Why Is Govardhan Puja Celebrated After Diwali? Know Scientific Logic!
Govardhan Puja is a cherished festival in India, celebrated just after Diwali. This festival has a deep spiritual significance, rooted in the rich tapestry of India’s ancient history.
It revolves around the story of Govardhan Parvat, a mountain in the Braj region near Mathura. The celebration is a homage to Lord Krishna’s miraculous deeds.
There is a captivating history of Govardhan Parvat. Long ago, the people of Braj used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, believing he blessed them with good rainfall for their crops.
However, Lord Krishna, a young boy then, convinced them to honor Govardhan Parvat instead, as it provided them with essential resources like herbs, grass for cattle, and fresh water.
This angered Lord Indra, who responded with a fierce and destructive storm. To protect the villagers, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger, providing shelter to everyone underneath it.
Lord Krishna encouraged the villagers to value Govardhan Mountain because it directly supported their lives with water, greenery, and food.
Mountains play a key role in causing rainfall and supporting diverse plant life. By highlighting the importance of the mountain, Lord Krishna was teaching the villagers to appreciate and care for their immediate natural resources, which are crucial for their survival and well-being.
This act demonstrated the power of divine protection, the importance of nurturing nature, and the scientific logic in Hindu culture.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik month, the day after Diwali. In 2023, it falls on November 14th.
On this day, devotees create a small mound symbolizing the Govardhan Hill and adorn it with flowers and offerings. They walk around it, singing devotional songs, as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
Why Is Govardhan Parvat’s Height Decreasing?
An intriguing aspect of Govardhan Parvat is the belief that it is gradually decreasing in height. According to popular belief, the hill is shrinking by the size of a mustard seed each day.
This is linked to a curse given by the sage Pulastya. As per ancient history, when Lord Krishna lifted the hill, he promised that Govardhan would remain in its original glory till the end of Dwapar Yuga.
However, after this period, it would start diminishing in size. The decreasing height of the hill is often seen as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the eternal nature of spiritual truths.
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Govardhan Puja is not just a cultural festival; it’s a day to remember the power of faith and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
It teaches us about the strength of unity and the grace that comes from divine protection, making it a significant part of our cultural heritage.