Govardhan Puja: Mountain Worship Of Lord Krishna And Annakoot Festival

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot, is an important Hindu Puja celebrated on the day after Diwali. This festival is mainly associated with the incident of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain. In Govardhan Puja, Lord Krishna, Govardhan mountain, and Gau Mata are worshipped. This festival is especially celebrated with pomp in Mathura, Vrindavan, and other Krishna temples of Uttar Pradesh.

Mythological story of Govardhan Puja

According to the legend, once Indra Dev got angry with the people of Gokul and started torrential rain, which caused flood situation in Gokul. Then Lord Krishna gave shelter and protected the people of Gokul by lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. After this incident, the importance of Govardhan Puja increased, and since then it started being celebrated to show gratitude to Lord Krishna.

Importance of Govardhan Puja

Respect for natural wealth:Govardhan mountain is considered a symbol of nature and environment. Through this puja, people respect nature and take a pledge to protect it. Importance of agriculture: Govardhan Puja is dedicated to agricultural life. On this day, grains, vegetables and various types of crops are offered to God by farmers. This puja is done to wish for prosperity of agriculture and good harvest. Worship of cow mother: Cow mother has special importance in Govardhan Puja. On this day, cow mother is bathed and dressed in beautiful clothes and worshipped. This is a symbol of respect and reverence towards cow mother in Hinduism.

Method of Govardhan Puja

Making the idol of Govardhan mountain:On this day, a symbolic idol of Govardhan mountain is made, which is usually made from cow dung. It is decorated with flowers and lamps. Annakoot celebration:Annakoot is celebrated during Govardhan Puja. In Annakoot, various types of vegetables, sweets, and grains are cooked and offered to the Lord. After this, this prasad is distributed among the devotees. Cow worship:After bathing the cow, a tilak is applied on her forehead, and a garland of flowers is put around her neck. Then food is offered to her. Circumambulation of Govardhan:There is a tradition of circumambulating the Govardhan mountain during Govardhan Puja. Many people go to Mathura to do the actual circumambulation of Govardhan mountain.

Social and spiritual significance of Govardhan Puja

Through Govardhan Puja, we get the message of Lord Krishna that we should have faith in our strength and avoid superstitions. This festival gives the message of love for nature, respect for agriculture and animal husbandry, and protection of natural resources. Thus Govardhan Puja reminds us of our duties towards God, nature, and society.