Vidhi, Rituals, & Bhog Recipes For Govardhan Puja This Year

Govardhan Puja focuses on worshipping Lord Krishna. Cereals like rice, wheat, leafy vegetables, and curry of gram flour are offered to the Lord while performing his puja. Govardhan parvat is also worshipped on this day by making small hillocks from cow dung. While still others make a small idol of Lord Krishna, decorate it with candles, and then worship it. Women of the family keep a day-long fast.

Origin Of Govardhan Puja

According to Vishnu Puraan, the Hindu legend, the inhabitants of Gokul in Mathura believed that it was Lord Indra who had granted their wish of making rains a reality for the town. However, Lord Krishna informed them that it wasn’t Lord Indra but the Govardhan parvat at Braj, near Mathura, which had caused the rain. Hence, they started worshipping the Govardhan parvat after the revelation by Lord Krishna.

Govardhan Puja History – 3 Historical Significances

1. Annakoot

Govardhan is also referred to as Annakoot, which literally means “mountain of food”. It is a tradition to prepare 56 or 108 varieties of dishes as an offering for Lord Krishna. This is referred to as the bhog.

2. Gudi Padwa

Wives put a tilak on the forehead of their husbands and then garland them, praying for their long life. Some communities in India celebrate Gudi Padwa on this day. Wives put a tilak on the forehead of their husbands and then garland them, praying for their long life. In return, the husband offers a gift as a token of showing their love and affection. There is also a tradition to invite newly married daughters, along with their husbands, to a grand feast and are then presented with gifts and sweets.

3. Bali Pratiba Or Bali Padva

It is believed that Lord Vishnu had pushed the demon king Bali to hell or patal lok on this day. Govardhan Puja significance in Maharashtra and South India is that the day is celebrated as Bali Pratiba, Bali Padva, or Bali Padyami. It is believed that Lord Vishnu had pushed the demon king Bali to hell or patal lok on this day. Some other legend believe that it is on this day that King Bali left behind patal lok and started ruling over Bhoo lok, given to him as a boon by Lord Vishnu. As a result, the day is referred to as Bali Padyami.

3-Step Govardhan Puja Vidhi

1. Heaps of cow dung are made to resemble the Govardhan hill, which is then worshipped. 2. Cows or bulls are cleaned and decorated with flowers, garlands, and saffron. 3. 56 or 108 types of foods are prepared and offered to Lord Krishna, again in the form of a heap. This Govardhan Puja vidhi is believed to bear spiritual benefits.