Fasting & Worship Overview
Calendar: Celebrated on the day following Diwali (Pratipada tithi of Kartika Shukla Paksha) (October/November)
Alternative Names: Annakut Festival (the festival of the food hill)
Deity Worshipped: Giri-Govardhan / Lord Sri Krishna
Significance: Commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill with His little finger to protect the Vrajavasis from the devastating rains sent by Indra.
Key Rituals: Cooking a hill of foodstuffs (Annakut), performing Go-puja (cow worship), and circumambulating Govardhan Hill / Deities.
Observance: Held on the scheduled event date. Please check the Vaishnava Calendar for the exact day this year.
Govardhana Puja is celebrated in the auspicious month of Kartika (October – November) to commemorate the pastime of Lord Sri Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of King Indra.
It is an auspicious start for the rest of the year, and we encourage devotees reading this to kindly consider donating on this day.
The Pastime of Govardhana Lila
When the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana preparing for Indra-yajna (a traditional ceremony to please Indra, who supplies rain), He suggested they forgo the worship of Indra and instead worship the Govardhana Hill, which directly sustains the cows and cowherd men.
Upon coming to know of this, Indra became angry and ordered Samvartaka (the clouds of devastation) to inundate Vrindavana. Severe rains fell like piercing sharp arrows, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and strong winds. The residents took shelter of Krishna, who immediately picked up the Govardhana Hill with His little finger and held it aloft like an umbrella. For one week, the Vrajavasis lived safely under the hill without hunger or discomfort. Indra, astonished to see the seven-year-old child hold the hill, called back his clouds and begged for forgiveness. Thus the Supreme Lord established that a surrendered devotee engaged in devotional service is free from all obligations and need not worship demigods for material favors.
The Annakut Festival & Cow Worship
Following in the footsteps of the residents of Vrindavana, this festival is celebrated with great joy. Devotees prepare varieties of foodstuffs with grain, ghee, and milk, stacking them like a hill (Annakut) to offer to the Lord. After the offering, the food hill is distributed to everyone as prasadam.
Devotees also worship cows on this day, as Krishna is Gopala, the protector of cows. The cows are decorated, bathed, and fed well. Devotees perform circumambulation (parikrama) of the cows and Govardhana Hill.
Govardhanastakam
By Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura (from Stavamrta Lahari)
(1) krsna-prasadena samasta-saila-samrajyam apnoti ca vairino pi / sakrasya yah prapa balim sa saksad govardhano me disatam abhistam
May Govardhana Hill, which by Krsna's mercy became the king of all mountains and received the respectful tribute of its arch-enemy Indra, fulfill my desire.
(2) sva-prestha-hastambuja-saukumarya-sukhanubhuter ati-bhumi-vrtteh / mahendra-vajrahatim apy ajanan govardhano me disatam abhistam
As it was held above the earth, it became so filled with happiness by experiencing the softness of its beloved Krsna's lotus hand, it did not even know it was being struck by Indra's thunderbolt. May Govardhana Hill fulfill my desire.
(3) yatraiva krsno vrsabhanu-putrya danam grhitum kalaham vitene / sruteh sprha yatra mahaty atah sri-govardhano me disatam abhistam
Trying to collect a toll, Krsna quarreled there with King Vrsabhanu's daughter. The personified Vedas yearn to listen to that quarrel. May Govardhana Hill fulfill my desire.
(8) vina bhavet kim hari-dasa-varya-padasrayambhaktir atah srayami / yam eva saprema nijesayoh sri-govardhano me disatam abhistam
Without taking shelter of the feet of the hill that is the best of Lord Hari's servants and full of love for the divine king and queen, how is it possible to attain pure devotional service? May Govardhana Hill fulfill my desire.
Historical Background
Govardhan Puja commemorates the pastime when seven-year-old Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill with His little finger to protect the residents of Vrindavana from the devastating rains sent by King Indra. This pastime, described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (10th Canto), established that a devotee of Krishna need not worship demigods for material benefits.
Spiritual Significance
This festival teaches the importance of surrendering to Krishna and the futility of worshipping demigods. The Annakut (hill of food) prepared on this day represents the Vrajavasis' love for Krishna and their gratitude for His protection.
Blessings & Benefits
Sponsoring Govardhan Puja, especially the Annakut offering and cow worship, brings Krishna's special protection and blessings. Donors who support this festival receive the same mercy that Krishna showed to the residents of Vrindavana.
Govardhan Puja
Support this sacred occasion by offering your contribution. Every donation, no matter how small, is a cherished offering to the Lord.
Offer Govardhan Puja Seva