Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, exactly a day after Diwali. This festival is also widely known as Annakoot. On this auspicious day, people who follow Hindu traditions prepare a representation of Govardhan mountain using cow dung inside their homes and worship it with full devotion. Performing the parikrama of the Govardhan mountain is also a key ritual observed on this occasion. In the year 2026, Govardhan Puja falls on November 10. Therefore, it is important to understand why the parikrama of the cow dung Govardhan mountain is performed, along with the correct direction and rules associated with it.
Significance of Parikrama Around the Cow Dung Mountain
According to religious beliefs and scriptures, during the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to protect the residents of Braj from the wrath and torrential rains sent by Indra. Lord Krishna sheltered the people under the mountain for seven consecutive days. Once Indra's ego was completely shattered, he apologized to Lord Krishna. Following this, Lord Krishna advised the residents of Braj to perform a parikrama of the Govardhan mountain to express their gratitude towards it. According to tradition, the practice of this parikrama has continued ever since that time. Since cows are extremely dear to Lord Krishna, devotees construct the Govardhan mountain specifically using cow dung. Seven parikramas are performed because the residents of Braj spent seven days under the protective shade of the mountain. It is believed that completing the parikrama on Govardhan Puja yields merits equivalent to undertaking a pilgrimage to the four sacred abodes or Char Dham.
Correct Direction and Essential Rules for Parikrama
While performing the parikrama of the Govardhan mountain on the day of Govardhan Puja, one must pay special attention to the direction. The parikrama should always be carried out in a clockwise direction, known as Dakshinavarti. During the walk, your right hand must always remain facing towards the Govardhan mountain. Once you begin the parikrama, you should not stop midway until all seven rounds are successfully completed. While walking, you should continuously chant mantras such as 'Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama' or 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'. At the start of the ritual, you should hold a pot filled with water or keep traditional sweets like khील and batasha in your hand. Keep offering the stream of water or the sweets to the Govardhan mountain as you complete the rounds.
Important Guidelines to Keep in Mind
The Govardhan mountain must be crafted exclusively using cow dung. After completing the parikrama and the worship rituals, you must offer Prasad to Lord Krishna and the Govardhan mountain. On the day of Govardhan Puja, individuals must strictly avoid the consumption of meat and alcohol. Adhering to these traditional practices ensures that devotees receive blessings, peace, and prosperity.
