You may have heard that Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill in His childhood, but do you know the full story behind Krishna’s Govardhan Lila? The story reveals Krishna’s loving protection of His devotees and how He humbled Indra’s pride. Let us understand the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill, why He lifted it, and what this pastime teaches us.
Why Did Krishna Lift Govardhan Hill?
Lord Krishna’s divine activities fulfill many purposes at once, and His pastime of lifting Govardhan Hill is one such example. Here, we will look at two main reasons why He lifted Govardhan Hill.
To Protect the Residents of Vrindavan
Whenever the residents of Vrindavan were in danger, Lord Krishna was ready to give them all protection. Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan and their cows from the torrential rain sent by Indra, the king of heaven. Taking shelter under Govardhan Hill, all the anxiety of the residents vanished, and they felt safe.
To Break Indra’s Pride
Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to break Indra’s pride. Proud of his position as the king of heaven, Indra sent devastating rain upon Vrindavan when its residents stopped worshiping him. By effortlessly lifting the hill and protecting everyone, Krishna showed Indra that his power depended on the Supreme Lord. This humbled Indra and reminded him of his position as Krishna’s servant.
Krishna Lifting Govardhan Hill Story (Govardhan Lila)
As Indra, the king of heaven, is in charge of supplying rain to the residents of earth, the residents of Vrindavan were preparing a sacrifice to worship him. Little Krishna asked His father about this ritual and encouraged them to worship Govardhan Hill because they are fully dependent on it.
Following Krishna’s instructions, the residents prepared varieties of food, decorated their cows, and offered charity to the brahmanas. They worshiped Govardhan Hill and performed parikrama; then Krishna manifested a gigantic form and declared Himself to be Govardhan Hill and accepted their offerings.
When Indra came to know about it, he became furious and ordered Samvartaka clouds to flood Vrindavan. Heavy rain flooded the streets, and the residents and animals, finding no other shelter, approached Krishna for protection.
Seeing their distress, Krishna effortlessly lifted Govardhan Hill. For seven days, Krishna held Govardhan Hill on the little finger of His left hand. Beneath its shelter, the residents and animals remained safe, undisturbed by hunger, thirst, or discomfort.
Indra realised that his attempt had failed and ordered the clouds to withdraw. He approached Lord Krishna with Surabhi cow, admitted his offence, and begged forgiveness. Krishna explained that He had stopped the sacrifice to correct Indra’s pride and remind him of his eternal master.
Surabhi cow bathed Lord Krishna with her milk, and Indra bathed Him with Ganges water through Airavat’s trunk, honoring Him as Govinda.
What Does the Govardhan Hill Story Teach Us?
Govardhan Hill story teaches us many lessons that we should adopt in our lives.
- Trust Krishna’s protection: The residents of Vrindavan approached Krishna during the heavy rainfall, and He sheltered them by lifting Govardhan Hill.
- Give up false pride: Indra became proud of his power and position. Krishna broke his false pride and made him humble.
- Accept correction and seek forgiveness: Indra acknowledged his offence and begged forgiveness. Krishna explained that correcting his pride was His mercy.
FAQs
Q.1 How old was Krishna when He lifted Govardhan Hill?
Ans: Krishna was <strong>seven years old</strong> when He lifted Govardhan Hill.
Q.2 Which finger did Krishna use to lift Govardhan Hill?
Ans: Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on the <strong>little finger of His left hand</strong>.
Q.3 How many days did Krishna hold Govardhan Hill?
Ans: Krishna held Govardhan Hill for <strong>seven days and seven nights</strong>.
Conclusion
Thus, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect His dear devotees and humble Indra’s false pride. This pastime teaches us to depend completely on Krishna, just as the residents of Vrindavan did, and remain humble in whatever position we hold.
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