Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is celebrated the day after Diwali. This festival is associated with Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain to protect the people of Gokul from heavy rains caused by Lord Indra. By worshipping Govardhan, devotees express gratitude and seek blessings from Lord Krishna. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Govardhan Puja.
Materials Needed for Govardhan Puja:
1. Cow dung (to create the Govardhan mountain)
2. Holy water (Ganga Jal)
3. Lamps (diyas)
4. Incense sticks and dhoop
5. Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
6. Red sandalwood, rice grains (Akshat), flowers, and leaves
7. Tulsi leaves
8. Sweets and various food items
Govardhan Puja Procedure:
1. Creating the Govardhan Mountain: Clean the place where you will perform the puja. Use cow dung to form a small mountain representing Govardhan. Shape small figures representing cowherds, cattle, and Lord Krishna with cow dung around the mountain for a realistic touch.
2. Decorating the Govardhan Form: Shape the cow dung into a circular or mountain-like structure to represent Govardhan Hill. Place small diyas around it, sprinkle holy water, and decorate with flowers and Tulsi leaves.
3. Setting up Lord Krishna’s Idol: If you have a Krishna idol, place it near the Govardhan structure. Purify the area by sprinkling holy water, and apply tilak on Krishna’s idol.
4. Offering Puja Materials:
Decorate the Govardhan structure with flowers, leaves, and other decorations.
Bathe Lord Krishna with Panchamrit, and then dress Him with clothes, apply sandalwood paste, and offer flowers and Tulsi leaves.
5. Annakut Prasad Offering: On this day, various dishes are prepared to celebrate Annakut. It is traditional to offer 56 or 108 varieties of food items to Govardhan. Arrange homemade sweets and delicacies in front of the Govardhan mountain as an offering.
6. Performing the Aarti: After the offerings, perform aarti for Lord Krishna and Govardhan Mountain by lighting diyas. During this time, reflect on the significance of Govardhan and the story of Krishna lifting the mountain.
7. Parikrama (Circumambulation): After the aarti, walk around the Govardhan structure three or seven times. It is believed that circumambulating Govardhan fulfills wishes and brings blessings.
8. Cow Worship: Worshipping cows is an important part of Govardhan Puja. Offer food to cows, as they hold a special place in Lord Krishna’s heart and represent prosperity and purity.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja reminds us of Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Gokul by lifting Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to shield them from the rain. The festival emphasizes the importance of preserving nature and showing respect to natural resources.
Govardhan Puja Mantra
Chant the following mantra during the puja to honor Lord Krishna: “Om Govardhanaya Namah”
Seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and well-being for your family through this sacred ritual.