The auspicious Govardhan Puja falls on the day after Diwali, and it is part of the Diwali festivities. Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the propitious day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra. This revered festival holds special significance in the Northern states of India, like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, while it remains less prominent in the Southern regions of our country.
In religious scriptures, Govardhan Puja falls during Shukla Paksha's Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik Maas. As per the Hindu calendar, depending on the starting time of Pratipada, the festival of Govardhan Puja can fall one day before the Amavasya (New Moon) day.
Govardhan Puja has an interesting anecdote behind it. Our scriptures provide a detailed version of the incident commemorated as Govardhan Puja.
As per mythological legends, the people of Vrindavan suffered from a severe drought. So, they decided to pray to Lord Indra, the God of Rain, and seek his blessings. Lord Indra was worshiped by the cowherd community since he governed the rains that led to proper irrigation of the cultivated lands. Lord Krishna questioned the logic behind appeasing Lord Indra when the cows, the Vrindavan forest, and the Govardhan mountain sustained the population.
The population of Vrindavan started worshiping the Govardhan mountain instead of Lord Indra. As a consequence, Lord Indra became angry that the people stopped worshiping him. So, he unleashed his fury on the hapless Vrindavan people by initiating torrential rainfall. The people became afraid and approached Lord Krishna for help. Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan mountain with his little finger and provided shelter to all villagers and the livestock.
Lord Indra became angrier and increased the intensity of the rainfall. It rained perpetually for seven days. But Lord Krishna kept lifting the Govardhan mountain and sheltered the people and their livestock. Finally, Indra realized his folly and succumbed to Lord Krishna's might. He stopped the rain and begged forgiveness from Lord Krishna. Since that day, Govardhan Puja is celebrated. Magnificent food offerings are made to Govardhan Hill on this day to appease Lord Krishna and seek his blessings.
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Here are the Govardhan Puja rituals and Vidhi.
People worship Lord Krishna, Lord Varuna (Wind God), Lord Indra (Rain God), and Lord Agni (Fire God) on Govardhan Puja day. People consider Govardhan Puja significant because the festival conveys that life depends on Nature's elements and resources. Therefore, one should respect and thank Mother Nature for everything we have in our lives.
Annakoot Puja represents the fourth day of the five-day Diwali festival that begins with Dhanteras and it is the ultimate display of complete surrender by a devotee to Lord Krishna, and his subsequent grace on his devotees. The preparation of 'Annakoot' is an important part of the auspicious Govardhan Puja. The word ‘Annakoot’ means ‘Mountain of Food’. Thus, on the auspicious Govardhan Puja, devotees prepare 56 varied preparations of food to offer as ‘Bhog’ to Lord Krishna.
Delicacies made of cereals like wheat and rice, along with a curry made of gram flour and leafy vegetables, are prepared. Sweets made from milk and other delicacies are offered to Lord Krishna. This massive feast that contains 56 types of food is known as 'Chappan Bhog'. On the occasion of Govardhan Pooja, Annakoot is organized in the temples.
After the Puja, the 'Annakoot' Prasad is distributed among the devotees. In many temples, during Annakoot, a night vigil, songs, and dance are performed. Devotees pray to Lord Krishna to bless and look after them. It is an excellent way of expressing your gratitude to Lord Krishna.
Yes! Govardhan Puja is known by different names in different parts of India. In some regions, the festival is known as 'Bali Pratipada' or 'Annakut Puja'. People residing in the state of Maharashtra celebrate Govardhan Puja as Bali Pratipada in their communities.
Bali Pratipada has mythological significance. It was the day when Lord Vishnu liberated King Mahabali by assuming the Vamana Avatar. Mahabali, the Asura King, assumed control of all three worlds- Bhu Loka, Swarga Loka, and Paatal Loka. All the kings, sages, and gods approached Lord Vishnu, requesting him to liberate them from Mahabali’s clutches. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a Vamana and approached Mahabali for alms.
Mahabali was a generous king who never failed to honor his promise. He requested Vamana to ask whatever he wanted. Vamana asked for the amount of land his feet could cover in three steps. Mahabali laughed at Vamana after looking at his tiny feet. He granted the wish. Meanwhile, his Guru Shukracharya warned Mahabali against fulfilling his promise. But Mahabali had given his word and refused to retract his boon.
Vamana grew up in size to assume the Trivikrama form and covered the Earth and Heavens with one step and the Paatal Lok with his second. He asked Mahabali where he should place the third one. Mahabali offered his head and requested Lord Vishnu to take the step there. Thus, Lord Vishnu stepped on his head, pushed Mahabali to Paatal Lok, and made him the ruler of the underworld kingdom.
People celebrate the day after Diwali as Bali Pratipada.
With Govardhan Puja, devotees can express their respect towards natural resources. Diwali celebrations extend much after Diwali as people celebrate Govardhan Puja, Bali Pratipada, and Bhai Dooj that follow thereafter. This is why this festival holds massive significance for the devotees.
Do you have more questions about Govardhan Puja 2023? Or do you wish to learn about the astrological aspects of various festivals? If so, the Astroyogi astrologers can offer you important information!
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