Govardhan Puja 2023

Govardhan Puja 2023 holds immense significance in Hindu culture, symbolizing the profound connection between nature and humanity. According to the Hindu calendar, Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot, is observed on the first day of the bright half of the Kartik month. This cherished festival is celebrated across India, with its heart and soul residing in North India, particularly in the sacred region of Vraj Bhumi, which includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Gokul, and Barsana. These locales are of paramount importance as they were the very grounds where Lord Krishna inspired the people of Gokul to worship Govardhan and humbled Lord Indra’s arrogance.

• Govardhan Puja 2023 Pratahkal Muhurat : 06:42:30 to 08:51:38
• Duration : 2 Hour 9 Minute

Date and Observance of Govardhan Puja 2023

The observance of Govardhan Puja 2023 revolves around specific guidelines:

1. Govardhan Puja is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the Kartik month’s bright half. However, a crucial condition applies: the sacred texts specify that the moon should not rise during the Puja Muhurat at night.
2. In case there is an expectation of the moonrise on the evening of the first day of Kartik month, Govardhan Puja is observed on the preceding day.
3. If Pratipada date persists at sunrise without the moonrise, Govardhan Puja should be performed on that very day. Otherwise, it is conducted on the previous day.
4. When Pratipada continues up to 9 Muhurats after sunrise, even if the moon rises in the evening, but a complete moonrise is absent, Govardhan Puja is observed on the same day.

Rituals and Customs of Govardhan Puja 2023

Govardhan Puja carries immense significance in the lives of Indians and involves various customs:

1. A Govardhan made from cow dung is crafted and adorned with flowers. Typically, Govardhan Puja takes place either in the morning or evening. During the Puja, offerings of water, fruits, incense sticks, and oblations are made to Govardhan. Additionally, animals, particularly cows and bulls used in agriculture, are revered on this day.
2. An effigy of Govardhan Ji is created from cow dung on the ground, with a clay lamp placed on its navel. Milk, curd, gangajal, honey, and crystallized sugar (bataashe) are offered in the lamp during the Puja, followed by the distribution of Prasad.
3. After the Puja, devotees circumambulate the Govardhan Ji idol, allowing water to spill from a vessel while sowing barley on the ground.
4. Worshiping Govardhan Giri is believed to bring financial prosperity, blessings for children, and enhancement of cow milk.
5. On Govardhan Puja, Lord Vishwakarma is also honored, and machines in factories and industries receive worship.

Ceremonies Surrounding Govardhan Puja 2023

1. Govardhan Puja is a tribute to nature and Lord Krishna, marked by religious ceremonies and communal feasts (bhandara) organized in temples nationwide. After the Puja, Prasad is distributed among devotees.
2. Revolving around Govardhan Parvat during Govardhan Puja is of great significance, believed to seek blessings from Lord Krishna.

The Legend of Govardhan Puja

The significance of Govardhan Puja is elaborated in the Vishnu Purana. It narrates how Lord Krishna, to humble Lord Indra’s arrogance, inspired the people of Gokul to worship Govardhan Parvat instead of Indra. This act led to Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Parvat on his little finger to protect the people from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra. Realizing his mistake, Lord Indra sought forgiveness and worshiped Lord Krishna, giving rise to the tradition and essence of Govardhan Puja. On Govardhan Puja, devotees gather in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, to circumambulate the Govardhan Parvat, reinforcing their faith in Lord Krishna.

Annakoot Offering for Govardhan Puja

During Govardhan Puja, temples organize Annakoot, a mixture of various cereals offered to Lord Krishna as a form of worship. This offering includes khichdi made from pearl millet, along with Puri and sweets made from milk and other delicacies. After the Puja, these offerings are distributed among devotees. Temples often host all-night vigils, songs, dances, and prayers for a prosperous life in devotion to Lord Krishna.

Connect with an Astrologer for more personalised detailed predictions. First FREE CALL.