Govardhan Puja 2024: Why is Govardhan Puja performed? Learn its significance

Among the five days of the Diwali festival, Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the second day after Diwali. It is observed on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Kartik month. This festival is a major celebration for the people of Braj. The vibrant festivities of Govardhan Puja can be seen in places like Barsana, Nandgaon, Gokul, and Vrindavan. Additionally, various deities like Indra, Varuna, and Agni are worshipped in different places. Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut, and on this day, cows are worshipped. But do you know why Govardhan Puja is performed and what its religious significance is?

Govardhan Puja

According to mythological accounts, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain with his little finger to protect all the Braj residents and animals from the wrath of Indra, the king of heaven. By doing so, he not only saved everyone but also humbled the pride of Lord Indra. Therefore, women create a representation of the Govardhan Mountain in the courtyard with cow dung and make figurines of Krishna, cowherds, gopis, cows, and calves, offering them food as part of the celebrations.

Govardhan Puja should not be done in a closed room

On the day of Govardhan Puja, it is essential to create the representation of Govardhan Mountain in the open courtyard and conduct the worship there. It is believed that Govardhan Puja should never be performed in a closed room.

How to perform Govardhan Puja

This festival is celebrated the day after Diwali. If you are conducting the puja, you should wake up before sunrise, around 5:00 AM, complete your daily rituals, and wear clean clothes. Then, create the Govardhan Mountain in your courtyard using cow dung, placing a statue of Lord Krishna at its center. Offer incense, lamps, water, naivedya (food offerings), and fruits on Govardhan. Various delicacies are also offered during this puja. Afterward, the story of Govardhan Puja is recited. On this day, all cows and bulls that are involved in farming are also worshipped. The unique aspect of this puja is that it can be performed at any time, morning or evening.

The Story of Govardhan Puja

According to mythology, one day, Lord Indra became arrogant due to his powers. To humble Indra, Lord Krishna devised a unique plan. One day, he noticed that all the Braj residents were preparing a feast. He asked Mother Yashoda what the preparations were for, to which she replied that they were preparing to worship Lord Indra because he brings rain. The worship was meant to ensure that the village receives adequate rainfall so that the crops are not damaged and food supplies remain abundant. Mother Yashoda also informed Krishna that the harvest was dependent on Lord Indra’s grace.

At that time, people used to offer Annakut (a large quantity of food) to please Indra. Krishna told Yashoda that it is indeed Lord Indra’s duty to provide rain, but if they wish to worship, they should worship the Govardhan Mountain because it is where their cows graze, and they obtain fruits, vegetables, and more from it. Consequently, the people of Braj started worshipping Govardhan Mountain instead of Indra. This angered Lord Indra, who began to unleash torrential rains that severely damaged the crops, causing panic among the villagers as they ran to save their families and animals.

Seeing the distress of the Braj residents, Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Mountain with his little finger. All the Braj residents took shelter under the Govardhan Mountain. Indra, witnessing this divine act, became even more furious and intensified the rainfall. Eventually, Indra realized his mistake and sought forgiveness from Krishna. Since then, the worship of Govardhan Mountain has been celebrated.