The Beauty of Vṛndāvana Life
In the heart of Vṛndāvana, every day was a celebration of divine joy. The trees offered fruits and flowers to Kṛṣṇa, the Yamunā flowed with nectar-like water, and the residents of Vraja lived in deep affection, absorbed in the playful activities of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.
Among these festivities, the Vrajavāsīs prepared each year for a special event: the grand Indra-yajña, a ritual sacrifice to appease Indra, the king of the heavens and giver of rains.
Kṛṣṇa Questions the Yajña
One day, as the Vrajavāsīs gathered ingredients and offerings for the Indra-pūjā, the young Kṛṣṇa approached Nanda Mahārāja and questioned with playful seriousness:
“Dear Father, what is this ritual you prepare for? Whom is it meant to satisfy? Are these offerings prescribed by the Vedas or are they traditions based on habit?”
Nanda Bābā replied, “This is the Indra-yajña, performed for the satisfaction of Lord Indra, who sends us rain. Without rain, how will our crops grow, and how will we nourish the cows?”
Kṛṣṇa’s Divine Argument
Kṛṣṇa smiled and offered profound logic with childlike charm:
“Father, it is karma that gives results. The devas simply distribute what people deserve. Why should we worship Indra specifically? We are cowherds; our true sustainer is the Govardhana Hill—it provides us grass, streams, caves, and protection.”
Convinced by Kṛṣṇa’s words, and also enchanted by His reasoning, Nanda Mahārāja and the other gopas agreed. They decided to perform a new festival—the Govardhana Pūjā, worshipping the hill as their true protector.
Govardhana Pūjā Begins
With immense joy, the Vrajavāsīs prepared mountains of food, milk sweets, fruits, and savories. They dressed in festive garments and circumambulated Govardhana Hill, offering prayers and songs.
To everyone’s astonishment, Kṛṣṇa Himself assumed a gigantic form atop the hill, accepting the offerings directly as Govardhana Personified.
He declared:
“I am the Hill. I am the Lord of Vraja. Bring your offerings here, and I shall protect you.”
The gopas and gopīs watched in awe, as the giant form of the hill ate all the offerings. Then, returning to their homes, they sang in praise of Giri-Govardhana and Kṛṣṇa, unaware that both were one and the same.
Indra’s Anger and the Deluge
In the heavens, Indra was enraged. Seeing that his yajña had been canceled and his authority challenged by a mere cowherd boy, he called forth the Sāṁvartaka clouds, used at the time of cosmic destruction.
“Go! Flood Vṛndāvana and crush the pride of this boy and the villagers who dare ignore me!”
The clouds obeyed, and soon a violent storm struck Vṛndāvana. Lightning cracked, rivers overflowed, and torrents of rain began to drown the land. Cows trembled in fear, gopīs clung to their children, and the people cried out:
“Kṛṣṇa! O Kṛṣṇa, save us!”
Kṛṣṇa Lifts Govardhana
In response, Kṛṣṇa calmly walked to the base of Govardhana Hill, and with His left hand, He effortlessly lifted the entire mountain like an umbrella.
“Come, all of you! Bring the cows, your carts, and families beneath this hill. Do not fear.”
Amazed and comforted, the entire village entered beneath Govardhana, which Kṛṣṇa held for seven days and nights, without the slightest strain.
During this time, the residents gazed at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus face, marveling at His strength, beauty, and smile. Kṛṣṇa stood like a golden pillar, His hand raised above, His flute tucked in His waistcloth, surrounded by His beloved devotees.
Indra Realizes His Mistake
After seven days, Indra realized that this boy was no ordinary mortal. He recognized that Kṛṣṇa was the Supreme Lord, the master of all demigods.
Ashamed, Indra withdrew the clouds and descended to beg forgiveness.
Indra’s Humble Prayers
Folding his hands and bowing, Indra offered heartfelt prayers:
“O Lord of all lords, I was blinded by pride and have committed a great offense. Please forgive me. You are the source of all devas. Your līlā bewilders even the wise. May I always remember You as my Lord and Master.”
Kṛṣṇa’s Mercy
Kṛṣṇa smiled gently and replied:
“O Indra, it was your pride that caused this trouble, but now that it is gone, all is forgiven. Return to your duties and remember that I protect My devotees directly, without need of intermediaries.”
Indra returned to the heavens, humbled, and filled with devotion.
Govardhana Hill Becomes Eternal
From that day on, the Vrajavāsīs celebrated Govardhana Pūjā every year, worshipping the sacred hill and Kṛṣṇa, who is Govardhana Himself.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- True protection comes from the Lord, not from material agents or rituals alone.
- Even the highest demigods like Indra can become bewildered by pride.
- The Lord is pleased by simple, heartfelt devotion, not grand offerings made in arrogance.
- Govardhana Hill is non-different from Kṛṣṇa and remains the eternal shelter of His devotees.
- Kṛṣṇa bears the entire world’s weight, yet lovingly lifts a hill to protect a single village.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 41–49
