Govardhan Puja – The Hill That Lord Krishna Lifted
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a significant Hindu festival that takes place on the fourth day of Diwali. It commemorates the divine act of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. The festival is a celebration of faith, humility, devotion, and nature worship.
Govardhan Puja is primarily observed in North India, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan, and across Vaishnavite communities. While Diwali celebrates light and the victory of good over evil, Govardhan Puja emphasizes gratitude toward nature and the divine protector Krishna.
🌿 The Story Behind Govardhan Puja
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the people of Vrindavan used to offer annual prayers and sacrifices to Indra, the god of rain and thunder, in hopes of ensuring plentiful rainfall for crops and cattle. However, young Krishna questioned this tradition, arguing that it is Govardhan Hill—with its trees, herbs, pastures, and water—that truly sustains them, not Indra.
He encouraged the villagers to worship Govardhan Hill instead, as a way to honor nature’s direct contribution to their lives. Offended by this, Indra unleashed a massive storm and torrential rains upon the village.
In a divine act of protection, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger, creating a shelter under which the entire village—people, cows, and animals—found refuge for seven days and nights. Humbled by Krishna’s divine power and compassion, Indra repented and accepted defeat.
Thus, Govardhan Puja celebrates the power of devotion over arrogance, divine protection, and the importance of respecting nature.
🪔 Rituals and Celebrations
Govardhan Puja follows Diwali and is marked by ritual worship of Govardhan Hill (symbolized through mud or cow dung replicas), offerings of food, and devotional songs.
Here’s how the festival is typically celebrated:
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Govardhan Representation: A small hill-like structure is made from cow dung, decorated with flowers, grass, and miniature figures of cows and Krishna. This symbolizes the Govardhan Hill and serves as the central object of worship.
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Annakut (Mountain of Food): A huge variety of vegetarian food items—sometimes over 56 types (Chappan Bhog)—are prepared and offered to Lord Krishna. This is known as Annakut, meaning "mountain of food." It represents gratitude for nourishment and abundance.
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Parikrama (Circumambulation): In places like Govardhan near Mathura, thousands of devotees walk barefoot in a 21-kilometer parikrama (circumambulation) around the actual Govardhan Hill, singing bhajans and chanting Krishna’s name.
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Arti and Bhajans: Devotees perform Krishna arti, sing devotional songs, and recount the story of Krishna’s miracle to children and family members.
🌾 Spiritual Significance
Govardhan Puja is not merely a historical or religious celebration—it carries deep spiritual teachings:
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Surrender and Devotion: The villagers’ faith in Krishna saved them from the wrath of nature. The story teaches the importance of complete trust in the divine.
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Humbling the Ego: Indra’s pride was shattered when he saw Krishna’s compassion and strength. It’s a reminder that power without humility leads to downfall.
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Nature as Divine: By encouraging the worship of Govardhan Hill, Krishna emphasized ecological awareness, teaching that nature is sacred and must be respected.
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Service and Gratitude: Preparing Annakut reminds us to be grateful for the food we receive and to share with others, especially those in need.
🧘 Lessons from Govardhan Puja in Modern Life
In today’s world of environmental degradation and disconnect from nature, Govardhan Puja teaches:
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Eco-conscious living: Honor the Earth and its elements as divine.
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Spiritual sustainability: True worship involves respecting the planet and the people around us.
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Simplicity over ritualism: Krishna’s message was to look beyond blind tradition and focus on truth and gratitude.
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Community unity: The entire village coming together to pray under the hill symbolizes collective strength through unity and faith.
🎉 Celebrations Across India
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In Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is grand, with huge crowds, special Annakut arrangements in temples like ISKCON and Banke Bihari, and long parikramas.
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In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Govardhan Puja is part of the broader Diwali festivities and involves special meals and temple visits.
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In Rajasthan, the festival includes worship of cows (Gau Puja) and decoration of cattle with garlands and painted horns.
🌟 Conclusion: The Eternal Shelter of Govardhan
Govardhan Puja is more than a post-Diwali festival—it's a celebration of divine protection, humility, and environmental consciousness. The image of Krishna lifting the hill reminds us that in times of difficulty, divine grace and unwavering faith can protect us like a mountain.
In offering food, prayers, and love to Govardhan and Krishna, we also reconnect with our duty to nurture the Earth, respect traditions with awareness, and open our hearts to service and surrender.
This Govardhan Puja, may we all find strength in humility, joy in devotion, and abundance in gratitude.
Jai Shri Krishna!
