Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India as part of the five-day Diwali festivities. Observed on the fourth day of Diwali, this festival involves worshipping Lord Krishna and offering gratitude for nature’s bounty. Govardhan Puja holds immense spiritual importance, especially in regions influenced by the Pushtimarg sect, like the famous Dwarkadhish Temple.
Importance of Govardhan Puja and the Annakut Celebration
In the Pushtimarg tradition, the Dwarkadhish Temple in India holds a prominent position. Here, on Govardhan Puja, worshippers gather in large numbers to witness the special ceremonies. The temple leadership, led by key figures such as Sudhir Kumar, perform the rituals, including circumambulation and Govardhan Maharaj’s grand Annakut (massive food offering) at 4 p.m. Devotees view these offerings and perform rituals to seek blessings.
Understanding the Govardhan Puja Date and Shubh Muhurat for 2024
This year, due to Diwali falling on October 31 and November 1, there has been some confusion around the exact date of Govardhan Puja. According to the Hindu calendar, the Kartik Pratipada Tithi begins on November 1 at 6:16 p.m. and continues until November 2 at 8:21 p.m. Following the Udya Tithi tradition, Govardhan Puja is celebrated on November 2, which falls on a Saturday. The festival holds special auspiciousness this year, encouraging devotees to participate wholeheartedly.
How to Perform Govardhan Puja: Step-by-Step Rituals (Govardhan Puja Vidhi)
On the day of Govardhan Puja, devotees are encouraged to wake up early, preferably during the Brahma Muhurat, for a fresh start. After performing a ritual bath, devotees proceed to worship Lord Krishna, following specific steps to create a sacred space. Here is the step-by-step process for Govardhan Puja:
- Creating the Govardhan Image: Form an image of Govardhan Maharaj using cow dung, placed in the courtyard or on the terrace. This structure often includes small figures of cows, calves, and depictions of Braj, all crafted with care.
- Decorating and Offering Rituals: Adorn the structure with Akshat (uncooked rice) and decorative items like Khil (puffed rice). Apply a mixture of roli (red powder), Akshat, and sandalwood paste to the Govardhan Maharaj image, enhancing the auspiciousness of the offering.
- Offering Bhog to Govardhan Maharaj: Special foods are prepared for the Annakut, which means “mountain of food.” In many temples and homes, a grand offering of 56 types of delicacies, including kadhi, kachori, and sweets, is made to Govardhan Maharaj, symbolizing the abundance that Lord Krishna blesses the community with. This bhog is later distributed as Prasad to devotees.
Govardhan Puja Timings and Shubh Muhurat 2024
For those performing the puja at home, following the appropriate Muhurat timings is crucial. This year, the auspicious Vijaya Muhurat is from 2:09 p.m. to 2:56 p.m., while the Sandhyakal Muhurat, ideal for evening prayers, is from 3:23 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. Additionally, the Godhuli Muhurat, a time revered for its spiritual power, will be observed from 6:05 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Significance of Krishna Chalisa on Govardhan Puja
Reciting the Krishna Chalisa is also considered highly beneficial during this time. The Krishna Chalisa includes verses celebrating the life, miracles, and compassionate nature of Lord Krishna, from his humble beginnings as a cowherd to his divine acts, such as lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from rainstorms. The Chalisa reflects the many virtues of Lord Krishna and serves as a source of inspiration for devotees.
प्रातःकाल मुहूर्त – सुबह 06 बजकर 34 मिनट से 08 बजकर 46 मिनट तक।
विजय मुहूर्त- दोपहर 02 बजकर 09 मिनट से लेकर 02 बजकर 56 मिनट तक।
संध्याकाल मुहूर्त – दोपहर 03 बजकर 23 मिनट से 05 बजकर 35 मिनट तक।
गोधूलि मुहूर्त- शाम 06 बजकर 05 मिनट से लेकर 06 बजकर 30 मिनिट तक
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja is not only a festival of rituals but a celebration of nature, gratitude, and spirituality. Observing this festival, especially in temples like Dwarkadhish, brings a sense of unity among devotees who gather for blessings and spiritual joy. Following the correct rituals and celebrating the festival in accordance with tradition amplifies the positive energies associated with Govardhan Puja, making it a blessed and fulfilling experience for all who participate.
