Govardhan Puja was performed at the Shri Markandeshwar Mahadev Temple, modeled after Mathura-Vrindavan, Saints and women created an idol of Govardhan Maharaj from cow dung

CURATED BY – ASHWINI WALIA | CITYCHIEFNEWS

Kurukshetra, at the Shri Markandeshwar Mahadev Temple, Thaska Meeran Ji, on the banks of the Markanda River, Govardhan Puja was performed in the presence of Mahant Jagannath Puri, President of the All India Shri Markandeshwar Janseva Trust, and other saints, modeled after the Mathura-Vrindavan festival. Along with the saints, Swami Prithvi Puri and women devotees created an idol of Govardhan Maharaj from cow dung with great devotion. Mahant Jagannath Puri explained that this puja is dedicated to the divine act of Lord Krishna, when he lifted Govardhan mountain on his finger to break the arrogance of Indra. A large number of devotees were present on the occasion. Mahant Jagannath Puri explained that, in view of the devotees' faith, efforts were made, under the guidance of the saints, to organize this festival in keeping with the rich traditions of the Braj region. The devotees' faith and enthusiasm for the collectively made idol of Govardhan Maharaj was evident. Women from rural areas showed special interest in making the idol of Govardhan Maharaj from cow dung. At the place of worship, devotees performed bhajans and sang hymns along with worship and praised the glory of Govardhan Maharaj. Swami Prithvi Puri said that Govardhan Puja dates back to the Dwapar era. According to mythological beliefs, on the advice of Lord Shri Krishna, people worshipped the mountain king Govardhan as a living deity. On this occasion, Swami Santoshanand, Swami Ramnath Puri, Swami Sitaram, Swami Alokanand, Akash Giri, Billu Pujari, Ram Kumar, Nazar Singh, Sukha Singh, Ravindra Kumar, Seema Rana, Babita Singh, Geeta Rani, Suman Rana, Neelam, Asha, etc. were also present.