108 Divya Desams !! Thiruvada Mathura / Govardhan/Brindavan/Vrindavan Ranga Mandir !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Govardhan/Brindavan/Vrindavan is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located on the river banks of Yamuna in Mathura, Uttar Pradhesh.  Brindavan is the significant place where Lord Krishna performed Rasa Lila (pastimes) with the gopis.   There are several shrines and ghats located within the vicinity of this temple; Govardhanagiri Hill is situated close to this place. 

 

Presiding deity – Sri Govardhanesa Perumal/Balakrishnan with his consort Goddesses Sri Rukmini & Satyabhama.

   

Theertham – Indra Theertham , Govardhana Theertham, Yamuna Theertham

 

Vimanam – Govardhana Vimanam

 

Mangalasasanam – Sri Andal, Periyalwar, Thondaradipodi Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Nammalvar

 

Festivals – Gokulashtami, Holi, Diwali, Govardhanostav, Gopashtami,

 

Prathyaksham to – Lord Indra, Lord Brahma and deities, Vasudeva, Devaki, Kamsa

 

 

The legend has that in Kritha Yuga there was a demon Madhu underwent severe penance praying to Lord Shiva.  Lord was pleased at the devotion of Madhu and offered him Trident as boon.  Lavanasura son of Madhu started to harass the Rishis and Sages.  The Rishis and Sages appealed to Lord Rama to save them from the mayhem caused by the demon Lavanasura.  Lord Rama instructed his youngest brother Satrugna to proclaim a battle against Lavanasura.  In the fierce battle, Lavanasura was killed by Satrugna.  Shortly, a charming city was constructed on the river banks of Mathura; this was the origin of Mathura City.  This stunning city was ruled by King Satrugna and their descendants for several years.  Later, it was taken over by the Kings of Yadava Dynasty.

 

 

Govardhana Giri is situated close to this sacred land has significant place in the Hindu mythology.   Nandagopa, foster father of Little Krishna arranged an elaborate worship of Lord Indra as a gratitude for the abundance of rains.  Little Krishna asserted that the Mount Govardhan was deserved to be worshiped for its preservation of pastureland.  Soon, the entire villagers encouraged the very idea of Little Krishna and a grand worship of Mount Govardhan was conducted.  Lord Indra was felt affronted and decided to teach the Yadavas a lesson with his heavy rainstorm.  Little Krishna lifted the Mount Govardhan with his little finger and provided shelter for the villagers under the hill.  The torrential rain continued for seven days and washed off the entire village.  Thus, he saved the entire clan of Yadavas from the heavy downpour.  Lord Indra realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness. 

 

 

An interesting legend associated with Mount Govardhan was that the Sage Pulastya was mesmerized at the serenity of this hill and desired to have it as his Abode in Kashi.  Mount Govardhana revealed its inability to move from its place.  Sage Pulastya agreed to place the Mount on his palm and precede his journey to Kashi.  Mount Govardhan put forward a condition that while their journey to Kashi, once placed down the hill anywhere on the Earth would remain firm.  Sage Pulastya readily agreed for the condition and headed their journey to Kashi.  On their way to Kashi, they arrived on this sacred land of Mathura.  Seeing the tranquility of this place Mount Govardhan changed its mind and desired to remain this land forever.  Soon, Sage Pulastya placed the Mount on this sacred land and went for ablations.   After coming back, Sage tried with all his strength to lift the Mount Govardhan from the ground but his efforts went fruitless.    The most dejected Sage Pulastya cursed the Mount Govardhan to reduce its size on daily basis and gradually leave no trace of it by the end of Kaliyuga. 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!