Again a smile spreads on my face as I remember another interesting episode from the life of Shri Krishna, Goverdhan Puja!
Govardhan Puja 2025 is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, which is known as the second day of the bright half of Kartik month. Today in this blog we are going to talk about Govardhan Puja celebration, its importance, how a seven year old boy lifted Govardhan hill and the interesting story behind celebrating it.
Jai Shree Krishna!
Do you know the interesting story behind Goverdhan Puja? Why did Lord Krishna lift the Govardhan hill? Here is this blog with some of the very amazing narratives related to Goverdhan Puja.
About Goverdhan Hill
Goverdhan hill is a popular sacred hill mentioned in Bhagwat Geeta. It connects us to the real life incident that took place 5000 years ago. Its visible existence is real even today in Mathura. Goverdhan is situated about 23 km from Mathura district. The hill has an elevation of about 179 m and the parikrama stretches for about 7 (cos) or 21 km around the hill.
Moreover, other main spots highlighted in Goverdhan includes Anyor, Jatipura, Mukharvind Temple, Punchri ka lautha, Daan ghati, Mansi Ganga, Radha Kund Kirshna kund sangam, Kusum Sarovar and many special temples in the way.
Story about lifting of Govardhan Hill
According to one of the stories, Goverdhan Puja began as a result of a lesson taught to Indra. Indra is the God of thunder and storm who was responsible for rain in Vrindavan. All the residents of brij worshipped Indra every year for rain. Once they were doing preparations for Indra worship, Lord Krishna advised them to worship Govardhan hill instead.
Further he highlighted the importance of Govardhan hill as it is the main source of all food (Ann). So, all the people of brij followed Krishna’s advice and worshipped Govardhan hill. They offered flowers, fruits, food prepared and prayers to the hill.
Lord Krishna appeared at Govardhan hill and accepted the offerings. He then returned prasadam to the people of brij. Everyone was so happy and pleased by the offerings.
As Indra realised that his worship was stopped by Lord Krishna, his ego was hurt. He decided to take revenge. So he sent powerful clouds in brij which created a huge storm and heavy rain. Soon after this innocent people of brij were threatened and pleaded Lord Krishna for help. This was the time when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on his Little finger. By this act Krishna saved everyone from devastating floods and storms.
According to the Hindu scriptures, this heavy rain continued for about seven days. This was the most adventurous time.
Moral of the story
Offerings made to God never go to waste. In fact, they always come back as a blessing. So, don’t be a miser when it comes to giving anything for God or his devotees.
Ego takes you away from God and following God’s advice can draw you near him. Like, all people didn’t even think twice and followed Krishna blindly and were saved by God himself. So, relax and give all yourself to the Lord. You never know how he will save you.
Interesting facts
- It is believed that not even a single drop of rainwater fell in Vrindavan as all the water was soaked by Krishna’s Chakra.
- People of brij survived on the prasadam which was prepared in heavy amounts for the worship ritual.
- This Leela was done to subdue Indra’s ego.
- Originally Govardhan hill was placed in Himachal which was brought to Vrindavan.
Puja Rituals
Lifting of Govardhan hill and the ritual of worshipping it is a special event also known as “Annakut”. It involves a lot of activities to show gratitude towards the mighty hill.
Goverdhan worship
Initially, worship begins with the royal “Abhishek” of hill by offering milk, Desi ghee, honey, curd, sugar and sacred water (Ganga or Yamuna).
After cleaning, some “itra”, a perfume is applied. Then a piece of cloth is offered.
People show dhoop, deep and offer milk, food, fruits, flowers and sweets to the hill as prasadam.
Then Aarti is done with dhoop and deep at last. After all worship is done devotees sing bhajans and sacred “padas” for Govardhan hill to please him.
Annakoot
A grand feast of about 56 dishes known as “chappan bhog” is offered to Goverdha hill or Giriraj. It is done in the honor of Lord Krishna as a lover of food and community.
Making of Giriraj at Home
As everyone cannot visit Goverdhan so people worship at home. In “brij” especially Goverdhan, Mathura, Vrindavan and nearby areas people prepare miniature Goverdhan on the floor. They use cow dung, clay or mud, whichever is available to prepare the miniature. They offer flowers, leaves, milk, sweet batashas and other dishes as bhog.
Cow Worship
Cow is considered a living divine on earth which is worshipped by devotees. In Sanatan Dharma Cow is the favorite of Lord Krishna and treated as mother. Cow worship is also done by people.
Bhajan and Kirtan
After Aarti, devotees sing bhajans, sacred rhymes and padas for God. To please Govardhan hill, people sing lots of bhajans and do kirtan in front of Govardhan hill.
Distribution of Prasadam and feeding people
Goverdhan Puja is the day of spreading love, happiness, food and feeding the people. You can see lots of “bhandaras” that are feasts or community feasts everywhere.
These are the most common rituals done by devotees in “Brij”.
Date and Time
Goverdha Puja
Date: 22 October, 2025, Wednesday
Time: 6:26 a.m. to 8:42 a.m.
Pratipada Tithi
Begins: 21st October, Tuesday, 5:54 p.m.
Ends: 22nd October, Wednesday, 8:16 p.m.
Conclusion
Govardhan hill Puja is a pure amalgamation of nature and human with divine. It teaches about the necessity of conservation of Nature for our own benefit. Through this it also establishes a strong bond between Krishna the divine and common man. Further, it strengthens the community bonding and preaches about the importance of sharing and caring. So, friends, be ready to welcome Goverdhan next year with full energy and bless yourself.
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