கோவர்தன பூஜை

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

இந்திரனின் மழைகளிலிருந்து பிரிந்தவன் கிராம மக்களை பாதுகாக்க கோவர்தன் மலையை தனது சிறிய விரலில் தூக்கிக் கொண்டு, பகவான் கிருஷ்ணனைக் கொண்டாடுகிறார். கோவர் தானை பிரதிநிதித்துவப்படுத்தும் பசு மாவுகளில் இருந்து பக்தர்கள் மினி மலைகளை உருவாக்கி கிருஷ்ணருக்கு அன்குட்டை 56 வகை உணவுகளை வழங்குகிறார்கள்.

1. 1

   Building the Govardhan Mountain

   Early in the morning, collect fresh cow dung and shape it into a small mountain representing Mount Govardhan. Decorate with flowers, leaves, and tiny clay figures of Krishna, cows, gopis, and trees on top. Some families use a painted image instead.

2. 2

   Sankalp

   Sit facing north-east with water and flowers in your right palm. Take Sankalp — dedicating the Govardhan Puja to Lord Krishna in his form as Govardhan Dhari, who lifted Mount Govardhan to save Vraj from Indra's wrath.

   ॐ अद्य कार्तिक शुक्ल प्रतिपदायां गोवर्धन पूजनम् अन्नकूट महोत्सवम् च करिष्ये।

3. 3

   Ganesha Puja

   Worship Lord Ganesha with durva, flowers, and akshat.

   ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥

4. 4

   Govardhan Avahana

   Invoke Lord Krishna as Govardhan Dhari into the clay mountain. Visualise Krishna lifting the mountain on his little finger while the villagers of Vraj take shelter beneath it.

   गोवर्धनधराधार गोपाल गोकुल वल्लभ। यशोदानन्दन वीर नन्दगोपप्रिय कुमार॥

5. 5

   Shodashopachara

   Perform the sixteen upacharas for Govardhan / Krishna — Asana, Padya, Arghya, Achamaniya, Snana (panchamrit), Vastra (yellow silk), Gandha (chandan), Akshat, Pushpa (tulsi and yellow flowers), Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya, Tambula, Pradakshina, Namaskar.

   ॐ श्रीकृष्णाय नमः॥ ॐ गोवर्धनाय नमः॥

6. 6

   Annakut Arrangement

   Prepare the Annakut — traditionally 56 different food items (chappan bhog) arranged in a pyramidal formation around the Govardhan clay mountain. Include rice, dal, sabji, puri, kachori, laddoo, barfi, halwa, kheer, and seasonal fruits. This is an offering of abundance to Krishna.

7. 7

   Bhog Nivedan

   Offer the Annakut to Lord Krishna with the Annakut mantra. Wave incense and camphor around the bhog. Chant 'Govinda Govinda' as you offer. This is the most iconic aspect of Govardhan Puja — the mountain of food offered to the lifter of Mount Govardhan.

   ॐ गोविन्दाय नमः॥

8. 8

   Govardhan Parikrama

   Circumambulate the clay Govardhan mountain seven times — symbolic of the 7-yojana circumambulation of the real Mount Govardhan in Vraj. Sing bhajans to Krishna throughout. Recite the Govardhan Ashtakam.

9. 9

   Cow Worship (Gau Puja)

   If possible, worship a real cow — the cow is considered a form of Lakshmi and is beloved to Krishna. Apply tilak to the cow's forehead, offer fresh grass, jaggery, and water. Touch her feet for blessings. Tie a moli thread around her horn.

10. 10

    Aarti and Prasad Distribution

    Perform the Govardhan Aarti with camphor, singing 'Shri Govardhan Maharaj Ki Jai'. Distribute the Annakut as prasad to all family members, neighbours, and the needy. The Annakut feeds many and symbolises Krishna's abundance and grace.

This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.