Govardhan Parvat Katha – Chapter 2: Govardhan: An Alternative Worship

Govardhan: An Alternative Worship

In the previous chapter, we saw how Indra was immersed in the pride of his glory and power. The people of Gokul, who used to please Indra by worshiping him every year, were about to turn towards a new direction this year, and the reason for this was Krishna himself. Krishna, who was still a child, but his intelligence and knowledge were no less than any experienced person.

Suggestion of Govardhan Puja

In the morning, all the residents of Gokul were busy preparing for Indra Puja. The atmosphere was filled with the fragrance of incense, and the aroma of dishes was coming from every house. Women were making rangolis, and men were collecting wood for the yagya. There was an atmosphere of enthusiasm and joy all around, but there was a different kind of seriousness on Krishna's face. His eyes were fixed on Govardhan Parvat, which stood like a great figure on the distant horizon.

Krishna said to his father, Nand Baba, "Father, we worship Indra Dev every year, but have we ever thought about where we get all this from? This earth, this food, this water, all this is because of Govardhan Parvat and our Gau Mata." There was logic in his voice, and there was a light of a new direction in his eyes.

Nand Baba said thoughtfully, "Kanhaiya, you are right. Indra Dev is the god of rain, but Govardhan Parvat is also equally important to us. It gives fodder to our animals, gives us shade, and makes our land fertile."

Krishna replied with a smile, "Then why don't we worship Govardhan Parvat instead of Indra Dev this year? It will be a symbol of our gratitude towards our nature." The other people of the village were also listening carefully to Krishna's words.

Explaining the Importance of the Mountain

Krishna explained in detail to the people of Gokul about the importance of Govardhan Parvat. He said that this mountain is not just a pile of stones, but it is the basis of our culture, our economy, and our life. He said that it is Govardhan Parvat that gives life to our animals, makes our land fertile, and provides us with pure air. He also explained that worshiping Govardhan Parvat will inspire us to maintain co-existence with nature. Influenced by Krishna's words, the people of Gokul decided to abandon Indra Puja and perform Govardhan Puja. Slogans of "Jai Govardhan Maharaj" started echoing all around.

There was such power in Krishna's words that every Gokul resident was forced to think about their actions. They realized that they had forgotten their nature and the environment around them by worshiping only one god. Krishna reminded them that God is omnipresent, and nature is also a form of God. It was Krishna's affectionate Leela due to which everyone gained knowledge.

Organizing the Worship Method

Preparations for Govardhan Puja started with great pomp in Gokul. All the people of the village together started decorating the mountain. Govardhan Parvat was decorated with colorful flowers, and various types of dishes were made. Krishna himself came forward and guided the worship method. He circumambulated Govardhan Parvat, and also inspired all the villagers to do the same. Cows and bulls were also decorated, and they were also worshiped. The atmosphere was filled with devotion and enthusiasm. Slogans of 'Jai Govardhan, Jai Gopal' were echoing around Govardhan Parvat.

As soon as the puja ended, Krishna distributed prasad to everyone. Everyone ate together with love and harmony. On that day, a new history was created in Gokul. The people of Gokul expressed their respect towards nature by worshiping Govardhan Parvat instead of worshiping Indra Dev. This was Krishna's Leela, through which he showed a new path to the people of Gokul. Govardhan Parvat was offered bhog.

But, Indra, who was full of his pride, became very angry with this. He felt that Krishna had insulted him by stopping his worship. He decided to shower his wrath on Gokul, due to which there was going to be heavy rain ahead...