Govardhan Puja: Commemorating Lord Krishna's triumph | Check Significance and Timings
Govardhan Puja timings: The festival of Diwali spans five days, starting with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj, encompassing Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, and Govardhan Puja. Govardhan Puja holds special significance, especially among followers of Lord Krishna, known as Govardhan Dhari, and is also referred to as Annakut Puja by devotees.
This year, Govardhan Puja falls on November 13, Monday, a day after Diwali or Laxmi Puja. The auspicious timings for the puja are between 06:43 am and 08:52 am in the morning and 2:56 pm to 4:59 pm in the evening. However, in some years, Govardhan Puja is observed on the second day after Diwali, depending on the Pratipada tithi as per the Hindu calendar.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
The significance of Govardhan Puja lies in commemorating Lord Krishna's victory over Lord Indra. Legend has it that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan parvat (hill) with his little finger to shelter the people of Vrindavan from heavy rainfall, defying the angered Lord Indra. The act of holding the hill for seven days emphasises the might of Lord Krishna over the forces of nature.
Govardhan Puja also serves as an occasion to express gratitude to Mother Nature. Devotees perform Annakut Puja, offering a variety of 56 delicious food items, known as "chhappan bhog," to Lord Krishna. The term "Annakut Puja" originates from the villagers compensating for Lord Krishna's fasting during the seven days he held the mountain.
Chappan Bhog
The Chappan Bhog consists of a lavish array of items such as Makhan Misri, kheer, rasgulla, jeera ladoo, jalebi, rabri, mathri, malpua, Mohan Bhog, chutney, murabba, saag, dahi, rice, dal, kadhi, ghewar, chila, papad, Moong Dal ka Halwa, pakoda, khichadi, and more. The abundance of food symbolises the mountain of offerings, reflecting the essence of Annakut Puja.
- PTC NEWS
