How to Perform Govardhan Puja (Annakut Utsav): Complete Method and Significance

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Utsav (Festival of Food), is celebrated on the day following Diwali, which falls on the Pratipada tithi (first day) of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month. This festival symbolizes gratitude towards Lord Krishna and respect for nature.

⛰️ Significance of Govardhan Puja (Why is it celebrated?)

Govardhan Puja recalls the miraculous act of Lord Krishna when he broke the ego of Devraj Indra (the King of Gods).

• The Story: Once, Lord Krishna asked the residents of Braj (Vrindavan) to worship Govardhan Mountain instead of Indra, as the mountain provided them with fruit, flowers, and shelter.

• Angered by this, Indra caused a torrential downpour upon Gokul. To protect the residents and cattle from the deluge, Lord Krishna effortlessly lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger (kanishtha ungli), offering shelter beneath it.

• On the seventh day, Indra realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness. This tradition has continued ever since. The puja represents gratitude towards nature and the victory of devotion over ego.

📋 Puja Items (Samagri List)

Gather these essential items before beginning the worship:

• Cow Dung (Gobhar): Pure cow dung (for creating the Govardhan mountain model).

• Annakut: A collection of seasonal dishes (vegetables, lentils, rice, sweets, kadhi-chawal).

• Other Items: Clay lamp (Deepak), cotton wick, ghee/oil, roli (red powder), sandalwood paste (chandan), turmeric (haldi), flowers and garland, Tulsi leaves, rice grains (akshat), incense (dhoop), camphor (kapoor), fruits, water (jal), holy Ganga water (Gangajal), milk, yogurt (dahi), honey, and batashe (sugar drops).

✨ The Complete Method for Govardhan Puja

Perform the puja with reverence and devotion by following these steps:

1. Creating the Govardhan Mountain

• Wake up early on the day of the puja, take a bath, and wear clean clothes (preferably yellow or orange).
• In the courtyard (aangan) or near the entrance of the house, use cow dung to create a large symbolic model of the Govardhan mountain.
• Around the mountain, make small figures of cowherds (Gwal-Bal), trees/plants, and animals (cows, calves).
• Place a small idol or picture of Lord Krishna in the center or front of the model.

2. Beginning the Worship

• Begin the puja at the auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat). First, light the lamp (deepak) and offer prayers to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Mountain.
• Offer water, fruits, flowers, roli, rice, and sandalwood to the Govardhan model.
• Place a lamp or a small clay pot (patra) in the center of the Govardhan model, at the spot representing the navel (nabhi).
• Fill this pot with milk, yogurt, Gangajal, honey, and batashe (this mixture will be distributed as Bhog later).

3. Annakut and Offering

• Offer the Annakut (Chhappan Bhog) with sincere devotion to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Maharaj.
• It is considered auspicious to place a Tulsi leaf in every dish.

4. Mantra Chanting and Circumambulation

• Join your hands, pray to Govardhan Maharaj for happiness and prosperity, and chant the following Mantra:

"Govardhana Dharadhara Gokula Traanakarakam | Vishnubahu Kritocchraayam Gavam Koti Prado Bhava॥"

Simple Meaning: Hail to Govardhan, the earth-bearer, the protector of Gokul. The one who was lifted high by the arm of Lord Vishnu, and the one who blesses millions of cows—please bless us.

• After the worship is complete, perform seven circumambulations (Parikrama) of the Govardhan model made at home. This Parikrama should be done barefoot.

5. Worship of the Cow (Gau Mata)

• The worship of the Cow is very important on Govardhan Puja.
• While offering tilak, garlands, and fodder (chara) to the cows, chant this mantra:

"Lakshmirya Lokapalanam Dhenuroopena Sansthita | Ghritam Vahati Yagyartham Mama Papam Vyapohatu॥"

Simple Meaning: May the Goddess Lakshmi, who resides in the form of the Cow (Dhenu) and provides ghee for the rituals (Yajna), remove all my sins.

6. Simple Mantras for Lord Krishna (While offering Annakut)

When offering the Annakut to Lord Krishna, you can chant this simple mantra:

"Om Kleem Krishnaya Govindaya Gopijana Vallabhaya Swaha."

Or, His simplest mantra:

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."

7. Mantra for Offering Bhog

When offering the food (Bhog) to Lord Krishna (to offer to the five life-airs):

"Om Pranaya Swaha. Om Apanaya Swaha. Om Vyanaya Swaha. Om Udanaya Swaha. Om Samanaya Swaha." Then conclude with: "Shri Krishnarpanamastu" (This is dedicated to Shri Krishna).

8. Aarti and Distribution of Prasad

• Finally, sing the Aarti of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Maharaj.
• Ask for forgiveness for any mistakes made during the worship.
• Distribute the Annakut Prasad among family members, Brahmins, and those in need.