Govardhan Pooja is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the sixth day of the bright half of Kartik month in the Vikram Samvat calendar (October-November). It is also known as Annapurna vratam, Annakoota vratam and Annapurna Jayanti. The significance of Govardhan Pooja is that Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect his devotees from torrential rains sent by Indra.
Why is Govardhan Pooja done?
The origin of the Govardhan Pooja can be traced back to ancient times. The tradition has evolved over time and now includes many rituals and practices that have become popular in different parts of India. The most famous celebration of this festival takes place at Mount Govardhan near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh every year on Kartik Poornima (the full moon night) in October or November.
It is observed to commemorate Lord Krishna’s victory over Lord Indra and to honor Govardhan Hill, a sacred hill located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna convinced the people of his village to stop worshiping Lord Indra and instead worship Govardhan Hill. Lord Indra, the god of rain, became angry and sent a powerful storm to the village. However, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger and protected the villagers and their cattle from the storm. This shows that God is always protecting his devotees.
Govardhan has now become a popular pilgrimage spot in Braj for Krishna worshippers. On Annakut, believers circumambulate the hill and present food to the mountain, which is one of the oldest Braj traditions. The circumambulation is an eleven-mile journey that includes various shrines where worshippers leave flowers and other tributes.
What Are The Rituals Performed During Pooja?
To commemorate this occasion, followers construct a symbolic duplicate of Govardhan Hill out of food items such as grains, fruits, and vegetables arranged in a mountain-like structure. This food sacrifice is known as Annakut, or “a mountain of food,” and it is given to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill. Devotees also pray and execute rituals in order to obtain Lord Krishna’s blessings for wealth and good fortune. Hindus also regard Annakut as a time to teach children religious and cultural values, to petition God for forgiveness, and to exhibit devotion to God.
Diyas, or earthen lamps, are burned in temples and households to represent good triumphing over evil. To get Lord Krishna’s blessings, certain prayers, pujas, and rituals are done. Devotees chant hymns, perform devotional songs, and recite the Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism’s sacred scripture.
A feast is prepared for family and friends, and various sweets and savories are distributed as prasad or blessed food. On this day, people give donations to the poor and needy and also feed animals and birds. In some parts of India, processions are taken out with idols of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill, along with music and dance.
Govardhan Puja is a significant festival for Hindus, and it reflects the rich mythology, culture, and traditions of the religion. It is a time for gratitude, devotion, and seeking blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.
Leave a Comment