Govardhan Puja 2011 Date
October 12, 2011 in Hindu Dates, Hindu Festivals, Hindu Holidays
When is Govardhan Puja in 2011 – Govardhan Puja 2011 Date happens to fall on 27 October, 2011.
Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut; the word means a heap of grains. It is celebrated to pay reverence to Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Narayana who has been described as the creator of the universe in Hindu mythology. Govardhan Puja is performed on the last day of the festival Diwali which is on the new moon day of the month of November according to Hindu lunar calendar.
Legend of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan is a hill situated at Gokul, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. According to legends, the people of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra, the King of Gods as well as the God of Rains for good harvest as they believed that it was through the grace of Indra they get rains. But Krishna asked them to offer prayers to Mount Goverdhan instead of Lord Indra and explained that it was Govardhan who brought forth the rains for their harvest. The people did accordingly and as a result Indra in his fury sent heavy rains to punish the people of Gokul. Then Krishna came forward and lifted the mountain on his little finger and the entire village took shelter underneath it. Lord Indra was thus humiliated by Krishna, who was Narayan himself, and humbled before him.
Celebration of Govardhan Puja
On this auspicious day of Goverdhan Puja, people observe Annakut which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Govardhan. They prepare as many as 108 dishes which are offered to Lord Krishna as Bhog or religious food offering. They also make a rice or grain offering in the shape of a mountain to the spirit of Mount Govardhan. In many temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, the deities of Krishna are bathed with milk and afterwards decked with flowers, garlands and ornaments. Lord Krishna is then worshiped and prayers are offered in his name. Devotees sing Bhajans or hymns and after the worship, the Bhog is distributed among people.