This evening (Wednesday, November 14, 2012) will mark one of the biggest festivals of the year – Govardhana Puja! This is magnificent festival where we get a chance to build a massive hill of sweets and cake in the middle of our temple room in honour of the time when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhana Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavana.
The story of Govardhana Puja is a beautiful one! The day after Diwali is referred to as Annakuta, or Govardhana Puja. On this day the inhabitants of Vrindavan (Lord Krishna’s abode on Earth) would hold a harvest festival in honour of King Indra, the demigod who provided the rains essential for the harvest. One day, however, Lord Krishna wanted to teach Indra a lesson. He convinced the inhabitants of Vrindavan to honour Govardhana Hill instead, whose fertile soil provided the grass upon which the cows and bulls grazed, and to honour the cows and bulls who provided milk and ploughed the lands.
Outraged, Indra retaliated with terrifying thunderstorms. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of his left hand. For seven days and seven nights the Lord held up Govardhana Hill, providing a giant umbrella to shelter the inhabitants of Vrindavan from the torrential rain.
Govardhan Puja celebrations at the Hare Krishna temple have always been popular and this year will also feature a grand “Govardhana Hill” made entirely of sweets in the middle of the temple room! Please join us for festivities from 6:00pm onwards to celebrate this festival!
We hope to see you and your family at the Hare Krishna temple this evening!