Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, holds a significant place in Hindu traditions and is celebrated with great fervor across India. In 2023, this auspicious day falls on November 14th, marking a time for devotees to express their gratitude and devotion to Lord Krishna. Let's delve into the history and significance behind this joyous festival.

GOVARDHAN PUJA 2023- Date and Muhurat

Govardhan Puja typically follows Diwali, occurring a day after the festival of lights. However, the alignment with the Hindu calendar can introduce a one-day gap between Diwali and Govardhan Puja.

Specifically observed on the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika, as per the Hindu calendar, Govardhan Puja in 2023 is slated for November 14.

The Pratipada Tithi kicks off at 2:56 PM on November 13 and concludes at 2:36 PM on November 14. For those observing Govardhan Puja, propitious timings fall in the morning, spanning from 06:43 AM to 08:52 AM.

The Legend of Govardhan Puja:

The origins of Govardhan Puja trace back to the sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavata Purana. According to the legend, the residents of the village of Gokul, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, to ensure bountiful harvests. However, Lord Krishna, in his wisdom, suggested that they should instead worship the Govardhan Hill, which provided them with everything they needed.

Unperturbed by the change in tradition, the villagers decided to follow Krishna's advice. In response, Lord Indra, feeling slighted, unleashed a torrential downpour upon Gokul. The villagers, faced with the threat of flooding, turned to Krishna for help. In a remarkable display of divine power, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, providing shelter to the entire village from the relentless rain.

Witnessing this awe-inspiring feat, the villagers and Lord Krishna's devotees recognized his supreme power and divinity. The defeated Lord Indra, humbled by Krishna's actions, sought forgiveness and understanding. Thus, Govardhan Puja symbolizes the triumph of faith, humility, and the importance of recognizing the true source of prosperity.

Celebrations of Govardhan Puja:

On Govardhan Puja, devotees construct elaborate miniature mountains made of various food items, known as "Annakut," symbolizing the Govardhan Hill. These food mountains are adorned with a plethora of sweets, fruits, and other delicacies, showcasing the abundance and generosity of nature. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and express their gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.

Temples become vibrant with decorations, and a spirit of joy permeates the air as people come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The act of creating the Annakut is not only a symbolic gesture but also a reminder of the interconnectedness between humankind and the environment.

Significance of Govardhan Puja in Modern Context:

In today's fast-paced world, Govardhan Puja serves as a reminder to appreciate the gifts of nature and to cultivate a sense of gratitude. The festival encourages environmental consciousness and the responsible use of resources, emphasizing the need to protect and preserve the natural world.

As devotees celebrate Govardhan Puja in 2023, the timeless message of Lord Krishna's teachings resonates, inspiring individuals to embrace humility, foster a sense of community, and acknowledge the divine in everyday life.

In essence, Govardhan Puja transcends time and continues to be a celebration of spirituality, gratitude, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity with the environment.

If you liked this article or want to share some information with us then do write us in the comment section below.

Comment below your views. We would love to hear from you. Don't forget to subscribe to us on our Social Channels to never miss out on any updates from us.

For Astrology, Numerology, and Reiki Services – Contact us at 9324801420 or drop your queries at  askus@jaymahakaal.com 

For more such updates do like our page @jaymahakaal01 and keep visiting www.jaymahakaal.com

The Govardhan Puja is commemorated on the second day of Diwali, the Gujarati New Year. On this day, people worship Lord Krishna, Govardhan mountain, and cattle. On this day, 56 or 108 different foods are prepared and served to Lord Krishna. These dishes are known as "Annakoot." Lord Krishna is said to have spared the lives of millions of creatures and beings from Lord Indra's anger by holding the massive Govardhan mountain under his tiny finger with his heavenly might to safeguard the inhabitants of Braj. The Annakoot festival is another name for it. On this day, people make Govardhan from cow dung and worship it in their houses.

The theological significance of worshipping Govardhan is that Lord Krishna intended to shatter Indra's pride. Therefore, he shielded the Gokul inhabitants from Indra by lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. On the day of Kartik Shukla Pratipada, Lord Krishna is said to have honored Govardhan mountain by performing 56 Bhog. Govardhan Puja has been practiced since then, and the celebration of Govardhan Puja and Annakoot is held every year.

Govardhan Puja Significance

Govardhan Puja is one of the most religious festivals for Sanatan Dharma practitioners because it honors the sacred cow. This is also done in many other areas for the wealth and happiness of the family, overall wellness, and longevity.

The Method of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan is revered first thing in the morning. On this day, the Govardhan mountain should be worshipped because it was created from cow dung. Once the Govardhan figure has been created, set the Lord Krishna statue in the middle. Make a bowl-sized orifice in the image's belly and stuff it with milk, curd, Gangajal, nectar, base, and other ingredients. Incense, light, and Naivedya should be offered to the newly created Govardhan mountain. Offer people food, chocolates, and other treats as well.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about the significance, procedure, and muhurta of Govardhan Puja, contact our expert astrologers.

FOR ANY ENQUIRY, WRITE TO US AT -  askus@jaymahakaal.com

If you liked this article or, then do write us in the comment section below.

For Astrology, Numerology, and Reiki Services – Contact us at 9324801420 

We also deal in original quality and certified Rudraksha, Crystals and Gems. Contact us for more information.

For more such updates do like our page @jaymahakaal01 and keep visiting www.jaymahakaal.com

Why is Govardhan Puja important?

Govardhan Puja is one amongst the most significant and prominent five-day festivities in Diwali.The Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot festival is observed on the second day of this festival. This festival commemorates Lord Krishna's triumph over Indra. It is observed on the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. The number of days between Diwaliand Govardhan Puja is affected by lunar cycles. It is believed to worship and serve cows on this day; as cows are meant to be as pure as Mata Ganga. Devotees worship Govardhan Hill and prepare and offer a large variety of vegetarian food to Krishna as a mark of gratitude.

The story behind Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Parvat, a tiny hill near Braj is supposed to be known as the King of the Mountains, according to the Vishnu Purana. Based the Govardhan Puja Story, during the Dwapar Yuga, the inhabitants of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra-God of Ego for adequate rains and agricultural output. Lord Krishna then instructed people to worship Govardhan Parvat rather than Devraj Indra since the former is responsible for rain, clean air, and fodder for cows. When everyone heard this, they all agreed with Lord Krishna and began worshipping Govardhan, which enraged and offended Devraj Indra. As a response, God Indra sent severe rains to devastate Gokul, leaving the Brajvas scared.

Lord Krishna then used all of his almighty strength to lift the whole Govardhan Parvat on his little finger, shielding the people from the terrible rains. After watching this, Indra attempted to make it rain for 7 days straight but was unsuccessful. He recognized that the person he was challenging was not an average person, but rather the almighty Lord Vishnu in human form. God Indra quickly apologized to Lord Krishna for his folly.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the tale of Govardhan hill and Lord Krishna.

Ritually the day celebrates the bond between a husband and his wife. In some regions, the day is celebrated as Govardhan puja to honor the legend of Lord Krishna saving the cowherd and farming communities from incessant rains and floods triggered by Indra's anger, which he accomplished by lifting the Govardhan mountain.

Govardhan Puja Vidhi

On the auspicious festival of Diwali, lakhs of devotees from all across the country go to Govardhan Parvat in the Mathura region of Uttar Pradesh. Pradakshina (rotation) around the Parvat is completed, and Lord Agni, Fire, Thunder, Oceans, and Varuna are worshipped in addition to unique Govardhan Puja Vidhis.

People prepare 56 or 108 kinds of meals cooked with wheat, rice, gram flour on Govardhan Puja. The Vegetarian delicacies are then offered to Lord Krishna. To mark the festival, a hillock is created from cow dung which is referred to as Govardhan and is decorated with flowers. The devotees walk all the way round the hillock to pray Lord Govardhan for their wellbeing and to safeguard their families. 

Examine some of the most significant ceremonies related to this day.

• Cow dung is used to build the Govardhan, which is then decked with flowers and venerated in the early morning or late evening. This puja includes garlands, sandalwood, incense sticks, fruits, water, and prasad.

• The cow dung sculpture with a clay light on top is displayed in the house's courtyard. Curd, milk, honey, Bataashe (crystalized sugar), and Gangajal are then served.

• After the puja, participants do revolutions around the Parvat constructed of dung, which represents Govardhan Parvat. Following the completion of the revolutions, barley is planted in the ground.

• Lord Krishna is offered with Annakoot, fruits, flowers, cereals, milk sweets, khichdi, and other delights, which are distributed to family members afterward.

This festival of Govardhan is also very important from a scientific point of view. People in rural areas also smear their houses with cow dung on this day. In fact, many bacteria or germs which are produced during the rainy season and increases the risk of diseases die due to cow dung. Thus protecting people from disease.

Shubh Muhurat & Time for Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja will be held this year on November 5th, which is the first day of the Vikram Samvat calendar. This puja, which is observed on Amavasya, is conducted on a certain Muhurat in Hindu tradition. Those doing this puja should keep the following Govardhan Puja Time in mind.

Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat -

Pratipada Tithi Prarambha - Morning - 06:35 AM Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat - Pratipada Tithi Prarambha - Morning - 06:35 AM (5th November 2021)
Pratahkal Govardhan Puja Muhurat: 06:35:38 to 08:47:12
Muhurat for Govardhan Puja Sayankal: 15:21:53 to 17:33:27

Govardhan Puja Vidhi is performed with tremendous passion and faith. It conveys a message to each one of us that tells us not to disrespect our Mother Nature and her super-natural powers.

If you liked this article or want to share some information with us then do write us in the comment section below. You can drop your queries on 9324801420 or on askus@jaymahakaal.com .

For more such updates do like our page @jaymahakaal01 and keep visiting www.jaymahakaal.com

DIWALI            |               DHANTERAS                |           DIWALI TIPS