Discover the auspicious date and time for Govardhan Puja 2023. Celebrate this vibrant festival with joy and reverence. Mark your calendars now!
Inroduction to Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is a Hindu festival that commemorates the miraculous feat of Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain and storm. It is celebrated on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik, on the fourth day of Diwali. In 2023, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on November 13.
The day after Diwali is also the first day of the Vikram Samvat calendar, thus marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
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The Story of Govardhan Puja
- According to the Bhagavata Purana, one of the most sacred scriptures of Hinduism, Krishna spent his childhood in the pastoral village of Vrindavan, where he performed many divine and heroic deeds with his friends and cows. One of these incidents involved challenging the authority of Indra, who was worshipped by the villagers as the provider of rain and fertility.
- Krishna noticed that the villagers were preparing to offer a lavish sacrifice to Indra, as per their annual tradition. He questioned them about the necessity of this ritual, and suggested that they should instead worship the Govardhan Hill, which was the source of their food, water, and shelter. He argued that Indra was only doing his duty as a god, and that the real benefactor was the hill, which nourished and protected them.
- The villagers were convinced by Krishna’s logic, and decided to follow his advice. They cancelled the sacrifice to Indra, and instead prepared a mountain of food and delicacies to offer to the Govardhan Hill. Krishna then assumed the form of the hill himself, and accepted their offerings with gratitude.
- Indra was furious when he learned that the villagers had ignored him, and decided to punish them by sending a torrential downpour over Vrindavan. He unleashed his thunderbolts and clouds, and caused a devastating flood that threatened to drown the entire village.
- Krishna, however, came to the rescue of his devotees. He lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, and held it like an umbrella over the village. He asked the villagers and their cattle to take shelter under the hill, and assured them that he would protect them from Indra’s fury. He kept the hill aloft for seven days and nights, until Indra realized his mistake and withdrew the rain.
- Krishna then gently placed the hill back on the ground, and blessed the villagers for their faith and devotion. He also forgave Indra, who apologized for his arrogance and pride. He acknowledged Krishna as the supreme lord, and praised him for his compassion and mercy.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
- Govardhan Puja is a festival that celebrates the divine protection of Lord Krishna, and his love for his devotees. It also symbolizes the importance of nature, and the need to respect and worship the environment that sustains us. It teaches us to be humble and grateful, and to avoid anger and ego.
- Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut or Annakoot, which means a “mountain of food”. On this day, devotees prepare and offer a large variety of vegetarian dishes to Krishna, as a mark of gratitude and joy. The food is arranged in the shape of a hill, and decorated with flowers and lamps. The food is then distributed as prasad, or holy offering, among the devotees and the poor.
- Govardhan Puja is also a time to worship cows, which are considered sacred and dear to Krishna. Cows are bathed, adorned, and fed with special treats. They are also taken around the Govardhan Hill, or a replica of it, in a ritual called Govardhan Parikrama. This is done to seek the blessings of Krishna and the hill, and to express reverence for the cows.
When Govardhan Puja is Celebrated
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi (first day) of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.
Govardhan Puja 2023 Date and Time
The auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for performing the Puja on November 14, 2023, is from 06:43 AM to 08:52 AM, giving devotees a total of 2 hours and 9 minutes to perform the rituals.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Govardhan Puja | Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | 06:43 AM to 08:52 AM |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | Monday, Nov 13, 2023 | 02:56 PM |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | 02:36 PM |
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Govardhan Puja Ritual
On this day, devotees create hillocks made of cow dung or mud, symbolizing Mount Govardhan, and decorate them with flowers. These hillocks are then worshipped as representations of Govardhan Hill. Devotees prepare a large variety of vegetarian food offerings in the belief that on this day, Krishna visits each home.
This lavish offering is known as Annakut, which means ‘mountain of food’. Temples are adorned with lights and flowers, and devotees bring in offerings in large quantities.
In places like Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations are grand, with temples preparing hundreds of dishes for the Annakut. Devotees also perform ‘Parikrama’, which involves walking around the Govardhan Hill to pay homage. Bhajans and kirtans are sung in praise of Lord Krishna, and the stories of his deeds are narrated.
Govardhan Puja (Annakut Puja) is not just a religious festival but also a day that reinforces the importance of ecological balance and respect for nature. It is a reminder of the divine grace that protects all beings and the need for humility and gratitude in our daily lives.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi at home
On the day of Kartik Shukla Pratipada, one should take an early morning bath after applying oil to the body (oil bath).
Worship cows, calves, and bulls with devotion. If there is a cow at home, apply red and yellow colors to the cow’s body. Apply oil and red ochre (geru) to the cow’s horns. Then feed the cow the first portion of the food prepared at home. If there is no cow at home, feed a portion of the home-cooked food to a cow outside the home.
The Annakut Puja procedure at home is as follows:
1. Sankalp: Begin with a clear intention and prayer for the success of the puja.
2. Invocation: Chant mantras to invite Lord Krishna’s presence into the puja.
3. Govardhan Hill Representation: Create a small mound using cow dung or mud to symbolize Govardhan Hill and decorate it with flowers.
4. Annakut Preparation: Prepare and arrange a variety of vegetarian dishes as an offering.
5. Puja and Offerings: Light diyas and incense, offer the food to the representation of Govardhan Hill while chanting prayers.
6. Parikrama: Walk around the Govardhan representation, symbolizing reverence and devotion.
7. Aarti: Perform the Aarti ceremony with a lamp and devotional songs.
8. Prayers and Prostrations: Offer prayers, ask for blessings, and prostrate before the deity.
9. Distribution of Prasad: Share the offered food among participants as a holy blessing.
10. Concluding the Puja: End with a prayer of gratitude and share the puja’s merits for the well-being of all.
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Conclusion
Govardhan Puja 2023 is a festival that celebrates the divine protection of Lord Krishna, and his love for his devotees. It also symbolizes the importance of nature, and the need to respect and worship the environment that sustains us. It teaches us to be humble and grateful, and to avoid anger and ego. By observing this festival with faith and devotion, we can experience the joy and peace of Krishna, and receive his blessings in our lives.
FAQS
Q: What is Govardhan Puja?
A: Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the first lunar day of the Kartik month, which typically falls in October or November. It commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Vrindavan from a torrential downpour caused by the wrath of Indra, the king of the gods.
Q: When is Govardhan Puja 2023 celebrated?
A: Govardhan Puja 2023 will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14..
Q: Why do we celebrate Govardhan Puja?
A: It commemorates the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra’s arrogance and protected the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains by lifting the Govardhan Hill.
Q: How is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
A: Devotees create a representation of Govardhan Hill, offer a large variety of food (Annakut), perform puja, and circle around the representation in devotion.
Q: What is Annakut?
A: Annakut is a mountain of food prepared and offered to Lord Krishna during Govardhan Puja.
Q: Can I perform Govardhan Puja at home?
A: Yes, Govardhan Puja can be performed at home by following the puja steps and offering devotion to Lord Krishna.
Q: What are the key rituals in Govardhan Puja?
A: Key rituals include creating a Govardhan Hill representation, offering food, performing Aarti, and doing Parikrama.
Q: Is Govardhan Puja the same as Bali Pratipada?
A: Govardhan Puja is sometimes celebrated alongside Bali Pratipada, but they have different significances. Bali Pratipada is related to the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and King Bali.
Q: Do we need a priest to perform Govardhan Puja?
A: While a priest can be invited, it’s not mandatory. Families can perform the puja following the traditional rituals at home.
Q: What should I offer during Govardhan Puja?
A: Offerings include a variety of vegetarian dishes, sweets, fruits, and flowers. The specific items can vary based on family traditions and regional practices.
