The Govardhan Puja, celebrated a day after Diwali, primarily commemorates which incident from Hindu mythology?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill.
Explanation:
☛ Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, which falls immediately a day after Diwali.
☛ This festival commemorates the mythological event where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to provide shelter to the villagers of Braj and their cattle from torrential rains.
☛ The torrential downpour was unleashed by Lord Indra out of anger when Krishna persuaded the people to worship nature and the Govardhan mountain instead of Indra, thereby humbling Indra's pride.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Annakut: The festival is also widely known as Annakut, meaning a 'mountain of food', during which a vast array of vegetarian dishes and sweets is offered to Lord Krishna.
☛ Bestu Varas: In Gujarat, this same day marks the beginning of the Gujarati New Year and is celebrated as Bestu Varas.
☛ Bali Pratipada: In parts of Maharashtra and South India, this day is observed as Bali Pratipada, marking the mythological return of King Bali.
☛ Govardhan Parikrama: The sacred Govardhan Hill is located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, where thousands of devotees perform a 21-kilometer circumambulation (parikrama).
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which Hindu calendar month is Govardhan Puja celebrated? → Kartik month (Shukla Paksha)
☛ Which deity's pride was humbled by Lord Krishna during the Govardhan episode? → Lord Indra
☛ Which state celebrates the day after Diwali as 'Bestu Varas' (New Year)? → Gujarat
☛ What does the word 'Annakut' literally translate to? → Mountain of food
☛ In which district of Uttar Pradesh is the sacred Govardhan Hill situated? → Mathura