Stories about, Sri Krishna – Krishna And Mount Govardhan

Narration:

Every year there used to be a sacrifice performed by the inhabitants of Vrindavan. Everyone used to be very busy preparing for this great event. Even in Krishna’s house, all were very busy. Krishna approached Nanda, who was busy discussing with the elders of the village.

Krishna asked him.

Krishna: Father, you all seem to be busy with some great events. Please tell me what it is all about.

Nanda: We are getting ready to celebrate a festival to worship Lord Indra. Since Indra is the God of rains, we should thank him for being so gracious in his blessings.

Krishna: How do you say that lord Indra is the one who’s causing rains, father?

Nanda: Of course, it’s Indra who’s the reason for our good fortune, son! He’s the god of the clouds and he rules them. So, he’s the one who has blessed us with good rain this year.

Krishna: No, father! You’re all mistaken. More than the clouds above, the mountain in our village has helped us. The fertile mountain is the real reason for the timely rains. Yes, father, Govardhan mountain providing us with magical herbs and plants, clean water and air from the top of its peak, and good grass for our cows. So everyone should praise and worship Govardhan and not Indra.

Narration:

Hearing Krishna’s words, the Gopas were totally convinced. They all agreed to worship Govardhan that year, instead of Lord Indra.

Lord Indra’s pride was insulted by the Gopa’s decision to worship Govardhan, instead of him. In his anger, he decided to punish the people of Vrindavan.

Indra: That little cowherd boy has stopped the celebrations in my honor!

Indra: I’ll send the most dangerous rains and thunderstorms to Vrindavan. They will destroy the whole village of Vrindavan. I will see who will save them now!

Narration:

The bright day at Vrindavan had suddenly turned gloomy. From nowhere, dark thunder clouds heavy with rain rolled in. The sun was nowhere to be seen. The people started to run for their lives. They ran in all directions, to save their family and belongings.

Nanda: Krishna, since we decided to ignore Lord Indra this year, he’s punishing us. Now, innocent people are suffering because of your idea… What do we do now?

Krishna: Indra considers himself to be the Lord of the three worlds. It does not befit anyone to be proud of his position. I shall show him now how I can protect my people from his harassment

Narration:

Little Krishna pulled out his flute from his waistband and began to blow into it. Heavenly music emanated. The people suddenly lost all fear and a deep peace settled into their hearts. Krishna then started walking and the huge crowd of people and animals followed him. The lashing rains seemed to not affect the crowd anymore. Soon they reached the foot of the massive Govardhan Mountain. Krishna effortlessly lifted it with his little finger and said.

Krishna: Mother! Father! And the rest of you, enter with all your cattle into this space below the uplifted mountain. Do not fear, you will not be troubled either by wind or by rain. Here I am, offering protection to you from everything.

Narration:

All the people, animals, and indeed all the living creatures gathered under the massive umbrella that Krishna had created for them. Up above, the rains lashed more furiously than ever. Under the Govardhan mountain, there was great rejoicing. They were safe under the grace of Krishna. Indra could do nothing more to them. He came down to Krishna and asked him

My lord, please forgive me. I have learned my lesson.

Krishna: I brought about the obstruction of the sacrifice only to humble your pride generated by status and power. You may now go. Abandon your ego and continue to exercise your power properly.

Narration:

Indra then departed to Swarga, having been taught a lesson by Krishna.