On the fourth day of Tihar, Govardhan Puja is performed. Lord Krishna‘s victory over Lord Indra by rising the Govardhan hill is commemorated in Hindu households with the term ‘mount of grain.’ This hill is symbolized by a stack of grain, which also corresponds to Lord Krishna’s teachings on nature worship. The day is also known as Annakut Pooja, and it is one of Nepal‘s and India‘s most important spiritual ceremonies.
The worship of oxen, traditional wooden plows (Hali or halo), and other agricultural implements is common. With the arrival of winter in Nepal’s agricultural doors, it is usual to bring out for worship the implements like as plows and spades that had been stored following the rainy season. This Tihar is known as Hali Tihar because we worship agricultural instruments on this day.
Govardhan Puja traditions are still practiced including cow dung models of the Gai and Govardhan Mountains. The rites are tied to the Hindu God Sri Krishna, who, according to mythology, lifted the Govardhan Mountain with his hand and shielded the people of Gokul from severe rains brought on by Indra, the rain God .It’s thought that the rain God was enraged, causing the torrential downpour.
Similarly, in Nepal, which is primarily agricultural, the ox is revered today since it is a very valuable animal in a variety of agricultural tasks.
Govardhan Puja In History.
The name Govardhan comes from a mountain of the same name that Shri Krishna single-handedly raised. ‘Go’ is the Sanskrit Sanskrit word for cow, while ‘vardhan’ is the Hindi word for nourishment. ‘Go’ also means senses, and the term ‘vardhan’ also means ‘increase,’ so worshiping Krishna is a way of ‘increasing one’s senses.’ Those who worship Govardhan hill are said to increase their faith and devotion to Sri Krishna.
Lord Krishna’s triumph over Lord Indra is commemorated on this day in Hindu history. On Govardhan Puja, the importance of the fundamental parts of human life is also emphasized. This day is thought to be the best opportunity to show your appreciation for Mother Nature. Devotees do Annakut Puja, which entails presenting Lord Krishna Chappan Bhoga, which consists of 56 different foods.
People prayed to Lord Indra to safeguard and save their harvest, according to Hindu legend. Heavy rains, on the other hand, wreaked havoc on these fields. Lord Krishna highlighted the value of nature and its repercussions while fighting Lord Indra’s tyranny by causing heavy weather. Lord Krishna protected the people by elevating the Govardhan hill and shielding them from Lord Indra’s fury.
Another tale associated with Govardhan Puja is that of King Bali, who was defeated by Lord Vishnu. Every year on the occasion of Govardhan Puja, King Bali is said to emerge from Pataal Lok to visit his kingdom. As a result, in some parts of India, this day is referred to as ‘Bali Pratipada‘ or ‘Padva.’
