Govardhan Puja is observed on the second day of Diwali, focusing on the worship of Govardhan Mountain (Giriraj Ji) and the cow, symbolic forms of Shri Krishna. This day holds particular significance in honoring Lord Krishna, with a dedicated focus on devotion and love towards Him.

Renowned as Annakoot Puja, Govardhan Puja involves special rituals dedicated to Mother Cow and Govardhan Mountain. The day commemorates the belief that Shri Krishna, on this occasion, humbled the ego of Indra. The celebration is marked by the expression of deep reverence for Lord Krishna and the acknowledgment of His divine deeds.

Mythological Significance of Govardhan Puja

The origin of Govardhan Puja comes from the ancient story of Lord Krishna in the Hindu epic, the Bhagavata Purana:

• The Story of Govardhan Hill: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was living in Gokul with his family and fellow villagers. The people of Gokul used to worship and offer prayers to Lord Indra, the god of rain, to ensure a good harvest and favorable rains. However, young Krishna questioned this practice and suggested that instead of worshiping Lord Indra, they should worship Govardhan Hill, a natural protector of their village, and the cows, which provided them with sustenance.

  This angered Lord Indra, who retaliated by sending torrential rains and thunderstorms to punish the villagers. In response, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger, using it as a giant umbrella to shield the villagers and their cattle from the downpour for seven days. This act humbled Indra, who realized Krishna’s divine powers and stopped the storm. Afterward, the villagers celebrated the event, expressing gratitude to Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna.

Thus, Govardhan Puja celebrates Krishna's act of protecting the people from Lord Indra’s wrath and his message that nature and self-effort should be revered over unnecessary rituals and practices.

Rituals and Traditions of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is celebrated in different ways across India, depending on regional customs, but the central theme is offering gratitude to nature and Lord Krishna. The rituals performed on this day are symbolic of this event.

1. Worship of Govardhan Hill (Govardhan Parvat):

   • In many places, devotees build small mounds of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan Hill, and decorate them with flowers, grass, and lamps.
   • These mounds are worshipped as representations of the hill lifted by Lord Krishna. Devotees offer food, flowers, and prayers to the hill and thank Lord Krishna for his protection and blessings.

2. Annakut (Mountain of Food):

   • Annakut means "mountain of food," and as part of the festival, a large variety of food items, including sweets, fruits, and savory dishes, are prepared as offerings to Lord Krishna.
   • In some temples, particularly those dedicated to Lord Krishna, large quantities of food are arranged in a mound, symbolizing Govardhan Hill. This offering is later distributed among devotees as prasad (blessed food).

3. Govardhan Puja at Temples:

   • Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, such as the famous Govardhan Hill Temple in Mathura and the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, are especially vibrant on Govardhan Puja. Devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers, sing hymns, and perform aarti (a ritual of worship using lighted lamps) in honor of Lord Krishna.
   • Devotees perform parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhan Hill, walking around the hill in a sacred ritual that may take several hours or even a whole day.

4. Annakut Celebrations in Gujarat:

   • In Gujarat, Annakut is one of the most important days of the year, especially for followers of the Swaminarayan sect. The Swaminarayan temples are adorned with lavish decorations, and hundreds of food items are offered to Lord Krishna and Swaminarayan.
   • The day is also associated with Gujarati New Year for the business community, and people celebrate by wearing new clothes, decorating homes, and engaging in festive activities.

5. Goverdhan Puja in Maharashtra (Padva):

   • In Maharashtra, the day is celebrated as Padva or Bali Pratipada, which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Vikram Samvat calendar. It also honors the bond between husband and wife.
   • On this day, wives often perform rituals for their husbands' long life and prosperity, and husbands give gifts to their wives.

6. Cattle Worship:

   • In rural parts of India, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, cows and bulls are honored during Govardhan Puja as they are seen as a source of livelihood and are considered sacred in Hinduism.
   • The cattle are bathed, decorated with garlands, and their horns painted. Special food is prepared for them as part of the celebration.

7. Bhajans and Kirtans:

   • Devotees sing devotional songs (bhajans) and chant the praises of Lord Krishna, especially recounting the story of how he saved the villagers of Gokul from the wrath of Lord Indra.

Spiritual Meaning of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja holds significant spiritual meaning beyond the mythological story:

1. Reverence for Nature: The festival highlights the importance of worshiping and respecting nature, which sustains life. By shifting the focus from worshiping a god of rain to honoring the local environment (Govardhan Hill), Lord Krishna taught people the value of recognizing and preserving natural resources.

2. Self-sufficiency: The festival symbolizes self-reliance and independence. The villagers of Gokul, led by Krishna, learned that their well-being depended on their natural surroundings, their cattle, and their collective efforts, not on ritualistic practices.

3. The Power of Devotion: Govardhan Puja also emphasizes the power of devotion and faith. Krishna’s devotees were protected because of their unwavering trust in him, demonstrating the importance of pure devotion in overcoming difficulties.

Celebrations at Govardhan Hill (Mathura)

One of the most famous locations for Govardhan Puja is Govardhan Hill itself, near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, which is considered a sacred site for Krishna devotees. Thousands of pilgrims visit the hill to perform the parikrama (circumambulation), which is about 21 kilometers long. It is a major spiritual and cultural event, especially during the festival, and is considered highly auspicious.

Govardhan Puja in the Modern Context

Today, Govardhan Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and in Hindu communities worldwide. The festival reflects a blend of religious faith, cultural traditions, and ecological awareness. People often perform acts of charity during this festival, feeding the poor and donating to temples.

In urban areas, the eco-friendly message of Govardhan Puja is gaining more significance as environmental concerns grow. The festival continues to be a reminder of the balance between spiritual devotion and respect for the natural world.

Conclusion

Govardhan Puja is a beautiful festival that celebrates not only Lord Krishna's divine intervention but also humanity's relationship with nature and its reliance on the Earth’s resources. Through the worship of Govardhan Hill and the ritualistic preparation of food, the festival emphasizes humility, gratitude, and the importance of living in harmony with nature, values that are ever-relevant in today's world.