Govardhan Puja 2017: Worship The Heavenly Hillock

The date of Govardhan Puja in 2017 is October 20. This day is dedicated to worship Govardhan Parvat and Lord Krishna, the protector of humanity. Observe the rituals of Govardhan Puja or Padva for a blissful life. Read all about Govardhan Puja here…

Govardhan Puja or Padva is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra. Counted among the most important festival of Hindus, this day is mainly celebrated in Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Govardhan Puja is known by different names like Anna-Koot, Annakut, Padwa, Govardhan Puja and Padva. In this article on Govardhan Puja, we will read all about this festive day and the facts related to it.

Govardhan Puja : The Legend Of Govardhan Parvat

Govardhan is the name of a small hill located in Braj. As per the Vishnu Purana, people of Gokul used to worship and please Lord Indra with a belief that it was Indra who used to cause rains. Once, Lord Krishna told them not Indra, but Govardhan Parvat is the reason behind the rains. He encouraged Gokul Nivasees (people of Gokul) to worship the mount Govardhan. This act of Gokul residents annoyed Lord Indra and he caused heavy rainfall in anger. This heavy rainfall became the reason of concern for all the people. To save their lives, Lord Krishna first worshiped Govardhan Parvat and then lifted it on the little finger of his right hand. Everybody took shelter under the hill and their lives got saved. With this event, Lord Krishna came to be known as 'Govardhan Dhari'.

Govardhan Puja : Worship King Bali On Govardhan Puja

In South India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as Bali Pratipada in honor of king Bali. It is said that on the day of Govardhan Puja, Lord Vishnu sent King Bali to the netherworld. Let’s read more about this legend.

Long ago, there was a king named as Bali. He was very famous and benevolent in his kingdom. With the rising popularity and fame, the king became a matter of concern for the Devas (gods). As a result, Aditi, the mother of Devas, went to Lord Vishnu and told him that it is possible for king Bali to rule earth as well as the heaven. She asked the lord to reduce Bali's powers, as it may affect the Devas. On this, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf and went to the king's kingdom. During that time, the king was busy in performing Yagna. Vamana went near him and asked for alms. As Bali was courteous, he asked Vamana to make a wish. Vamana asked him for three parts of land, equal to the size of his footsteps. His wish was happily accepted by the king.

On this, Vamana raised his stature and claimed earth with his first step and using the second step, he occupied heaven. Realizing that no other part of land was available, the king offered his head to the lord, as the final step. As soon as the lord placed his foot on Mahabali's head, the king was sent to the underworld, Sutala. However, as the king was very kind hearted and was dear to the people of his kingdom, Vishnu gave him the boon that he can visit his kingdom once in every year. So, as per the beliefs of this day, the king visits his kingdom on the day of Govardhan Puja. Therefore, Govardhan Puja day is celebrated as the homecoming of the great King Bali.

Govardhan Puja : Celebrations Around The Nation

The various traditions of Govardhan Puja.

Govardhan Puja : Annakut

Annakut or Anna Koot refers to a mountain made of food. On this highly auspicious day of Govardhan Puja, devotees get up early morning and perform ceremonial prayers. After this, they indulge in preparing the special dish, Annakoot to offer as Bhog (sacred food) to Lord Krishna. The real celebrations of Annakut are seen in the temples of Mathura and Nathdwara, where devotees give holy bath to the idols of Lord Krishna, adorn them with gaudy clothes & jewellery and offer fruits & sweets. After performing these rituals, prayers are offered and religious songs are sung.

Govardhan Puja : Padva

Padva is the day when according to the beliefs of the people; king Bali comes and visits his kingdom. For this reason, this day is also known as 'Bali Padyami'.

The literal meaning of Padva is the first day of Hindu lunar fortnight. Govardhan Padwa is very auspicious. That is why it is known as Padva or Bali Padva in Maharashtra. Padva holds very importance for the people of this state. On this day, wives apply 'Tilak' on the forehead of their husbands, perform Aarti and pray for their long and blissful life. Govardhan Puja is known as the day of love and affection shared between the married couples. As a part of Padva tradition, newly married daughters are invited by their parents along with their husbands for a special meal.

Govardhan Puja : Rituals Done On Govardhan Puja

On the day of Govardhan Puja, people create hillocks using cow dung and decorate it with flowers. These hillocks represent the Govardhan Parvat. After creating the model of Govardhan Parvat, it is worshiped by the devotees and they make rounds (Parikrama) around it while praying for the welfare of their loved ones. In some regions of the country, this day is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat commences from this very day of Govardhan Puja.

Govardhan Puja : The Delightful Dish

This is a very special meal which includes a total of 56 dishes, known as ‘Chhappan Bhog’. This elaborate meal has various sweets, tempting dishes, and snacks. On the eve of Govardhan Puja, ‘Annakoot’ is prepared in many families and is enjoyed in company of relatives and friends.

Annakut is a mixed vegetable curry, which is known as ‘Annakut Ki Sabzi’ or ‘Gadd Ki Sabzi’.

Govardhan Puja : Some Other Dishes To Enjoy

Other than enjoying the yummy ‘Annakoot’, you can prepare a lot more dishes on Govardhan Puja. These sweets and dishes are simple to make, mouth-watering and will give your taste buds that distinctive taste. Have a look at these dishes and surprise your family and friends on Govardhan Puja.

So, this was all about Govardhan Puja. On this Govardhan Puja, send your wishes and greetings to your loved ones through Govardhan Puja SMS, Govardhan Puja images & texts. Make the best of this festival and please Lord Krishna. Conducting the rituals in the right way will surely help in fulfilment of all your wishes and desires.

AstroCAMP wishes you an amazing Govardhan Puja...!