RELIGIOUS: ISKCON to celebrate Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Pujacelebrated within the Krishna Consciousness Movement, a day after Diwali. It is done in order to commemorate Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra.
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will be celebrating Govardhan Puja on October 20.
The event will take place at the Iskcon Temple, 20 Toucan Place, starting at 6.30pm. Devotees will be able to learn more about the auspicious day and receive darshan from Lord Krishna.
Guests are encouraged to bring offerings of milk, nuts, fruit or flowers by no later than 6.15pm.
The programme is set to spiritually uplift devotees and will be followed by a sumptuous prasadam.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated in the month of Kartik, which is between October and November.
It is celebrated within the Krishna Consciousness Movement, a day after Diwali. It is done in order to commemorate Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra.
When Lord Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana preparing for Indra Yaga, He suggested they should forgo the worship of Indra and instead worship the Govardhan Hill.
Coming to know about this, Indra became angry and sent devastating rainfall over Vrindavana.
Lord Krishna picked up the Govardhan Hill with his little finger and provided shelter for all inhabitants of Vrindavana.
Indra became conscious of his offense and pleaded for forgiveness from Lord Krishna.
Thus the Lord established that a devotee who is surrendered to him, and is engaged in devotional service, is free from all Vedic Obligations.
This pastime is know as Govardana Lila and is described in the tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam.
As per the instructions of Lord Krishna, and following in the footsteps of the residents of Vrindavana, this festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik.
Devotees prepare a variety of bhoga with grain and ghee (sweet and savouries), which was then taken and stacked like Govardan Hill and is offered to Lord Krishna.
Devotees circumambulate the Govardan Hill chanting and dancing.
Thereafter the bhoga is served to everyone as prasadam.
It is also very auspicious to worship the cow on Govardhan day, as Krishna is known as Gopala the protector of cows.
On this day the cows are adorned with beautiful garlands and fed well.
Iskcon Newcastle would like to wish all who are celebrating Diwali, a joyous and spiritually uplifting day of celebrations.
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