Mathura: The sacred city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh witnessed grand celebrations of Govardhan Puja on Tuesday, marked by deep devotion and traditional rituals.
The city’s famous Dwarkadhish Temple became the focal point of festivities, where devotees began gathering early in the morning to participate in the special puja.
Spiritual Significance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja holds a unique place in the hearts of Mathura’s residents, as the city is closely associated with Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes.
The festival commemorates the miraculous event when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to shield the people of Braj from the fury of Indra, the god of rain.
Following age-old traditions, devotees created a symbolic replica of the mountain using cow dung and worshipped it in the temple premises with devotion and reverence.
Celebration of Gratitude and Abundance
Observed a day after Diwali, the festival is also known as Annakut or Annakoot, meaning “a mountain of food.”
It celebrates the Baal Roop (child form) of Lord Krishna. On this auspicious day, devotees offer 56 varieties of vegetarian dishes and sweets, known as Chappan Bhog, to express their gratitude and devotion toward the divine.
Symbolism and Spiritual Message
Govardhan Puja embodies the essence of faith, humility, and divine protection. The legend highlights humanity’s dependence on nature and the importance of respecting and nurturing it.
Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the mountain stands as a timeless symbol of how bhakti (devotion) is the purest means of connecting with divinity.
According to the scriptures, Lord Krishna offered shelter to all living beings of Gokul — humans, animals, and birds — under the raised mountain, reinforcing the belief that unwavering faith in God ensures protection in times of adversity.
The Mythological Tale Behind the Festival
As narrated in the Vishnu Puran, a young Krishna once questioned his mother, Yashoda, about the villagers’ devotion to Lord Indra.
When she explained that Indra controlled rainfall, Krishna disagreed, suggesting that they instead honor Mount Govardhan for providing essential resources for their survival.
The villagers heeded Krishna’s advice, ceasing their worship of Indra. Enraged, Indra commanded Varuna Deva to unleash incessant rain upon Gokul as punishment. To save his people, Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain and held it aloft on his little finger for seven continuous days, offering refuge to all beneath it.
Realizing Krishna’s divine power, Indra eventually conceded defeat and recognized Him as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Since that day, Govardhan Puja has been observed as a festival celebrating nature, humility, and divine grace.
Pilgrimage and Parikrama Tradition
Today, Govardhan Parvat stands as a revered pilgrimage destination for Krishna devotees.
On Annakut, thousands of pilgrims perform the sacred Parikrama — an 11-mile circumambulation of the mountain — offering flowers, diyas (lamps), and food at shrines along the route, reaffirming their faith and devotion.