Lifting Of Govardhan

By: Shivani Kulkarni

Lifting of Govardhan

People of Vraja were ready to perform a yagna for the rainy season.

Krishna asked his father why they were doing this yagna.

Nanda Maharaj said: • Indra is the god of clouds and rain.• Rain gives life to all beings. • It is our tradition to worship Indra before rainy season.

Krishna replied:

• Why are we thanking Indra? • Each man’s birth, death and life depends on his karma. • Indra cannot take away the effects of Karma. • We must do our duty and worship that helps us. • Govardhan is the Lord who nourishes our cattle and us. • We worship Indra out of fear. • Instead, we should worship the cows and Govardhan

• Krishna lifted Govardhana with his left hand • It was like a child picking up a mushroom• He held it up like an umbrella• Asked all the people, cows and all to stay under it. • It rained non-stop for seven days and nights• For all 7 days Krishna held the mountain up.

Lifting of Govardhan

• Nanda and the elders thought it was great idea. • They worshipped cows and Govardhan instead of Indra.• This made Indra very angry. • He sent his worst clouds and rain to Vrindavan to destroy.

• There were thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms. • The houses and cowsheds were flooded. • Humans and animals became blue with cold and hunger. • They had no homes and no food. • They begged Krishna for help.

• Indra felt ashamed as to what he had done• He took back the clouds and rain. • Sun shone again and the land became dry. • The people went back to their homes• Then Krishna put the mountain back down. • Everyone showered flowers on Sri Krishna. • Indra prostrated to Krishna and begged his forgiveness.

Krishna said:

• I did this to break your pride.• I take away the powers of those who act against dharma. • Go and do your duties carefully.

Lifting of Govardhan

Some True Facts of Govardhan Mountain

• Govardhan is in Vrindavan, Mathura • Nanda & Yashoda lived there• Krishna was raised there• One of the most famous places in Vraja.

• Giriraj is another name for Govardhan • Best servant of Krishna and Balaram• It had fresh grass for the cows to eat • It provided them fruits to eat• They had many friends to play there • One of the things Krishna has left for us

The Location of This Amazing Govardhan

• 3 km high 5000 years ago• Highest point is 25 m high• It is 11 km long. • It resembles a peacock. • One eye is Radha-kund• Other eyes is Syama-kund• Waist: Manasi-Ganga & Govardhan town• Tail: Apsara-kund & Nava-kund

Govardhan Hill

The Summary

• Govardhan was lifted by Sri Krishna • It was to break Indra’s pride. • Krishna and his friends played there • One of the things Krishna has left for us• Govardhan resembles a peacock.• Govardana has served Krishna & friends • It is a famous place in Vraj. • It was 3 km high 5000 years ago • Now it is only 25 m high • It is 11 km wide

References

http://www.vaisnava.cz/clanek_en.php3?no=186Chinmaya Publications------ Bala Bhagvatam

Pictures from google image search

!!!!!Quiz Time!!!!!

1. Where is Govardhan located?2. Which people were getting ready

for the yagna?3. Who is the god of rain? 4. Whom did Krishna ask his father

to worship?5. Which hand did Sri Krishna lift

Govardhan with?6. How many days and nights did it

rain?

Bonus: What does Govardhan resemble?

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