Govardhana Pūjā

The Govardhana Pūjā festival, or the worship of Govardhana Hill, is based on a miraculous event that took place when Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was present on Earth around 5000 years ago. It highlights Kṛṣṇa's supremacy over the demigods and His unconditional protection of His devotees.

 
The cowherd men of Vṛndāvana, led by Kṛṣṇa's father, Nanda Mahārāja, traditionally worshipped the demigod Indra every year in autumn, offering thanks for favorable weather and sufficient rainfall, which were essential for a successful harvest. While the entire village was busy preparing for the festival, the seven-year-old Kṛṣṇa asked His father about the significance of this festival: Was it a necessary ritual or just a custom? Nanda explained its importance, but young Kṛṣṇa successfully argued that the villagers should first and foremost express their gratitude to Govardhana Hill, as it provided nourishment for the cows with its grasses and water sources, and also offered the residents of Vṛndāvana vital necessities for life. Following Kṛṣṇa's advice, Nanda transferred all the rituals, initially prepared for the worship of Indra, to the worship of Govardhana Hill, and a grand festival was held. During the celebration, Kṛṣṇa expanded Himself to become Govardhana Hill and declared that He was non-different from it. In this form, He accepted the worship of the residents of Vṛndāvana.

 
The heavenly king Indra observed these events from his celestial realm and burned with anger: how could a seven-year-old boy dare to challenge his worship? Indra summoned the clouds of devastation and caused them to rain incessantly over the cowherd village of Vṛndāvana, which was soon threatened by floods. With no other refuge, the residents of Vṛndāvana turned to Kṛṣṇa and pleaded for His protection. Without hesitation, Kṛṣṇa lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of His left hand, allowing all the residents of Vṛndāvana, along with their homes and cows, to take shelter beneath it. The torrential rain lasted for seven days until Indra’s wrath was exhausted. Indra had to acknowledge that Kṛṣṇa was his eternal Lord, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He descended from his heavenly planet and humbly bowed before Kṛṣṇa, offering heartfelt prayers.

 
The Govardhana Pūjā festival this year falls on Saturday, November 2, 2024. We will celebrate it on Sunday, November 3, starting at 2:00 PM at the Bhakti Yoga Center.