Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot, holds great significance among Hindus as it commemorates the revered story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill with his little finger to save villagers in Mathura from the wrath of rain god Indra. This auspicious event is celebrated the day after Diwali and marks the victory of righteousness over arrogance. But this year, the Amavasya Tithi in the Hindu calendar has been extended due to movements of the moon (on which the Hindu calendar is based), creating confusion about the auspicious time for Govardhan Puja.
According to the Hindu panchang, the Pratipada Tithi started at 2:56 PM on November 13 (Monday) and will continue until 2:36 PM on November 14 (Wednesday).
Since the Udaya Tithi (a date starting at sunrise) is on Wednesday, on which day Govardhan Puja is celebrated.
Govardhan Puja shubh muhurat
The panchang says the most auspicious time for Govardhan Puja is between 5.25pm and 9.38pm on November 14.
The puja is performed by chanting mantras, devotional songs and readings from the scriptures.
How Govardhan Puja started
Legend has it that the people of Mathura, led by Lord Krishna, once worshiped Lord Indra, the rain god. However, Krishna, emphasizing the importance of nature and agriculture, suggested worshiping Govardhan Hill instead. This angered Lord Indra, who took revenge with heavy rainfall.
To protect his people, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger and thus provided shelter to the community. Lord Indra realized his folly and relented, and the festival of Govardhan Puja began.
On this day, devotees build elaborate mound-shaped structures of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan Hill, decorated with a variety of food items. It represents gratitude towards nature for its bounty and the protection it provides. The Annakoot, which literally means a mountain of food, is then offered to the gods in a grand display of devotion.
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