Govardhan Puja 2023: Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Story, and Significance
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India to commemorate the event when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. This year, Govardhan Puja 2023 will be observed on Monday, November 13, 2023. In this blog, we will read into Govardhan Puja 2023: Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Story, and Significance.
Date and Tithi for Govardhan Puja 2023
Govardhan Puja is traditionally celebrated on the day following Diwali. Here are the key dates and timings for Govardhan Puja in 2023:
- Puja Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
- Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:43 to 08:52
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 14:56 on November 13, 2023
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 14:36 on November 14, 2023
Significance of Govardhan Puja:
Govardhan Puja holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. It is a time to remember and celebrate Lord Krishna’s divine act of protecting the residents of Vrindavan from the fury of Lord Indra. According to the Bhagavata Purana, the people of Vrindavan were preparing for the annual Indra Puja, a ritual that honored Lord Indra, the god of rain, for his blessings on their crops and cattle.
However, Lord Krishna suggested that they should instead worship Govardhan Hill, which provided them with fertile land and nourishment. This advice came as a revelation to the villagers, and they decided to follow Lord Krishna’s guidance. In his honor, they prepared a grand feast, known as the Annakut, where various dishes were offered to Govardhan Hill.
Enraged by this, Lord Indra sent torrential rains to flood the village. To protect the people from the deluge, Lord Krishna lifted the massive Govardhan Hill with the little finger of his left hand, creating a massive umbrella that shielded the villagers. Indra, realizing his mistake, stopped the rain, and the people of Vrindavan were saved.
This event symbolizes the victory of devotion and righteousness over ego and arrogance. Govardhan Puja is a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of respecting nature, as well as the significance of selfless service and devotion.
Govardhan Puja Rituals (Puja Vidhi):
The Govardhan Puja rituals are performed with great devotion and enthusiasm. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing the puja:
- Preparation:
- Clean the area where the puja will be performed.
- Arrange a clay or cow dung replica of Govardhan Hill or a small mound of grains.
- Decorate the idol of Lord Krishna and arrange for a Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water.
- Offering of Food:
- Prepare a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, sweets, and fruits as an offering to the deities. This is the Annakut, symbolizing the Govardhan Hill.
- Arrange these dishes in a semi-circular shape in front of the idol.
- Aarti and Pooja:
- Light incense sticks and lamps, and perform aarti for Lord Krishna.
- Offer flowers, Chandan (sandalwood paste), and Kumkum (vermilion) to the idol.
- Chant prayers and bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Parikrama:
- Devotees can perform Parikrama (circumambulation) around the Govardhan Hill or the mound of grains.
- Distribution:
- After the puja, the Annakut is distributed among family members and devotees as Prasada.
Celebrating Govardhan Puja at Home:
While many people visit temples to celebrate Govardhan Puja, it can also be observed at home with equal devotion. Devotees can create a small replica of Govardhan Hill using cow dung or clay and perform the rituals mentioned above. This family-oriented celebration is a way to pass on the stories and traditions to the younger generations.
Conclusion:
Govardhan Puja is a beautiful and spiritually enriching festival that reminds us of the importance of devotion, humility, and our connection to nature. The legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill is a timeless tale of divine protection and love. As Govardhan Puja 2023 approaches, let the opportunity to connect with our spiritual selves, celebrate the festival with devotion, and reflect on the teachings it imparts. May this day bring joy, prosperity, and blessings to all.
Frequently Ask Questions
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, holds great significance in Hindu tradition. It is celebrated on the day after Diwali and commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. In 2023, this auspicious day signifies the triumph of faith and devotion over the forces of nature. It serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and living in harmony with nature.
Govardhan Puja in 2023 falls on November 13th. The exact Puja Muhurat varies from region to region, but it typically begins in the afternoon and lasts for a few hours. Devotees prepare elaborate offerings of food, often arranged in the shape of a mountain, to symbolize the Govardhan Hill. The Puja Muhurat is crucial for performing the rituals with utmost devotion.
The Puja Vidhi for Govardhan Puja involves creating a small hill using cow dung or mud, decorating it with flowers, and placing a picture or idol of Lord Krishna on top. Devotees then offer a variety of food items, including sweets, fruits, and cooked dishes, to the deity. They also light lamps and incense and sing devotional songs. The entire ceremony is accompanied by prayers and aarti to seek Lord Krishna’s blessings.
Govardhan Puja is rooted in the mythological story of Lord Krishna. When the people of Vrindavan decided to worship Lord Indra, the God of rain, Krishna convinced them to worship the Govardhan Hill instead, as it was responsible for providing food and shelter to the community. In response, Lord Indra sent torrential rains, but Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the villagers. This event signifies the supremacy of devotion and righteous actions over blind rituals.
To celebrate Govardhan Puja in 2023, devotees can participate in the ritual of creating a Govardhan Hill replica, offering food items with devotion, and engaging in kirtans (devotional songs). They can also reflect on the ecological message of the festival and take steps to promote environmental conservation and sustainable living, as the story of Govardhan Puja highlights the importance of respecting and protecting nature. Additionally, donating food to the needy is a common way to mark this occasion and spread the message of sharing and caring.
