Govardhana Puja is celebrated in the month of Kartika to commemorate the
pastime of Lord Sri Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents
of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra.
When the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana
preparing for Indra-yajna, He suggested that they should forgo the worship of
Indra and instead worship the Govardhana Hill. On coming to know of this,
Indra became angry and sent a devastating rainfall over Vrindavana. Krishna
picked up the Govardhana Hill, when he was just 7 years old, with His little
finger and gave shelter to all the inhabitants of Vrindavana. Indra became
conscious of his offense and begged for forgiveness from Krishna. Thus the
Supreme Lord established that a devotee who has surrendered to the
Supreme Lord and engaged in devotional service is free from all obligations
and need not worship any demigods for material favor. This pastime is known
as Govardhana Lila and is described in the tenth canto of Srimad
Bhagavatam.
At ISKCON UJJAIN, all the devotees celebrate this festival with lots of
happiness and reverence. They cook lots of sweets and unique mouth
watering bhoga’s, and offer them to Lord Krishna. After that, the food is
arranged in the shape of the Govardhan Hill. It is better known as Anna
(grains) Kuta (mountain). In the end, the prasadam served to all the devotees
and visitors.
Devotees also worship the cows on the day of Govardhana Puja. Krishna is
known as Gopala – the protector of cows. There is also a prayer in Vishnu
Purana (1.19.65) that states: “namo brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya
ca.” Here Krishna is described as the well-wisher of the cows and the
brahmanas. The cows are decorated and fed well. Keeping the cows in front,
devotees circumambulate the Govardhana Hill.
“So this Govardhan Pooja was so blissful. Why was everyone so blissful?
Because Govardhan is Krishna, and because they satisfied Krishna within
their hearts, they were ultimately happy.– HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj”
Your contribution, no matter how small, holds the potential for immeasurable
blessings from the divine realm. Just as Srila Prabhupada emphasized the
concept of ‘ajnata sukriti,’ where even unknowingly supporting a sacred cause
brings spiritual advancement, your donations towards the celebration of
Govardhan Puja can pave the way for an abundance of blessings from Sri
GirirajGovardhan, who is Lord Krishna himself.
Let your donation be a reflection of your devotion and commitment to the
teachings and values imparted by Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada.
Together, let us unite in this sacred mission and invoke the blessings of Sri
Govardhan.