BhaktiLoopGovardhan Puja (Annakut Puja)
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is celebrated on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month (Kartik Shukla Pratipada), immediately following Diwali. It commemorates the pastime of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the torrential rains unleashed by Lord Indra, who was angered that the villagers had stopped worshipping him and instead offered their devotion to Krishna and Govardhan Hill. This puja emphasizes the importance of protecting nature, especially cows (Gau Mata), and shows gratitude for the sustenance provided by the earth. A key feature is the preparation of 'Annakut,' a mountain of diverse vegetarian food offerings, symbolizing the abundance provided by Govardhan Hill.
Purpose
To express gratitude to Lord Krishna for protecting His devotees and nature, especially cows; to commemorate His divine act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to shield the residents of Vrindavan from Lord Indra's wrath; and to celebrate the bounty of nature.
Key Rituals
- Preparation of Govardhan Hill Replica:** A replica of Govardhan Hill is traditionally made using fresh cow dung (Gobar). This model is decorated with flowers, lights, and sometimes small figures of cows and villagers.
- Annakut Preparation:** Devotees prepare a wide variety of vegetarian dishes (often 56 or 108 types, known as 'Chhappan Bhog') from grains, vegetables, pulses, and sweets. These dishes are piled up in a mound, symbolizing the Govardhan Hill itself.
- Gau Puja (Cow Worship):** Cows are adorned with garlands, tilak, and traditional ornaments. They are worshipped with offerings of feed, water, and sweets, acknowledging their sacred status and their role in human sustenance.
- Worship of Lord Krishna and Govardhan:** The Govardhan replica and the Annakut mound are worshipped with lamps (diyas), incense (agarbatti), flowers, water, and other puja items. Mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna and Govardhan are chanted.
- Parikrama (Circumambulation):** Devotees perform circumambulation (parikrama) around the cow dung Govardhan hill replica or, if possible, the actual Govardhan Hill in Vrindavan.
- Aarti:** A special aarti (waving of lamps) is performed to conclude the puja, followed by prayers and devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans).
- Prasad Distribution:** The Annakut food is distributed as prasadam (sanctified food) among family members, friends, and the community, symbolizing shared blessings and abundance.
Common Offerings
Annakut (a vast array of vegetarian dishes, including curries, vegetables, pulses, rice, breads, sweets, and milk products)
Fresh cow dung (for making the replica)
Flowers (especially marigolds)
Diyas (oil lamps) and candles
Incense sticks (agarbatti)
Camphor (kapoor)
Water and milk
Fruits
Sweets (mithai), especially those made from milk
Fodder/grass for cows
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Shri Govardhan Nathaya Namah
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Govardhan.
Benefits
Invokes the blessings and protection of Lord Govardhan, symbolizing divine support and abundance.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Vasudeva (Lord Krishna).
Benefits
A powerful Moola Mantra for Lord Krishna, bringing peace, spiritual purity, and devotion.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Giriraj Dharanaya Namaha, Govardhana Roopaya Namaha
Meaning
Salutations to the One who lifted Giriraj (Govardhan), Salutations to the form of Govardhan.
Benefits
Expresses reverence to Lord Krishna in His form as the lifter of Govardhan, seeking protection and blessings.
Auspicious Days
Kartik Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month)
The day after Diwali (usually falls on this tithi)
Regional Variations
While the core rituals remain similar, regional variations exist. In Gujarat, Govardhan Puja often coincides with the Gujarati New Year (Nutan Varsh), celebrated with great fervor and community feasts. In some Vaishnava traditions like Pushtimarg, the Annakut ceremony is very elaborate, with intricate arrangements of food for Shrinathji (a form of Krishna associated with Govardhan). In Braj (Vrindavan and surrounding areas), the actual Govardhan Hill parikrama is a significant part of the celebration.
Related Pujas
Diwali (precedes Govardhan Puja)
Bhai Dooj (follows Govardhan Puja)
Gau Puja (often performed as part of Govardhan Puja)
Annakut (often used interchangeably with Govardhan Puja, referring to the food offering ceremony)