Krishna Janmashtami: The Govardhan Leela.

Krishna Janmashtami: The Govardhan Leela.

Dear Friends,

As we continue our journey toward Krishna Janmashtami on Friday, August 15, 2025, I'm excited to share the second of my favorite episodes from the Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavat Maha Puran).

Yesterday, we delved into the Damodara Leela, where Mother Yashoda's boundless love bound the ‘un-boundable’ Lord. Today, let's explore the Govardhan Leela (Canto 10, Chapters 24–27), a profound tale of trust, surrender, and divine protection. It's a story that reminds us how Krishna's guidance, though it may upend our familiar ways, leads to ultimate shelter if we place our faith in Him.

In the idyllic pastures of Vrindavan, the cowherd community of Braj prepared for their annual yajna to honor Indra, the king of the heavens, whom they credited for the life-giving rains that nourished their fields and cattle. This tradition was deeply ingrained, passed down through generations as a way to ensure prosperity and avert calamity. But young Krishna, ever the wise protector, questioned this custom. "Why worship Indra?" He asked His father, Nanda Maharaja, and the elders. "It is Govardhan Hill that truly sustains us—providing lush grass for our cows, fresh water from its streams, and shelter in its caves. Let us offer our gratitude to the hill instead, for it is a form of the divine itself."

The people of Braj were hesitant. Changing such a sacred ritual felt risky, like defying the gods themselves. Yet, moved by Krishna's innocent yet profound logic and their affection for Him, they trusted His words. They redirected their offerings—sumptuous feasts of rice, sweets, and milk—to circumambulate and worship Govardhan Parvat. The celebration was joyous, with Krishna even manifesting as the hill to accept the bhoga (food offerings), affirming their devotion.

Indra, however, was furious at this perceived slight to his authority. In his ego, he unleashed a cataclysmic storm upon Vrindavan—torrential rains, howling winds, and floods that threatened to drown the entire village, its people, and livestock. The Braja-vasis, terrified, cried out to Krishna: "We followed Your advice, and now disaster has come!" But Krishna, calm and compassionate, assured them of His protection. With effortless grace, He lifted the massive Govardhan Hill on the little finger of His left hand, holding it aloft like an umbrella for seven days and nights. The villagers, cows, and all creatures huddled beneath, safe and dry, while the storm raged futilely above. Exhausted and humbled, Indra finally ceased the deluge, realizing Krishna's supremacy, and begged for forgiveness.

This leela beautifully illustrates the power of trusting Krishna's guidance, even when it challenges our ingrained habits or traditions. The Braja-vasis' faith transformed a potential catastrophe into a miracle of shelter. It also teaches that God may not always halt the storms in our lives—be they personal trials, losses, or uncertainties—for doing so might disrupt the natural laws He upholds, like the cycles of karma and the balance of nature. Yet, if we surrender with trust, He becomes our unshakeable refuge, shielding us without violating those divine principles.

In the Bhagavad Gita (18.66), Krishna assures us: "Sarva-Dharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja; Aham Tvaa Sarva-Papebhyo Moksayisyaami Maa Shucah."

"Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."

Another complementary verse from the Gita (9.29) echoes this impartial protection: "Samo’ham Sarva-Bhuteshu Na Me Dvesyo’Sti Na Priyah; Ye Bhajanti Tu Maam Bhaktyaa Mayi Te Teshu Caapy Aham."

"I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him."

As Janmashtami draws near, let us reflect: How often do we cling to old ways out of fear, ignoring the gentle nudge of divine wisdom? This year, amidst the festivities, may we cultivate deeper trust in Krishna, knowing He will shelter us through life's tempests.

Yesterday we were reminded of loving Krishna, today it’s about trusting Krishna. Tomorrow, I'll share the third leela to complete our preparation.

Until then, Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna! Krishna! Krishna! Hare Hare!

Sunesh Tota-Maharaj.