Legend of Govardhan: Shelter in the Divine

The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja.

The Legend

In Lord Krishna’s village of Vrindavan (located in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh), the deity Indra, the god of rain and thunder was worshipped and appeased with sacrifices during autumn. Krishna did not approve of this practice of people worshipping lesser gods with fear in their hearts. He instead pointed people to the Supreme Being above the smaller gods of which he himself was the most obvious evidence as an incarnation (avatar). He told people to worship Mount Govardhan instead, which he stated was a form of himself.

Indra was angered at this and struck the village with torrential rains. Krishna then lifted Mount Govardhan on his little finger and sheltered the entire village. After 7 days of heavy downpour, Indra finally conceded defeat.

Read more about the 5 Days of Diwali in the LWP Digest

The Inspiration

This story is a reminder for one to take shelter in the Divine. To seek shelter in Grace alone and not bend one’s knees to or be satisfied with anything less than that.

As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, those surrendered to Him, taking refuge in Him will always have his protection and Grace.

“On those ever united through meditation with Me and worshipping Me with love, I confer that yoga of wisdom through which they attain Me”