North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: The festival of Govardhan Puja, celebrated the next day of Diwali, is not just a tradition, but there is a very deep and beautiful story hidden behind it. This is the story of Lord Shri Krishna’s childhood pastimes, respect for nature and breaking the ego of Devraj Indra. Come, let us know about this story, which teaches us a lot even today.
When the people of Braj started preparations for the worship of Indra
Once upon a time, all the people of Braj were preparing for the worship of Devraj Indra with great pomp. They were preparing various types of dishes and organizing a big yagya. Child Krishna asked his mother Yashoda, “Mother, for whose worship are you all preparing together?”
Mother Yashoda told them, “Lalla, we are worshiping Devraj Indra. He is the god of rain, and when he is pleased, it rains well, which causes food to grow in our fields and green fodder for our cows.”
Krishna gave the message of respecting nature
Hearing this, little Kanha asked very innocently, “But mother, it is the duty of Indra to give rain. Then why worship him? If we have to worship anyone, then we should worship this Govardhan mountain. Our cows get fodder from this mountain, we get fruits, flowers and wood from the trees here and rain comes from the clouds here. The real deity is this Govardhan mountain, which nurtures us.”
Hearing the words of Bal Krishna, all the people of Braj became thoughtful. He found Kanha’s words right and decided to leave the worship of Indra and worship Govardhan Mountain. Everyone together prepared various dishes, called ‘Annakoot’, and worshiped Mount Govardhan.
When Indra created havoc in anger
When Devraj Indra saw that the people of Braj had stopped worshiping him, he was filled with anger. To avenge his insult, he started raining heavily on Braj. There was such heavy rain that there was water all around, a flood like situation was created and the people of Braj started trembling with fear.
Krishna lifted Govardhan mountain on his finger
All the people of Braj reached Lord Krishna to save their lives. Seeing their condition, Lord Krishna immediately went to Govardhan Mountain and within no time he lifted the entire mountain on his smallest finger (pinky) like an umbrella. He asked all the Braj residents and their animals to take shelter under that mountain.
It rained continuously for seven days, but Lord Krishna stood holding the mountain and not even a single drop touched any Braj resident. Seeing this miracle, Indra’s ego was shattered. He realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness from Lord Krishna.
Since then, every year on the next day of Diwali, Govardhan Mountain is worshipped, Annakoot is offered and gratitude is expressed towards nature. This story teaches us that we should always respect the things that nurture us.
