Significance Of Govardhan Puja

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The day after Diwali is Varshapratipada which is also known as Govardhan puja. It is the fourth day of Diwali. This puja is performed with great enthusiasm in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

There is a tradition of building cow dung hillocks, which symbolize the mount Govardhan, the mountain which was once lifted by Lord Krishna. After making such hillocks people decorate them with flowers and then worship them. They move in a circle all round the cow dung hillocks and offer prayers to Lord Govardhan.

In some communities the ritual is observed differently. A few communities in India observe the ritual of 'Annakoota'. The word 'Annakoota' means mountain of food. Well, if you are thinking that it is just an expression, then you are wrong. People do offer 56 types of different foods to Lord Krishna, which is no less than a mountain of food!

It is also the day when King Mahabali is said to visit the Earth. Hence, the day is also known as Bali Padyami.

Legend Of Govardhan
According to the scriptures, there was a practice among the people of Braj to offer lavish meals to Lord Indra. In return, Indra promised good rain to nourish their crops. Lord Krishna believed this was a harsh price to pay for the poor farmers. So, He asked the farmers not to offer any lavish offering to Indra. It is after this, the villagers stopped their offerings.

Angered by this gesture of the villagers, Indra flooded the village. He brought heavy rains and soon the village was destroyed under water. People prayed to Lord Krishna to save their lives. Then Krishna came to the rescue and lifted the huge Govardhan mountain on His little finger. The people took refuge under this mountain and were saved from the wrath of Indra. The rains continued for seven days and Krishna kept on holding the mountain.

Significance Of Govardhan Puja
Thus, by offering the Annakoota people show their gratitude towards the Lord. This meal is also called the Chappan bhog. The puja is also significant as it gives us the message of conserving our natural resources. Worshipping the natural elements has always been a practice in Hinduism. The main reason for this worship has always been conservation and protection of the exhaustible natural resources.