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Govardhana Giri and Rukmani Kalyanam  

Posted by Shamala Krishnan in , , , ,

  1. Govardhan :


    The hill Govardhan is popularly known as “Giriraj”.



    Purana says Govardhan Mountain is son of Dronachala Mountain. Once when Pulasthya Maharisii was passing through Dronachala Mountain, he was attracted by the fame of Govardhana Mountain. He wanted to take the Guardian Mountain to Varnasi and meditate there. So he requested Pulasthya Maharishi to permit him to take his son Govardhana Mountain. Dronachala Mountain agreed to send. Pulasthya Maharisi had to agree, to a condition of Govardhan. He should not rest him any where in the middle of his journey. Otherwise, he will stay back at the place he was rested by Maharishi.



    Pulasthiya Rishi agreed and lifted the Mountain to shoulder with his power of “Thapas” (penance). When they were proceding towards Varnasi, they had to cross Vrindhavan.



    Govardhan Mountain became heavy due the vibration and thought of Krishna leela while crossing Brindvan. Maharishi was tired and he rested the Govardhana Mountain here, in Kamyavanam. After sometime when he lifted the hill he was not able to do it due to the agreement between them.



    Maharisi in anger cursed the mountain to gradually become smaller in size. Every year Govardhana Giri looses its height by size of a “Thill.” Now the height of the Govardhana Mountain is only 80’.



    Previously people residing here, used to prepare and offer variety of food in large quantity to Indra. Kannan convinced the residence residing there, to offer food hereafter to Govardhana Giri which is full of herbs and medicinal plant which helps in growth of cow.



    Indra became angry by this change in offering to Govardhana Giri. Rain started pouring heavily for seven days, Krishna lifted up Govardhana Giri as an umbrella to give shelter for cows and people living there.



    Parikrama around the Govardhana giri is about 21kms distance. There are some places to see when we go around.



  2. Kusum Sarovar:









    Kusum Sarovar from where Lord Krishna used to pluck flowers and give them to Gopika’s. There is a sanctum for Uttdavar near the sarovar. Uttdavar came to this place to see Kannan, and he was pleased at the surrounding and the vibration there.



  3. Govinda kund :








    Main entrance known as Vallabacharya dwar, leads us to Govind Kund. We have to walk a little to Govind kund from here.








    Govind kund.



    After having darshan of Govind Kund, we had to walk about 5-6 kms to reach the Govardhana Giri.



  4. During our stay at Brindavan for Bagavadha sapthagam on 6th day Annakooda utsavam was celebrated in front of Govardhana Giri.










    This is the ground in front of Govardhana giri, where Annakooda utsavam was performed.








    Here Lord Krishna was decorated like Govardhan Giridhar.






    Gathering at Annakooda Utsavam.








    Peacock dance








    Peacock dance




    We had few cultural programs in the evening in the ground. There was a Music program and Dance program by local residence. The peacock dance performance was really good and everyone enjoyed the dance.




    A stone from the mountain was taken and installed on a dais representing Govardhana Giri.










    starting abishekam was with water for Govardhana Giri









    We see abishekam with milk for Govardhna Giri.







    Next we seeabishekam with sandal paste for Govardhana Giri.







    Nakshatra Aarathi Given for Govardhana Giri after the completion of abishekam.









    Sodasoupacharam was done and variety of offerings were given to Govardhana giri here.We were thrilled while watching the function.



    When food offering was refused to Indra, he was hungry and he poured down heavy rain to punish them. Govardhana Giri was lifted by Kannan to protect cows and others. Indra realised his mistake and performed Govinda pattbishekam for Govardhana Giri and Kannan. Since the cow and calves were protected by Kannan, he was known as Govindan.



  5. Rukmani Kalyanam :



    Last day Rukmani kalyanam was celebrated in the morning. Sankalpam was done by every one of us who joined the yatra. All rituals were performed as we do in marriages.







    Main entrance of the ground, were Rukmani kalyanam was performed.







    Devotees assembled to take part in Rukmani Kalyana Utsavam function.







    Rukmani and lord Krishna decorated for the kalyana utsava function in bridal dress .







    Offerings like variety of fruits, dry frits, flowers, and Garland along with clothing displayed in Kalyana Mandapam

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