This blogpost discusses the significance of Govardhan in the Indian mythology.
Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill, Image Source: Ustad Sahibdin
LOCATION
Close to the home of Krishna
Govardhan is a small and famous town in the district of Mathura which played an important role in the story of Krishna’s childhood. This place is home to one of the most important places in Indian mythology, Govardhan Hill.
It is close to many temples of Mathura which invite several devotees and tourists every year. Govardhan celebrates an important festival called Govardhan Puja or Annakoot where devotees visit and worship the Govardhan hill and express their devotion to God Krishna. The town of Govardhan is known for many tales of Krishna and his brother Balram.
MYTHOLOGY
The story which tells all about the powers of Krishna
One of the most important taleS for which Govardhan is known for is the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by the God Krishna. This story was synonymous to the display of power and the fact that Krishna was more than just a resident of Mathura. His powers saved the people of Govardhan from the torrential rains.
This story also marks an event where it is said that Krishna defeated the Lord of Thunder and Rain, Lord Indra. According to the Indian mythology, the story goes that Krishna is convinced to follow the path of dharma and not perform any sacrifices for rain and thunder. This led to Lord Indra unleashing anger on the town of Govardhan and made the clouds rain mercilessly.
To protect the villagers and the cattle from devastation, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill for people to take shelter under. This began the journey of Krishna becoming known as a supreme power. This incident plays an important role in setting the tone for the epic of Mahabharata and the role Krishna will play in the future of the Kauravas and Pandavas.
SIGNIFICANCE
A place of worship
Mathura and Govardhan scores of tourists and devotees every year and from everywhere. One of the most important festivals that invites several devotees to the town is Govardhan Pooja or Annakoot festival.
The word, ‘Govardhan’ means that which increases the senses. This is indicative of Govardhan being a place which increases the devotion and connection of the devotees towards God Krishna. It is said that Govardhan is a place where devotees can experience more devotion and gratitude towards God Krishna.
The Govardan Hill in Govardhan is a place where devotees perform the Govardhan Pooja to express their gratitude toward God Krishna by offering vegetarian food to the deities and God Krishna. This day is marked as the fourth day of the festival of Diwali. There are different ways the festival is celebrated and the Govardhan Hill is worshipped. Some people create structures of cow dung and decorate it with earthen lamps or Diyaas. People worship Lord Govardhan on this day.
Govardhan, a source of the most popular stories about Krishna
With the beautiful display of power of Krishna to save the village, Krishna also started the concept of worship and prayers where people follow the path of Dharma and not just sacrifice for the sake of worship. The lifting of Govardhan Hill built a faith that the almighty will protect the people in the case of adversity.
To know more about such places of religious importance, keep reading the blogposts on Sameedh.
