Govardhan Puja 2023: Instead of the usual date of November 13, Govardhan Puja this year is being celebrated on November 14, the day after Diwali. On the occasion of Govardhan Puja, women create an image of the Govardhan mountain with cow dung and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. This festival is closely associated with Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Lord Krishna, and the significance of the Govardhan mountain, which is also linked to the childhood of Lord Krishna spent in Gokul-Vrindavan. There are some stories related to this sacred mountain.
If you have a day off on the occasion of Govardhan Puja, consider visiting the city of Lord Krishna with your family to understand the importance of this day. Govardhan Puja is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. If you are planning to celebrate Govardhan Puja in Mathura and Gokul, you will find all the information related to Govardhan Puja and the Govardhan mountain’s significance.
The Legend of Govardhan Puja
This year, Govardhan Puja is being celebrated on November 14. The story of Govardhan Puja is related to the playful antics of Lord Krishna in his childhood form. Once, there was heavy rainfall in Gokul. The people of Gokul believed that Lord Indra was upset with them, and they started worshiping him. On hearing this, Lord Krishna took the residents of Gokul to the nearby Govardhan mountain and said, “O Govardhan Nath, protect us.” Saying this, Krishna lifted the mountain with his little finger, and the people of Gokul came down from the mountain to take shelter. Since that day, Govardhan Puja has been celebrated. It is believed that the Govardhan mountain stops the clouds and brings rain to the Braj region, improving agriculture.
Circumambulation of Govardhan Mountain
Every year, on the occasion of Govardhan Puja, people from all over visit Mathura and Barsana to worship Govardhan mountain and create an offering of food known as ‘Annakut.’ Circumambulating Govardhan mountain holds special significance on this day. It is believed that circumambulating the Govardhan mountain fulfills one’s wishes and provides the same benefits as a Char Dham Yatra (pilgrimage). So, if you haven’t been on a Char Dham Yatra, circumambulating the Govardhan mountain will grant you similar blessings.
How to Reach Krishna’s Abode?
Mathura, Barsana, and Gokul are located in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna was born and spent his childhood. The journey from Delhi to Krishna’s city takes only about two to three hours. You can travel here by bus or taxi through the Yamuna Expressway. You can explore the land of Braj in a short amount of time and budget.
Sacred Places of Braj
If you are heading to Braj for Govardhan Puja, along with circumambulating Govardhan mountain, you can also visit other temples. The Mukut Mukharavind Temple, Dan Ghati Temple, and the Mukharbind Temple in Jatipura are located on the banks of the Manasi Ganga. Special arrangements are made for Annakut in Jatipura on the occasion of Govardhan Puja.
Please note that the celebration of Govardhan Puja and the legends associated with it are an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of India.
