Govardhan Puja: Kaun The Naraj Devta?

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the stories behind our vibrant festivals? Today, we're diving deep into Govardhan Puja and a particularly intriguing question that pops up: Which gods were displeased according to the Puranas during Govardhan Puja? It's a fascinating aspect of Hindu mythology that often gets overshadowed by the main narrative, but understanding these nuances adds so much richness to our appreciation of these sacred events. So, buckle up, because we're about to unravel some ancient tales that shed light on divine relationships and cosmic balance. We'll explore the scriptures, interpret the verses, and bring you a clear, easy-to-understand explanation, just for you!

The Central Narrative of Govardhan Puja

The Govardhan Puja, a significant festival celebrated the day after Diwali, is primarily associated with Lord Krishna. The most popular story, as narrated in the Bhagavata Purana, tells us how Krishna, as a young boy, lifted the massive Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. The villagers, who were worshipping Indra for rain, were instructed by Krishna to worship the Govardhan Hill instead, as it was the source of their livelihood – providing food, water, and shelter. This act of defiance angered Indra, the king of the gods and the deity of rain and thunder. He unleashed torrential rains upon Vrindavan, intending to flood the entire region and punish the villagers for their perceived disrespect. Krishna, in his divine avatar, intervened and saved everyone by holding up the hill, providing them with shelter under its vast expanse. This event marks a pivotal moment, showcasing Krishna's immense power, his compassion for his devotees, and his challenge to the established divine order. The festival, therefore, celebrates Krishna's victory over Indra and the triumph of devotion and dharma over ego and power. It's a time when people reenact the lifting of the hill, often making miniature mounds of cow dung, and circumambulate them, offering prayers and gratitude to Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Hill. The food offerings, especially sweet dishes and ‘annakoot’ (a mountain of food), are also a crucial part of the celebration, symbolizing the abundance provided by nature and blessed by the divine.

Indra's Fury and Krishna's Divine Intervention

When we talk about Govardhan Puja and the gods who were displeased, the immediate figure that comes to mind is undoubtedly Lord Indra. The Bhagavata Purana vividly describes Indra's arrogance and his subsequent rage when he discovered that the people of Vrindavan had abandoned his worship in favor of the Govardhan Hill, a decision prompted by Lord Krishna. Indra, who saw himself as the supreme provider and protector, felt deeply insulted. His pride was wounded, and he believed his authority was being challenged. In his fury, he unleashed the samvartaka clouds, which brought about a devastating deluge. The rains were relentless, the thunder roared, and lightning struck with terrifying intensity. The rivers overflowed, and the entire land of Vrindavan was on the verge of being submerged. The villagers, including Krishna's foster parents Nanda and Yashoda, were filled with despair and fear. They had never witnessed such a catastrophic storm. It was at this critical juncture that Krishna revealed his divine form and instructed the people to take shelter under the Govardhan Hill, which he then effortlessly lifted with his left hand. For seven days and seven nights, Krishna held the mountain aloft, protecting the terrified populace from Indra's tempestuous downpour. This act not only saved Vrindavan but also humbled Indra, forcing him to realize the supremacy of Krishna and the futility of his pride. Eventually, Indra, realizing his mistake and Krishna's divine prowess, surrendered and offered his apologies, performing padapuja (worship of the feet) to Krishna. He then withdrew his clouds, and the sun shone once again on the parched land. So, while Indra was the primary deity who was initially displeased and acted out of anger, his reaction was a catalyst for a greater divine revelation and a re-establishment of cosmic order, emphasizing that true power and protection come from devotion and divine grace, not just from status or force.

Was Lord Shiva Displeased?

Now, this is where things get a bit more nuanced, guys. While the primary narrative of Govardhan Puja and the gods who were displeased focuses heavily on Indra's anger, the question of whether Lord Shiva was displeased is something that requires a deeper look into the Puranic texts and interpretations. Generally, Lord Shiva is depicted as a Mahayogi and a Bholenath, someone who is easily pleased and often transcends the petty squabbles and ego-driven conflicts of the other gods. In the context of the Govardhan Leela, Shiva's role is not one of displeasure or anger. Instead, he is often portrayed as an observer, and in some traditions, even an admirer of Krishna's divine act. There are interpretations and stories, though less commonly cited than the Indra narrative, that suggest Shiva's reverence for Krishna. For instance, some believe that Shiva himself was present in spirit, witnessing Krishna's miraculous feat. His consort, Goddess Parvati, and their son, Lord Kartikeya, are also typically not mentioned as being displeased. Shiva's cosmic dance, the Tandava, is often associated with destruction and renewal, but it's driven by cosmic necessity, not by personal pique or anger towards another deity's actions, especially not Krishna's. In fact, Shiva is known to be a great devotee of Vishnu, and Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu. Therefore, it's highly unlikely that Shiva would be displeased by an act of Krishna that saved devotees and upheld dharma. If any