JKP

Govardhan Pooja

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
2 November 2024
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Govardhan Puja by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

(Excerpt from a speech made by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj  

on the occasion of Govardhan Pooja)

Today is the day of Govardhan Pooja. The day we worship Giridhari.  Why do we observe this festival?  It has great significance and we need to understand. Throughout the Vedas, Puranas and scriptures, God and Saints have instructed us to love God alone. Our mind should be exclusively surrendered and attached only to God.  Not anywhere else. Anywhere ‘else’ means the realm of Maya. There is no third area where one can get attached.  One can love either God or the world of Maya.  

In Dwaparyug, even before Lord Krishna’s descent, the residents of Braj worshipped various celestial gods, including Lord Narayan and Lord Indra. This was because the scriptures state that rains are governed by Indra, the God of Rains. During droughts, fire sacrifices were performed to appease him, and oblations were offered to Indra even in regular fire rituals.

Observing this, Shri Krishna realised, “I have come to promote true devotion, yet the people of Braj are still turning to Indra for their needs. I need to take practical steps to guide them. My Saints have explained the principles repeatedly, but the people do not seem to heed their words. Therefore, I must provide them with tangible examples to help them understand.”

Consequently, He stopped the worship of Indra throughout Braj. Naradji then approached Indra and said, “Are you aware that a little boy has halted your worship?” Indra, surprised, asked, “Who is this boy?” Naradji replied, “He is Nand’s son.” Indra, incensed, declared, “How dare he? Doesn’t he know that I am Indra?” Naradji, unfazed, simply said, “I don’t know the details, but you should go see for yourself.”

With that, Naradji left, chanting “Narayan Narayan.” Indra made his way to Braj and soon spotted the dark little boy who had the audacity to stop his worship. In a fit of fury, Indra unleashed a torrential downpour, with raindrops as large as pestles used for grinding paddy. The rain fell relentlessly, inundating the land.

The land of Braj began to flood. To protect the residents, God lifted Govardhan Hill and placed it effortlessly on his little finger. He then called everyone to take shelter beneath its shade, boldly challenging Indra to continue pouring rain for as long as he wished.

Indra was astonished, thinking, “This boy has lifted a hill—something even I cannot do! How could he possibly lift such a massive structure?” Hills are firmly fixed to the earth; they are not like tables that can be easily moved. Yet, here was Krishna, effortlessly holding up Govardhan.

Indra continued to unleash the rains, but the Lord stood firm for seven days and seven nights, without eating or drinking, providing shelter to all the residents of Braj.

It was at this moment that Indra regained his senses and realised that this little boy was no ordinary child; he must be a great personality. As the story goes, Indra humbled himself and begged for forgiveness, and God, in his compassion, forgave him. From that point on, the worship of God flourished throughout the land. 

However, when God returned to his abode and the age of Kaliyug began, these practices of devotion began to wane once again.

Our minds are indeed fickle. Only God—along with His names, forms, qualities, pastimes, abodes, and Saints—should be the sole focus of our devotion. When our minds remain anchored in these divine aspects, we maintain an exclusive connection with God. However, if we allow our minds to attach to any personality or object in the material world, then that exclusivity is lost, and God will withdraw His presence from our hearts.

God Himself has stated, “I have no issue if my family members reside in your mind. But the influences of Maya must not enter, even slightly.” The moment our minds wander elsewhere, even a little, God’s divine presence diminishes.

Thus, today’s festival serves as a reminder to reaffirm our exclusive devotion to God. We should focus on strengthening our minds, constantly reminding ourselves to attach our hearts only to God, His Saints, and His Divine family. 

This commitment should be actively practised during Govardhan Pooja.

All glories to Giriraj Maharaj.

By Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.