Krishna Avatara and the Magic of Govardhana Hill: Protector of Vrindavan from Indra's Rage

On a sunny day, the people of Vrindavan were happily busy preparing for a grand and festive festival of worship in honor of Lord Indra. The people of Vrindavan gathered abundant agricultural produce such as rice, wheat, vegetables and fruits. Also, they cultivate various dairy products such as butter, cheese and yogurt with gratitude. In addition, the people of Vrindavan add fresh flowers to beautify the offerings to be made to Lord Indra.

Little Krishna came to his father, Nanda Maharaj. With great curiosity, Krishna asked why this ceremony had to be performed. Nanda Maharaj thought for a moment, looked at his son's inquisitive face, then began to explain gently. He explained that this ceremony was essential to invoke the favor of Lord Indra, the lord of rain, as well as an expression of gratitude for the blessings of fertility that had been bestowed upon the people of Vrindavan.

Nanda Maharaj continued his explanation with great patience, saying that rain is the source of life for the people of Vrindavan. Without rain, their fields would not be fertile, crops would not grow, and the people of Vrindavan would not have enough food. Therefore, they should honor and worship Lord Indra to always be blessed with sufficient rain.

Krishna Denied His Father's Word (Source: Personal Collection)

However, little Krishna was not satisfied with his father Nanda Maharaj's answer. With full conviction, Krishna explained that all that was obtained by the people of Vrindavan was the result of the karma that the people of Vrindavan had done in accordance with the established laws of karma. The gods also have no right to go against the law of karma because they are only servants of God who carry out the duties and functions given to them. Krishna explains that the one who gives the gift directly is God Himself, not the gods.

Krishna also explained that every living being, even inanimate objects, have their own roles. Gods have the role of ruling the universe, Brahmins are obliged to spiritually guide the people of Vrindavan, Kshatriyas must protect their people, Vaisyas help in the economy, and Sudras help to serve other groups. Land, water, air, and all other inanimate objects, no matter how small, also have roles that should not be underestimated. All of them should be honored and respected according to their respective roles. Therefore, according to little Krishna, the people of Vrindavan do not need to perform Indra Puja ceremonies.

With Krishna's various denials, his father, the elders and the people of Vrindavan followed his words. Krishna said, “Then what is more worthy of worship is Govardhana Hill, because it has become a place to cultivate crops and where the cattle of Vrindavan residents graze every day. In addition, we should also honor the brahmins of Vrindavan who have been solemnly praying for the peace of this village.” After listening to Krishna's words, his father and the village elders felt Krishna's words were true.

Krishna Points at Govardhana Hill (Source: Personal Collection)

In doing so, Krishna urged the villagers of Vrindavan to shift their worship from Lord Indra to Govardhana Hill and the brahmanas who faithfully served them. Eventually the Indra Puja ceremony was canceled and the Vrindavan villagers followed Krishna's orders to conduct a festival of celebration in honor of Govardhana Hill and offerings to the brahmins. 

All the offerings that the people of Vrindavan had prepared for Indra Puja were diverted as offerings to Govardhana Hill. The villagers brought an assortment of fruits, grains, and rice, and placed them at the base of the hill. They sang hymns and performed rituals, expressing their gratitude and devotion to Govardhana Hill. Krishna, pleased with their devotion, assured them that Govardhana Hill would protect them from harm. 

Seeing this incident, of course Lord Indra who was enveloped in ego power became furious. Immediately, Lord Indra sent a very heavy rainstorm that caused tremendous flash floods in the village of Vrindavan. The houses of the people of Vrindavan began to sink and large trees were uprooted. The people of Vrindavan were frightened and tried to save themselves, they ran around frantically. 

Yet, amidst the chaos, Krishna appeared calmly, as if unaffected by the storm raging around him. With a soothing and loving smile, Krishna lifted Govardhana Hill with his hands. The hill was raised high, creating a vast and safe sanctuary for the entire population of Vrindavan. Lord Indra's storms and thunderbolts could not touch the people of Vrindavan and their cattle under Govardhana Hill.

Vrindavan People Taking Shelter Under Govardhana Hill (Source: Personal Collection)

Those who had been running around frantically filled with fear, now gathered under the hill, feeling sheltered from the fierce rainstorm and the threatening winds. Under Govardhana Hill, the villagers found calm and security. The calm that the people of Vrindavan felt in the midst of this violent storm was due to the blessings of Krishna's courage and wisdom.

Lord Indra, who saw Krishna's actions, felt humiliated and became angry. Lord Indra increased the intensity of the storm, accompanied by stronger lightning strikes. He hoped to destroy Govardhana Hill which was used as a sanctuary by Krishna and the people of Vrindavan. However, Krishna remained steadfast and calm, unmoved by Lord Indra's anger. The people of Vrindavan, who were initially terrified, now felt calm and safe again under Krishna's protection.

Lord Indra Bows Down to Krishna (Source: Personal Collection)

After a long time, Lord Indra finally realized that what he was dealing with was not an ordinary child, but a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Regretfully, Lord Indra stopped the rainstorm and came to Govardhana. There, he prostrated himself and apologized to Krishna for his mistake. Lord Indra from all over the universe arrived, offering prayers of praise to Krishna.

Finally, the sky cleared and the people of Vrindavan returned to the village in droves. The people of Vrindavan worked together to clean up the village that had been destroyed by the storm. Then, the offerings to Govardhana Hill resumed. Krishna finally signified himself as Govardhana Hill to the people of Vrindavan. Krishna again showed his omnipotence by eating all the food offered at the celebration.

The Worship of Govardhana Hill (Source: Personal Collection)

Since then, the people of Vrindavan have been performing ceremonial offerings to Govardhana Hill as a form of worship to Lord Vishnu every year. The people of Vrindavan celebrate the event with great fanfare and splendor, and with great joy. The dedication ceremony is to commemorate the courage and compassion of Krishna who saved the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra.