Govardhan Puja also known as Annakoot is a unique Hindu festival which is celebrated in diverse ways across India. Godhan (the cow), Govardhan Hill, and Shri Krishna are all honored on this day of appreciation. As an act of gratitude, the devotees, particularly those of the Vaishnava faith, make and serve Govardhan Hill, a symbol of Shri Krishna's holiness, a wide array of tasty vegetarian dishes.
What is Govardhan Puja?
This festival marks the anniversary of the day when Krishna, king of the higher realms, protected the people of Vrindavan from the fury of Indra Dev by raising Govardhan Hill. Indra had poured floods of rain onto them. Shri Krishna demonstrated His supernatural power and devotion to His followers by elevating the hill, which gave refuge to the villagers and their livestock. 'Giridhari' (the lifter of Govardhan) was the title He received for this deed.
Devotees show their appreciation to Shri Krishna, Govardhan Hill, and cows on Govardhan Puja by making a variety of vegetarian foods, often organized in a hill shape to represent Govardhan. The purpose of these sacrifices is to express gratitude to Shri Krishna for all of his blessed Deeds & Miracles. Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul—the sites where Krishna spent His childhood are part of the Braj area of Uttar Pradesh, which is known for its vibrant festivities on this day.
Govardhan Puja Date 2024: Date, Time & Muhurat
Govardhan Puja on Saturday, November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:34 AM to 08:46 AM
Duration: 02 Hours 12 Mins
Dyuta Krida on Saturday, November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat: 03:23 PM to 05:35 PM
Duration: 02 Hours 12 Mins
Pratipada Tithi Begins: 06:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024
Pratipada Tithi Ends: 08:21 PM on Nov 02, 2024
Condition of Diwali Govardhan Puja Muhurat - As per ancient Hindu texts, if the Moon rises or Moon is seen in the sky, during the stipulated Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat time span, then the Govardhan Pooja will have to be performed on the next day.
Krishna Govardhan Parvat (Hill) Story: Govardhan Puja Vrat Katha
In an ancient era known as the Dwapara Yuga, a fascinating tale unfolds. It is a story of a mighty ruler, the King of the Devas, Indra, who, consumed by his own powers, succumbed to pride and arrogance. In a magnificent display of divine intervention, Shri Krishna orchestrated a divine play, aiming to humble Indra and impart a profound lesson.
On a certain day, Krishna observed the bustling activity in the village of Vrindavan as the villagers joyfully prepared delicious meals and prepared for sacred worship. Inquisitive, the young Krishna approached his mother, Yashoda, and enquired, 'Mother, what is the purpose behind all this preparation?'
Mother Yashoda tenderly conveyed to Krishna that the villagers were getting ready for a magnificent ceremony to honor Indra Dev, the deity of rainfall. They held a deep belief in the power of worshipping Indra, as they saw it to bring forth abundant rainfall and ensure the prosperity of their village through fruitful crops and a plentiful harvest. During that time, the inhabitants of Vrindavan would present an Annakut, a bountiful feast, to appease Indra, as they believed he was responsible for providing the much-needed rain for their crops and sustenance for their cows.
Upon hearing this, Krishna questioned the necessity of worshipping Indra. He passionately contended that rather than worshipping Indra, their devotion should be directed towards Govardhan Hill, as it was this majestic hill that generously supplied the nourishing grass for their beloved cows. Krishna concluded that Indra, who had never appeared in front of them, was not the genuine provider. Deeply moved by Krishna's profound wisdom, the villagers made the courageous choice to shift their devotion from Indra to the majestic Govardhan Hill.
Indra, consumed by fury, unleashed a powerful storm upon the village in response to this act of defiance. The torrential downpour wreaked havoc, posing a grave danger to the livelihoods of the villagers and their agricultural endeavors.
Witnessing the anguish of the individuals, Krishna swiftly came to their aid. With incredible strength, he effortlessly raised the mighty Govardhan Hill on his little finger, offering refuge to the villagers and their precious livestock. Indra, consumed by his own pride, unleashed the full force of the storm, yet Krishna stood unwavering, effortlessly supporting the weight of the hill.
Krishna commanded his Sudarshan Chakra to hover above the hill, regulating the rain's force. He summoned Sheshnag, the mighty serpent king, to create a barrier, safeguarding the shelter from the impending flood.
For a whole week, the relentless downpour persisted, yet the resilient inhabitants of Vrindavan found solace in the unwavering shield of Govardhan Hill. In due course, Bhagwan Brahma approached Indra and disclosed to him the true identity of Krishna - that he was, in fact, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu. Overwhelmed with remorse, Indra was consumed by a profound sense of shame and humbly approached Krishna, seeking his forgiveness.
In an act of humility, Indra sought redemption by paying homage to Krishna and presenting him with an Annakut consisting of a remarkable assortment of 56 delectable dishes, famously known as Chappan Bhog. Since that day, the inhabitants of Vrindavan have embraced the practice of revering Govardhan Hill, and they have instituted the custom of presenting Shri Krishna with 56 varieties of food as Prasad.
Thus commenced the grand festival of Govardhan Puja, a yearly tribute to the awe-inspiring feat of Shri Krishna as he raised the mighty Govardhan Hill, shielding his devoted followers from the fury of Indra.
What to do on Govardhan Puja?
The following are the most important customs and ceremonies to observe during Govardhan Puja for a more meaningful celebration.
How To Do Govardhan Puja (Govardhan Puja Vidhi)?
Use earth or cow dung to make a little mound that represents Govardhan Hill. Then, adorn it with flowers and offer adoration to it. Usually, a variety of 56 Different Dishes or Chappan Bhoj is offered to Shri Krishna & Govardhan Parvat. The dishes are traditionally tied around Shri Krishna with the Mound of Mud or Cooked Rice (Symbolic of Govardhan Parvat) in the center. Devotees start by Ganesh Laxmi Pujan, then they invoke Sjri Krishna, Offer Achamanam, Offer Lit Diya, Apply Tilak to Shri Krishna, Offer Dhoop, Offer Flowers, Offer the 56 Dishes. After this they chant “Om Name Bhagwate Vasudevaya” Mantra, Perform Pradakshina around Shri Krishna followed by Krishna Aarti.
After finishing the rituals the Devotees, their family & friends enjoy the Meal which was blessed Shri Krishna on this auspicious day.
Worship Cows (Godhan Puja)
Cows are precious to Shri Krishna; thus, one should bathe, adorn, and worship them. Many people choose to perform Gau Daan or Cow Donation on this which is donating a Milk Giving Cow to poor Brahmin in need, some donate to Gaushalas which manage and feed Cows.
Mantra Japa & Meditation
On this day Devotees must chant Krishna Mantras & Meditate on the teaching of Shri Krishna to imbibe his qualities
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
One can also chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Krishna Chalisa & other Mantras.
Govardhan Puja Mantra
गोवर्धन धराधार गोकुल त्राणकारक। विष्णुबाहु कृतोच्छ्राय गवां कोटिप्रभो भव।।
Visit Temples and Participate in Aarti
Visit Krishna temples to participate in special aartis and bhajans performed while offering Annakoot to the deity.
Govardhan Puja History
The history of Govardhan Puja, often called Annakut, goes all the way back to the Vedic era, which was over five thousand years ago. Believed to have lived in the Dwapara Yuga, a time before much of recorded history, the festival's roots are closely tied to Shri Krishna's life.
The ancient Hindu text Bhagavata Purana is the first source to describe Govardhan Puja. Legend has it that the people of Vrindavan used to pray to Indra Dev, King of Heaven, for timely showers so that their crops and cattle may thrive. But Shri Krishna, who was just about seven years old, cast doubt on the proposed approach. He insisted that the cows' grass came from the Govardhan Hill and that respect for nature, not Indra, was required.
After hearing Krishna's advice, villagers switched their focus from Indra to Govardhan Hill. A tremendous storm was sent by Indra to drown the settlement, since he was enraged by this. Krishna raised Govardhan Hill with his tiny finger to shield the inhabitants from harm, and they were able to stay safe for seven days. Indra was so humbled by Krishna's miraculous deeds that he halted the storm after realizing Krishna was heavenly.
Especially in Braja or Brij Bhumi like Vrindavan or Mathura, the practice of celebrating Govardhan Puja has persisted ever since. An essential aspect of Diwali festivities throughout India, this event has changed and expanded over the centuries.
The precise beginning of Govardhan Puja as a festival is murky, but its long history of observation attests to the event's profound religious and cultural importance in Hinduism. In addition to remembering Krishna's heavenly deed, the celebration stresses the importance of humility, devotion, and the divine's protecting support.
Significance Of Govardhan Puja
Since Diwali is a 5-day celebration, Krishna Govardhan Puja falls on the 4th day of Diwali. The initial days of Diwali are spent by devotees invoking the divine to bless with wealth, prosperity and abundance, the day of Diwali Govardhan puja allows devotees to offer gratitude.
The Bhagavata Purana narrates that Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to save the villagers of Vrindavan from the torrential rains showered by Indra Dev. Govardhan Hill served as a shelter for all the residents of Vrindavan. Shri Krishna is also called Giridhari because of this incidence of Him lifting the Govardhan Hill, which is known as Giriraj (King of Hills). The incident indicates how the Bhagwan protects all His devotees who surrender and take refuge in Him, which is an important sign of Govardhan Puja. It is believed that Govardhan Puja was celebrated when Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill. The festival is observed predominantly by the Vallabh Community (Pushtimarg), the Gaudiya Sampradaya of Chaitanya, and the Swaminarayan community.
Products & Services for Govardhan Puja from Rudra Centre
Rudra Centre is a one stop solution to all spiritual and religious tools. All the sacred items that are either required to venerate or to enhance spiritual practices like meditation, or Sadhna are listed below.
10 Mukhi Rudraksha
The 10 mukhi rudraksha is ruled by Shri Krishna, the supreme protector personified. The wearer of 10 mukhi Nepal rudraksha move through life without being influenced by negative people and situations. Wear 10 Mukhi Rudraksha and attract the blessings of Shri Krishna this Govardhan Puja.
Krishna Yantra
Krishna Yantra blesses with the same captivating qualities of Bhagawan Krishna Himself, such as having a joyful attitude, youth, beauty, charm and charisma to attract others, divine smile and presence, sweetness and melodious speech, spiritual wisdom and godlike Love. Meditation on the Krishna Yantra on Govardhan Puja can help in calming the mind, reducing stress, and fostering inner peace.
Pearl Gemstone
The Pearl gemstone is associated with the divine Shri Krishna and is blessed with inherent healing properties, and it brings balance to the Swadhisthana chakra. Receive unlimited blessings of Shri Krishna on Govardhan Puja.
Gau Daan (Cow Donation):
Cows are supreme and sacred and are Krishna’s beloved cattle. There exists no parallel to the act of donating a cow in this world. Such a charitable act not only purifies one's soul but also serves as a profound karmic cleansing specially when done on the special day of Govardhan puja.
Gautran Daan (Feeding cow):
In the Shrimat Bhagwatam, Shri Krishna has stated that in Kali Yuga seva or service rendered to a cow is equivalent to worshipping Him. Gautran Daan is a donation of food and water for feeding cows. It is considered as a pious and meritorious daan in Hindu Dharma when done on Govardhan Puja. Gau or Cow are regarded as sacred, and Gau Seva is a praiseworthy action setting up good karma.
Krishna Radha Puja:
Sri Krishna is the Poorntam Purushottam Brahma, the supreme male personality of God, whereas Shree Radha Rani is the supreme Para Shakti, the female part of the divine union. This Puja is recommended on Govardhan Puja for those seeking Love, Peace and Happiness within and those who wish to progress in spirituality.
Tulsi Mala:
Tulsi Mala is a must have for all Vishnu & Krishna devotees and blesses own with peace, prosperity, purity, focus, concentration, awareness & protection. Chant the name of Hari on Govardhan Puja.
Shaligram Shila:
Shaligrams represent Bhagwan Vishnu. Shaligrams with different markings signify various forms of Hari, worshipping them on Govardhan Puja bestows protection, wealth, good health, pleasure and spiritual progress.
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