AHMEDABAD, NOV 5
Hare Krishna Mandir, Bhadaj organized ‘Govardhan Puja & Annakuta Mahotsav’ as part of Karthik Deepotsav celebrations commemorating the pastime of Lord Sri Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra on New Year, Saturday, the 2nd November 2024. Thousands of devotees participated in these divine ceremonies very enthusiastically.
While speaking on “Govardhan Puja & Annakuta Mahotsav”, Swami Sri Jaganmohan Krishna Das, President of Hare Krishna Mandir, Bhadaj, said,“When the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana preparing for Indra-yajna, He suggested that they should forgo the worship of Indra and instead worship the Govardhana Hill. Knowing this, Indra became angry and sent a devastating rainfall over Vrindavana. Krishna picked up the Govardhan Hill held it up on the little finger of His left hand like an umbrella for 7 days and gave shelter to all the inhabitants of Vrindavana. Indra became conscious of his offense and begged for forgiveness from Krishna. Thus, the Supreme Lord established that a devotee who is surrendered to the Supreme Lord and engaged in devotional service is free from all obligations and need not worship any demigods for material favor.”
“This pastime, known as Govardhana Lila, is described in the tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam where Lord Krishna asserts that the Govardhana Hill is his very own form & as worshipable as Himself,” Swami Sri Jaganmohan Krishna Das added.
To commemorate this transcendental Lila of Lord Krishna, Hare Krishna Mandir, Bhadaj thereby organized its annual “Govardhan Puja & Annakuta Mahotsav” at its premises” where more than 150 kinds of items offered. Followed by this was the eye captivating vista of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhav going on a joyous ride on the Swarnratha accompanied by devotees performing “Sankirtana” – chanting of holy names of Lord Krishna.
The replica of the Govardhan Hill was recreated and cakes and varieties of cookies, sweets etc of more than 1008 varieties offered to Lord Sri Radha Madhav and Sri Govardhanji was a spectacular excitement for the devotees. The cakes and cookies were prepared in the temple bakery by the devotees and are 100% vegetarian.
The Annakuta was offered to the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Madhav and grand Maha Arati was performed to their lordships & Govardhan Hill while the devotees sang Sri Govardhanashtakam – eight verses glorifying the Govardhan Hill. Lord Krishna is also worshipped as Gopala – the protector of cows and during the event the Go-Puja (worship of cows) was also performed. The cows were nicely decorated with silk garments and were offered traditionally Jaggery & Bananas. Keeping the cows in the front the devotees circumambulated the Govardhan Hill. At the end of the event the cakes and all other preparations were distributed to all the devotees.
A grand Deepotsav Arati was performed for the Lordships as usual at the end of the event as a part of ‘Deepotsav Mahotsav’ celebrated during the whole month of Karthik.
