’ of the Shukla Paksha (splendid fortnight of the moon) in the month of Kartik. It forms a necessary part of Diwali festivities.
Why It Is Celebrated?
Govardhan Puja commemorates the triumph of Lord Krishna over Indra. On this day, Lord Krishna had defeated Indra by lifting the Govardhan hill on his little finger.
How It Is Celebrated?
Govardhan Puja is celebrated by supplicating and worshipping Lord Krishna. Grains like wheat, rice, and curry of gram flour and leafy vegetables are supplicated to the god. On this holy day Govardhan hill is also worshipped by making hillocks of cow dung. In addition, a few devotees make a smaller statue of Lord Krishna, to decorate it with flowers, candles and Diyas and worship it. Ladies on these days normally observe day-long fasts. In certain families, Govardhan Puja is commended by worshipping Lord Vishwakarma, the God of machines. Girls of the house worship the machines and cars in the house and put a Tilak on each. There is additionally a custom of giving money as gifts to the ladies on this day. The day closes with a Puja in which Lord Krishna is worshipped.
History Behind Of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the story of Govardhan hill and Lord Krishna. As per the legend, when Lord Krishna was remaining in Gokul, his locals were a loyal devotee of Lord Indra, the God of Rains. They used to worship and supplicate him excitedly. One day, Lord Krishna questioned the residents and encouraged them to worship the Govardhan hill rather than Lord Indra as the hill shielded them from the rain and other disasters. Persuaded by Krishna's request, the locals began worshipping Govardhan hill. This incensed Lord Indra and thusly, he cursed Gokul with heavy rains. At that point Lord Krishna came to the rescue of the locals. It is accepted that he picked up the Govardhan hill on his little finger and protected the locals who stay under the shade of the hill. From that point forward, Govardhan Puja is held to honour Lord Krishna who protects his devotees. This celebration maintains the belief that any devotee seeking for protection from God with a pure heart and devotion, will be granted.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat And Timings
Govardhan Puja is additionally alluded to as Annakut Puja. Individuals prepare chappan bhog, 56 sorts of food, which are offered to God. Individuals place a picture of Govardhan and worship it. This day is celebrated on the 4th day of Diwali and it will fall on 15 November, this year. The Shubh Muhurat of Govardhan Puja is from 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm.
Significance Of Govardhan Puja
The Govardhan Puja is also prominent as it spreads the message of protecting natural resources. Venerating the Mother Nature has consistently been an essential practice in Hindu Dharma. The primary reason behind the mountain worship has consistently been the preservation and protection of the valuable natural resources.
The festival of Govardhan Puja celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The festivals of Govardhan Puja are truly prominent in Nathdwara, Mathura and Vrindavan. The deities in all the temples are dressed up in sparkling clothing and stunning ornaments produced from pearl, rubies, diamonds and other valuable stones. Special prayers, chant, and Bhajan functions are coordinated in these temples and individuals flock to these spots in huge numbers. The celebrations can be seen in all the Lord Krishna temples spread the nation over.