Commonly known as the “Varshapratipada” or “Padwa”, the fourth day of the Diwali revel is when the Govardhan Puja is carried out. Celebrated in several states all across the Indian subcontinent, the puja has legends that date back to the days of Lord Krishna’s childhood. Devotees perform the puja with great zeal. People who do not get sufficient time to purchase gifts and other accessories, often get hold of online divine gifts to give out to their families and loved one.
What does legend say?
The Govardhan puja is basically celebrated as a means to worship the great Mount Givardhan instead of Lord Indra. Legends from Vishnu Purana tell us the actual tale of worshipping the small hillock Govardhan. Krishna as a child had restricted the residents of Gokul to offer prayers to Lord Indra as according to him, it was the Govardhan parvat that broughta bout the rains. He had further explained that the small hillock was one of the prime reason for the development and survival of all the residents of Gokul. As the residents followed the verdict of Shri Krishna, Lord Indra got infuriated and brought about heavy outpours of rain all over Gokul. It was then that Shri Krishna lifted the entire mountain on his little finger and provided safety to the people.
Significance of the Puja
Annakut or an amalgamation of a number of food items is prepared right before the puja to be offered out during the puja. The prime significance of the puja lie in the fact that these devotees consider the mountains to be the prime source of well-being at all times. Bulls and cows are bathed in the morning and are then decorated with garlands of saffron colour before they are taken out of for the puja. Delicious food is offered out to the cow after which heaps of cow dung is collected. The preparation of the Chappan Bhog also tends to be one of the prime attractions of the ceremonies that are carried out during the puja.
Celebrations included in the Puja
The Annakut – The Annakut is basically an amalgamation of a number of food and delicacies that are offered out to Lord Krishna during the puja. This food is commonly termed as the “bhog” in the language of the common masses.
The Gudi Padwa – Of great significance in the Hindu households, the ceremony includes the applying of the “tilak” by the wife on the forehead of her husband and then indulging in aarti after decorating him with garlands. The festival stands as a symbol of the devotion and respect that prevails between the husband and wide where the wife prays for the long life of her husband.
Padwa – The fourth day of the Diwali celebrations witnesses the Amavasya and is known as the “Kartik Shuddh Padwa”, when it is said that King Bali was supposed to have come out of the Patal Lok and was granted the boon to be able to rule the world.
A look at the ritualistic web portals might bring you across an exciting online combo offer that might prove to be useful during the celebration of the Govardhan Puja. Looking at the cultural diversity in the land of India, Govardhan Puja is one of the oldest pujas that have been carried out since the present years!!