Put Him Down

The Origin of Govardhan Puja

In the western coast of India, in the island of Salmali, lived Dronachala, the king of the mountains. Once a sage by the name of Pulastya Muni, came to him to take his son Giriraja with him to Kashi (Varanasi). After offering some initial resistance, Giriraja, somehow agreed to go with him only on condition that he should not put him down on the earth along the way. If he did so, he would stay there forever.

When they were flying over Vraja bhumi, Giriraja increased his weight to the extent that Pulastya had no option but to put him down. Pulastya understood the mischief of Giriraja. He became furious and cursed him that he would decrease by one grain everyday. But then repenting on the curse that he gave to Giriraja, he assured him that he would be blessed in the Dvapara Yuga and everybody would start worshipping him at that time.

This happened in the Satya yuga. Brahmaji wished to create the Dvapara Yuga but because of the portentous phenomenon of Ravana, he had to create the Treta Yuga. In this yuga, Hanumanaji on the instructions of Lord Rama, came to take Giriraja for the cause of constructing a bridge on the ocean.

Giriraja at once agreed to go for the service of Lord Rama. But before they reached the bridge it was already complete so there was no need of additional stones. Giriraja was very disappointed not getting the opportunity to have the darshana of Lord Rama.

On knowing the sorrow of Giriraja, Lord Rama sent a message saying that, "...by the end of the Dvapara Yuga, the Original personality of godhead, Sri Krishna will appear and have his transcendental leelas on you and will also worship you with great affection. In the kaliyuga, the devotees shall attain numerous divine supernatural powers by simply worshipping you.''

In Sarasvata Kalpa, i.e. the end of the Dvapara Yuga, Bhagavan Sri Krishna stopped the worship of Indra and started the Govardhana Puja by doing it Himself. It was a wonderful sight. Being worshipped by Sri Krishna, Giriraja himself became like Sri Krishna. It was like He (Sri Krishna) was worshipping Himself. Since then all the six seasons resided permanently on Giriraja.

Besides this, the eight gates of the Asta Sakha's from where they entered nitya lila, are also on Govardhan hill. The Asta Sakha's, who reside on Govardhan hill are in different places, each of which were passionately attached to their respective Deities at those places.