Govardhan Puja 2024 2nd November
Govardhan Puja – Rituals and Traditions
Govardhan Puja is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated with immense zeal and fervor across India and beyond. on the second day of Diwali, which falls on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the worship of Annakoot and Govardhan is primarily performed. This is essentially a worship of nature initiated by Lord Krishna. On this day, homage is paid to the Govardhan mountain as a symbol of nature, and also to the cow as a foundation of society. This tradition originated from Braj and gradually became prevalent throughout India. This year, Annakoot and Govardhan Puja fall on November 2nd, and it’s advisable to observe it. Along with the symbolic worship of Govardhan mountain, there’s also a connection to the prosperity of cows; hence special worship of cows is conducted on this day. Understanding the significance of nature worship, cow worship, and the importance of food is essential. That’s why in Hindu tradition, a whole day is dedicated to the worship of Annakoot. According to the Vedas, on this day, worship is also offered to Varuna, Indra, and Agni.
The next day of Diwali, cows are adorned, worshipped, offered fruits and sweets, and their dung is used to create an image of Govardhan mountain. Following this, worship with flowers, incense, lamps, and offerings is conducted. On this day, a meal is prepared in one kitchen with various dishes, and after everyone participates in worship, they sit together and have the meal. In the worship of Annakoot, the importance of consuming grains as an offering to God is emphasized; hence onions and garlic should not be included in the food prepared.
On the day of Govardhan Puja, in the morning, apply oil to the body, take a bath, and then create an image of Govardhan mountain at the main entrance of the house using cow dung. Make the Govardhan mountain with cow dung, place cow and calf figures nearby, and place the idol of Lord Krishna amidst them. Then perform worship with 16 items or Panchopchar, offer food and Panchamrit to Lord Krishna. After this, listen to the story of Govardhan Puja, distribute prasad, and have a meal together with everyone. If you reside in the Braj region, you’re fortunate as you can directly go there and perform the worship of Govardhan mountain at the Giriraj Maharaj temple. Otherwise, you should symbolically create the Govardhan mountain and worship it, which will be highly beneficial for you. Remember, Govardhan signifies the expansion of the cow’s lineage; hence special worship of cows should also be conducted on the day of Govardhan Puja. Here’s how: In the morning, after performing worship at your home, go to the cowshed. If possible, bathe the cows there. Then adorn the cows and feed them fruits and sweets by your own hands. After that, if you wish, you can also feed them green fodder with respect. Then take a little soil near the feet of the cow and apply tilak to it. Following this procedure will honor both the tradition and the essence of Govardhan Puja.
Govardhan Puja – Historical Background
The story goes that instead of worshipping Indra, Lord Krishna initiated the worship of the Govardhan mountain. When Braj was flooded, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan mountain to protect the residents.
One day, young Krishna returned home playing and saw Yashoda and Nand Baba preparing a puja for Lord Indra, hoping for rain and a good harvest. Krishna questioned why they were worshipping Indra when it was his responsibility to bring rain. He explained that they should instead worship those who selflessly provide for them, like Govardhan mountain, which gives them medicines, greenery, food, and shelter for their animals.
Krishna suggested they perform the puja for Govardhan mountain instead. Despite Nand Baba’s concerns about angering Indra, Krishna assured them he would handle it. The residents of Brindavan came together and began the puja, angering Indra, who sent immense rain to submerge the land.
Seeing the danger, the villagers sought Krishna’s help. He reminded them of his promise to take responsibility and instructed everyone to gather wood sticks to support Govardhan mountain. He used his left hand’s small finger to lift the mountain, ensuring everyone contributed and sharing the burden.
Yashoda offered food to Krishna eight times a day, but during the seven days of holding Govardhan mountain, Krishna did not eat. On the eighth day, after completing his task, Yashoda prepared 56 types of dishes for him—reflecting the 7 days multiplied by the 8 offerings per day. This tradition of offering 56 bhog to Lord Krishna originated from this incident.
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Govardhan Puja’s MANTRAS
।।गोवर्धन पूजा मंत्र ।।
गोवर्धन धराधार गोकुल त्राणकारक।
विष्णुबाहु कृतोच्छ्राय गवां कोटिप्रभो भव।।
।।श्री कृष्ण के शक्तिशाली मंत्र।।
”श्री कृष्णाय वयं नुम:
सच्चिदानंदरूपाय विश्वोत्पत्यादिहेतवे।
तापत्रयविनाशाय श्रीकृष्णाय वयं नुम:।।
ॐ देविकानन्दनाय विधमहे वासुदेवाय धीमहि तन्नो कृष्ण:प्रचोदयात”
।।श्री कृष्ण स्तुति ।।
श्री कृष्णचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन, नन्द नन्दन यदुवरम्
आनन्दमय सुखराशि ब्रजपति, भक्तजन संकटहरम्
सिर मुकुट कुण्डल तिलक उर, बनमाल कौस्तुभ सुन्दरम्
आजानु भुज पट पीत धर, कर लकुटि मुख मुरली धरम्
बृष भानुजा सह राजहिं प्रिय, सुमन सुभव सिंहासनम्
ललितादि सखिजन सेवहिं, लिए छत्र चामर व्यंजनम्
पूतना-तृण-शंकट-अधबक, केशि-व्योम-विमर्दनम्
रजक-गज-चाणूर-मुष्टिक, दुष्ट कंस निकन्दनम्
गो-गोप गोपीजन सुखद, कालीय विषधर गंजनम्
भव-भय हरण अशरणशरण, ब्रह्मादि मुनि-मन रंजनम्
श्याम-श्यामा करत केलि, कालिन्दी तट नट नागरम्
सोइ रूप मम हिय बसहुं नित, आनन्दघन सुख सागरम्
इति वदति सन्त सुजान श्री सनकादि मुनिजन सेवितम्
भव-मोतिहर मन दीनबन्धो, जयति जय सर्वेश्वरम्.
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