Gopashtami 2024: Know the Importance of the Festival, Worship Method and Story

The festival of Gopa Ashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Shukla Paksha (rising moon phase) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. This year the festival of Gopa Ashtami will be celebrated on Nov 9. The biggest fanfare of this festival takes place in Mathura, Vrindavan, and other Braj regions. 

Once Lord Indra (the god of rains) got furious with the people of Braj and to punish them showered severely heavy rains on Braj. To save the people of Braj from the anger of Lord Indra and the heavy rains sent by him, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. This went on for seven days and finally, Lord Indra understood the stature of Lord Krishna and accepted his defeat by stopping the rains.

Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on the day of Gopashtami.

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Gopa Ashtami Date And Time

Gopa Ashtami Significance

The day of Gopa Ashtami holds great importance for the people of Braj. The worship of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Shri Hari Vishnu, has very special importance on this day. Worshipping Lord Krishna and Shri Hari Vishnu on the day of Gopa Ashtami brings peace of mind and wealth to the devotees. Cows and calves are decorated on this holy day of Gopa Ashtami and are worshipped as per the rituals. Cows and calves are worshipped in the same way as in Maharashtra on the day of Govatsa Dwadashi.

Why Is Gopa Ashtami Celebrated?

According to the story mentioned in the Puranas, once Lord Krishna prevented the people of Braj from presenting the annual offering to Lord Indra. When Lord Indra came to know about this, he became very angry with Lord Krishna. In that moment of anger, Lord Indra decided to make terrible rains over Braj. After this, a heavy downpour started in Braj. In order to save the people and animals of Braj from the fury of Lord Indra, Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger and secured everyone under it. 

When there was no effect of Indra’s wrath on the people of Braj even after continuous seven days of heavy showers, Indra accepted his defeat and stopped the rain. This day was the Ashtami of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Since then, the festival of Gopa Ashtami is celebrated.

Gopa Ashtami Puja Method

In the holy festival of Gopa Ashtami, the cow along with its calves should be bathed with clean water. After this, they should be prayed by applying tilak with roli and sandalwood. Also, offer them flowers, fruits, incense sticks, etc. After the worship of cow, honour and worship the cowherds by giving them Dakshina (money).

Post this ritual, feed the prasad to the cows that were made for worship and do her circumnavigation. Worshipping Gaumata (cow) in this way removes all the troubles from your life.

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