Fourth day of the Diwali celebrations, Govardhan Puja
is one of the very important days in the Diwali celebrations. It is also known
as 'Padwa' or 'Varshapratiprada' in some parts of the country. This day is
mainly celebrated in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar. According to the Hindu epic and legend,
the "Vishnu Puraan", the people of Gokul, Mathura used to worship
Lord Indra for providing them with rains. They believed that it was him who
blessed them with the rains for their welfare.
But Lord Krishna explained to them that it was mount Govardhan (a small hill situated at Braj, near Mathura) who caused the rain and not Lord Indra, so the
mount should be worshipped and not Lord Indra. So the people followed Lord
Krishna and started worshipping mount Govardhan.
This made Lord Indra really furious and as a result of his anger of not being worshipped, the people of Gokul had to face heavy rains. Lord Krishna came to the people's rescue and after prayers and offerings to the mount Govardhan, he lifted it as an umbrella on the little finger of his right hand in order to provide shelter to the people. Lord Krishna was called Giridhari or Govardhandhari only after this event.
This made Lord Indra really furious and as a result of his anger of not being worshipped, the people of Gokul had to face heavy rains. Lord Krishna came to the people's rescue and after prayers and offerings to the mount Govardhan, he lifted it as an umbrella on the little finger of his right hand in order to provide shelter to the people. Lord Krishna was called Giridhari or Govardhandhari only after this event.
Annkoot
Govardhan is also known as 'Annakoot' which literally means 'Mountain of food'.
It is a custom to prepare fifty six or one hundred and eight varieties of
dishes to offer to Lord Krishna. This offering is referred to as 'Bhog'.
specially in Mathura and Nathdwara, offering the “bhog" which is arranged and presented in
form of a mountain in front of the idols as per the customs.
Gudi Padwa--This day has a major significance in
Hinduism. As per the customs and traditions, wives put 'Tilak' on the forehead
of their husbands, garland them and pray for his long life. Also the husbands
give a token of love (a gift) to their wives for their care, love and
affection. There is a custom to invite newly married daughters with their
husbands to feast and are presented with gifts and sweets.
Padwa--The day following 'Amavasya', which is the fourth day of the Diwali celebrations is the day when King Bali came out of the 'Patal lok'. Also this is the day when he started ruling the 'Bhoo lok', which was given to him as a boon by Lord Vishnu.
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