ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः

Govardhan Puja is the festival of gratitude towards God. The beautiful festival denotes how false pride shatters ultimately after facing the Higher Power. The festival also depicts the importance of worshipping nature and environment.

And such inspiring lessons are based on an interesting tale related to Lord Krishna on which Govardhan Puja is based.

The story goes like this.

Lord Krishna, the Ultimate Saviour

Govardhan is a small hillock situated near Mathura. In ancient days, people of Gokul used to worship Lord Indra blindly by following irrational rituals and offering sacrifices to please Him. The villagers believed it is just Lord Indra who sends rain to the earth for their welfare and there is no contribution of nature in the phenomenon.

People also believed if they displease Lord Indra, He would get angry and there will be no rain leading to many problems and scarcities.

Lord Krishna was against this blind faith.

He asked villagers not to follow the rituals without any rational. He explained the contribution of the Govardhan Mountain and nature in bringing rain. He pursued villagers to worship the mountain as well since it plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of nature.

Now people started worshiping the Govardhan Mountain and this made Lord Indra furious. He started venting anger upon the villagers through heavy rains and thunderstorms.

The life of villagers came under severe threat due to heavy floods. They prayed Lord Krishna and He came forward to ensure the safety of His devotees.

He lifted the mountain on the little finger of His right hand effortlessly and asked all the villagers to gather under the mountain.

The villagers took shelter under it and saved their lives.  He lifted the mountain for seven days and seven nights.

Now Lord Indra realized his egotism and acknowledged that Nature is equally important. He started seeking forgiveness from Lord Krishna and also offered His reverence to nature and the Govardhan Mountain, and since then, Govardhan Puja came into existence.

Eat Healthy-Be Healthy

So, the Govardhan Puja inspires everyone to worship nature and God in order to be safe and healthy.

Moreover, when someone wants to get close to nature, he embarks on a journey to the mountains. This is because no place can provide salubrious environs and fresh air like a mountain does. The mountains represent good health and closeness to nature. So, celebrate the importance of hills on this day.

Offer a ‘mountain’ of fresh food, representing a high hill, to Lord Krishna. Include a variety of vegetarian dishes, cereals, sweets and other savoury foods of your choice in the offering. The festival is also known as ‘Annakuta Puja’. Prepare ‘Annakut ki Sabzi‘ on the occasion and offer it to God.

Winters are approaching. A variety of green vegetables are available in the market. Cook them in an iron vessel and consume to enhance the iron and haemoglobin level in your body. It will prevent various diseases. By doing this you can prepare yourself to deal with the changing season.

Finally, worship Mother Cow on this auspicious day and do not forget to serve the needy.

Understand that Govardhan Puja is not just a ritual. It is the acknowledgment that along with Gods and Goddesses, nature should also be revered. So, celebrate the day soulfully seeking good health and riches from Lord Krishna and nature.

Wishes for a fulfilling Govardhan Puja!