#lordvishnu

Mahavatar Vamana | Onam Story in Hindi | असुर सम्राट महाराज बली का त्याग 🔥 #onam

**अध्याय 1

प्राचीन असुर साम्राज्य का उदय: बलि का जन्म और विरासत**

सृष्टि के उस आदिकाल में, जब ब्रह्मा की सृष्टि अभी नवयौवना थी और लोकों की सीमाएँ स्थिर नहीं हुई थीं, तब देव और असुरों के मध्य संघर्ष केवल युद्ध नहीं था—वह धर्म और अधर्म, अहंकार और त्याग, शक्ति और विवेक की परीक्षा था।

उसी युग में असुरवंश का एक तेजस्वी वंशज जन्मा—महाबलि।

बलि का जन्म दैत्यराज विरोचन के गृह में हुआ, जो स्वयं महान असुर सम्राट और प्रह्लाद के पुत्र थे। परंतु बलि की वास्तविक विरासत उनके पिता से अधिक उनके दादा प्रह्लाद थे—वह प्रह्लाद, जिन्होंने अपने असुर कुल को त्यागकर विष्णु भक्ति को अपनाया और नरसिंह अवतार को प्रकट किया।

जब बलि बालक थे, तब प्रह्लाद उन्हें अपनी गोद में बैठाकर कहा करते थे—

“वत्स, असुर होना पाप नहीं, अहंकारी होना पाप है। शक्ति शस्त्र से नहीं, त्याग से महान बनती है।”

बलि के बालमन में यह वाक्य बीज की भाँति अंकुरित हुआ।

पाताल लोक की राक्षसी घाटियों में उनका लालन-पालन हुआ। अन्य असुर बालक जहाँ तलवारों से खेलते, वहाँ बलि ध्यान में बैठते। वे वेद मंत्रों का जप करते, गीता के श्लोक सुनते— “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।”

शुक्राचार्य, असुरों के गुरु, ने उन्हें शस्त्र, तंत्र, तप और नीति सिखाई। उन्होंने कहा—

“बलि, दान वह शक्ति है जो देवताओं को भी झुका देती है।”

एक रात्रि, जब बलि वन में तप कर रहे थे, एक प्रचंड राक्षस प्रकट हुआ। तलवार निष्फल हुई। तभी बलि ने नेत्र बंद कर विष्णु का स्मरण किया। दिव्य प्रकाश फूटा, राक्षस भस्म हुआ। वह पहला संकेत था—कि बलि का पथ साधारण नहीं।

**अध्याय 2

असुरों का स्वर्ण युग: बलि का राज्याभिषेक और परोपकार**

युवावस्था में ही बलि ने इंद्र की सेनाओं को परास्त किया। युद्ध केवल रक्तपात नहीं था, वह रणनीति और संकल्प का महासंग्राम था। उनकी तलवार वज्रदंश ने इंद्र के वज्र को खंडित कर दिया।

असुरों ने उन्हें सम्राट घोषित किया।

राज्याभिषेक के दिन पाताल से पृथ्वी तक उत्सव हुआ। बलि ने घोषणा की—

“मेरे राज्य में कोई भूखा नहीं रहेगा।”

दानशालाएँ खुलीं। किसान, ब्राह्मण, देव, असुर—सभी समान थे। एक बार सूखा पड़ा। बलि ने अपना मुकुट उतारकर तप किया, और वर्षा हुई।

उन्होंने 99 अश्वमेध यज्ञ किए। प्रत्येक यज्ञ में स्वर्ण, रत्न और अन्न का दान हुआ। उनकी कीर्ति तीनों लोकों में गूँज उठी।

परंतु 100वाँ यज्ञ… वह केवल यज्ञ नहीं था—वह इंद्रपद की घोषणा थी।

**अध्याय 3

देवलोक का संकट: अदिति का तप और विष्णु का संकल्प**

जब पृथ्वी और पाताल में महाबलि का यश गूँज रहा था, तब स्वर्गलोक में भय का अंधकार फैल चुका था। इंद्र का सिंहासन अब केवल स्वर्ण का आसन नहीं, बल्कि चिंता का भार बन गया था। दिशाएँ मौन थीं, अप्सराएँ नृत्य भूल चुकी थीं, और देवसभा में केवल एक ही प्रश्न था—

“क्या असुर अब स्वर्ग के अधिकारी बनेंगे?”

इंद्र ने कांपते स्वर में कहा—

“महाबलि ने 99 अश्वमेध पूरे कर लिए हैं। सौवाँ यज्ञ पूर्ण होते ही इंद्रपद उसका होगा।”

देवताओं ने विष्णु का स्मरण किया। क्षीरसागर में शेषनाग की शैय्या पर लेटे नारायण ने नेत्र खोले। उनके मुख पर न भय था, न क्रोध—केवल करुण मुस्कान।

“यह युद्ध नहीं,” विष्णु बोले, “यह ऋत का संतुलन है। जब शक्ति अहंकार बन जाए, तब उसे दान से ही हराया जाता है।”

देवमाता अदिति आगे आईं। उन्होंने आभूषण त्याग दिए, वस्त्र त्याग दिए और कठोर तप आरंभ किया। बारह वर्षों तक केवल वायु पीकर उन्होंने तप किया। सूर्य तपता रहा, वर्षा आई-गई, पर अदिति का संकल्प अडिग रहा।

अंततः आकाश फटा। विष्णु प्रकट हुए।

“माँ,” उन्होंने कहा, “मैं तुम्हारे गर्भ से जन्म लूँगा। न शस्त्रधारी रूप में, न सिंह रूप में— इस बार मैं वामन बनूँगा।”

देव चकित थे। बौना अवतार? विष्णु ने कहा—

“अहंकार को विशालता नहीं, विनम्रता तोड़ती है।”

**अध्याय 4

वामन का जन्म: ब्राह्मण बालक का तेजस्वी उदय**

अदिति के गर्भ से एक दिव्य बालक ने जन्म लिया। उसका कद छोटा था, पर उसकी आभा से दिशाएँ प्रकाशित थीं। वह बौना था, किंतु उसकी दृष्टि में अनंत समाया था।

बालक का नाम पड़ा—वामन।

जन्म लेते ही उसने वेदों के मंत्र उच्चारित किए। ब्रह्मा ने उसे छत्र दिया, शिव ने कमंडल, और सरस्वती ने वाणी। उसका प्रत्येक कदम ब्रह्मांड को नापता प्रतीत होता था।

गुरुकुल में आचार्य चकित थे—

“यह बालक पढ़ता नहीं, स्मरण करता है। मानो वेद स्वयं इसके भीतर हैं।”

वामन जानता था—उसका गंतव्य बलि का यज्ञ है। वह याचक बनकर जा रहा था, पर वह स्वयं सृष्टि का स्वामी था।

**अध्याय 5

सौवाँ अश्वमेध: यज्ञ का भयानक वैभव और साजिश**

कुशक्षेत्र में वह यज्ञ हुआ, जैसा तीनों लोकों ने पहले कभी नहीं देखा था। स्वर्ण स्तंभ, रत्नों से जड़े मंडप, और अग्नि जो स्वर्ग तक ज्वाला फेंक रही थी।

बलि ने घोषणा की—

“आज जो भी माँगेगा, खाली नहीं लौटेगा।”

तभी भीड़ में वामन प्रकट हुए। छोटा कद, पीतांबर, छत्र और कमंडल।

बलि ने उन्हें प्रणाम किया—

“ब्राह्मणदेव, क्या चाहिए?”

वामन मुस्कुराए—

“तीन पग भूमि।”

सभा हँसी। पर शुक्राचार्य काँप उठे। उन्होंने दिव्य दृष्टि से देखा—यह विष्णु हैं।

“राजन!” उन्होंने चिल्लाकर कहा, “यह छल है! तीन पग में सब नष्ट हो जाएगा।”

बलि ने उत्तर दिया—

“यदि भगवान स्वयं भिक्षा माँगें और मैं इंकार करूँ, तो ऐसा जीवन व्यर्थ है।”

शुक्राचार्य ने कमंडल का नल बंद कर दिया। बलि ने कुश से अपना हृदय भेदा, रक्त से जल अर्पित किया।

दान पूर्ण हुआ।

**अध्याय 6

विराट परिवर्तन: तीन पग का थ्रिलर**

क्षण भर में वामन हँसे—और वही हँसी प्रलय बन गई।

धरती काँपी। आकाश फट गया।

वामन बढ़ने लगे। उनका सिर ब्रह्मलोक छूने लगा, पैर पाताल।

पहला पग—पृथ्वी समाप्त। नदियाँ सूखीं, पर्वत हिले।

दूसरा पग—स्वर्ग समाप्त। इंद्र भागे, देव लोक छिपे।

वामन रुके—

“बलि, तीसरे पग के लिए स्थान?”

बलि ने मुकुट उतारा, नेत्र बंद किए—

“मेरे शीश पर।”

वह क्षण सृष्टि का सबसे महान त्याग था।

**अध्याय 7

बलि का अंतिम युद्ध: द्वारपाल वरदान**

जैसे ही विष्णु का चरण पड़ा, बलि पाताल में गए। पर यह पराजय नहीं थी।

विष्णु प्रकट हुए—

“बलि, तुम असुर होकर भी देवों से महान हो। तुम्हारा त्याग अमर रहेगा।”

उन्होंने वरदान दिया—

“मैं स्वयं तुम्हारा द्वारपाल बनूँगा।”

बलि अश्रुपूरित थे।

**अध्याय 8

रहस्यमयी अंत: अनकहा रहस्य**

कहा जाता है— जब भी कोई राजा दान करता है बिना अहंकार के, बलि उसे देखता है।

और विष्णु द्वार पर मुस्कुराते हैं।

ओणम के दिन बलि आज भी पृथ्वी आते हैं। यह कथा नहीं—यह धर्म का जीवित प्रमाण है।

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📲 जुड़िए हमारे साथ सभी सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म्स पर:

Yes, I know and also I can provide you with the 108 names of Lord Krishna along with their meanings. These names are known as the "Ashtottara Shatanamavali" and are recited as a form of devotion and prayer. Here are the 108 names of Lord Krishna:

Om Shri Krishnaya Namaha  - Dark Complexioned Lord

Om Kamala Nathaya Namaha Consort Of Goddess Lakshmi

Om Vaasudevaya Namaha Son Of Vasudev

Om Sanatanaya Namaha The Eternal One

Om Vasu devatma jaaya Namaha Son Of Vasudev

Om Punyaya Namaha Supremely Pure

Om Lila-Manusha-Vigrahaya Namaha Assuming Human Form To Perform Pastimes

Om Shrivatsa Kausthubha-Dharaya Namaha Wearing Shri Vatsa And Kausthubha Gem

Om Yashoda-Vatsalaya Namaha Mother Yashoda’s Loving Child

Om Haraye Namaha The Lord Of Nature

Om Chaturbhujatta-Chakrasi-Gada-Shankadhyayudhaya Namaha Four Armed One Carrying Weapons Of Disc,Club,Conch

12. Om Devaki Nandanaya NamahaSon Of Mother Devaki

13 Om Shrisaya Namaha Abode Of Shri (Lakshmi)

14 Om Nandagopa Priyatmajaya NamahaNanda Gopa’s Loving Child

15 Om Yamunavega Samharine NamahaDestroyer Of Speed Of River Yamuna

16 Om Balabhadra Priyanujaya Namaha Balram’s Younger Brother

17 Om Putana Jivita Haraya Namaha The One Who Took The Life Of Demoness Putana

18 Om Shakatasura Bhanjanaya NamahaDestroyer Of Demon Shakatasur

19 Om Nandavraja Jana Nandine Namaha The One Who Is Bringing Joy To Nand And People Of Braj

20 Om Sachidananda Vigrahaya Namaha Embodiment Of Existence, Awareness And Bliss

21 Om Navanita Viliptangaya NamahaLord Whose Body Is Smeared With Butter

22 Om Navanita Nataya Namaha The One Who Dances For Butter

23 Om Anaghaya Namaha The Unmanifested

24 Om Navanita Navaharaya Namaha The One Who Dances For Butter

25 Om Muchukunda Prasadakaya Namaha The Lord Who Graced Muchukunda

26 Om Shodasha Sthri Sahasreshaya Namaha The Lord Of 16,000 Women

27 Om Tribhangi Lalitakritaye Namaha The One Who Has Threefold Bending Form

28 Om Sukavag Amritabhdhindave NamahaOcean Of Nectar According To Sukadeva (Shuka)

29 Om Govindaya Namaha One Who Pleases The Cows, The Land And The Entire Nature

30 Om Yoginam Pataye Namaha Lord Of The Yogis

31 Om Vatsa Vatacharaya Namaha The One Who Goes About Caring For Calves

32 Om Anantaya Namaha The Endless Lord

33 Om Dhenukasura Mardanaya Namaha The Lord Who Beat Up The Demon Dhenukasura

34 Om Trinikrita Trinavartaya Namaha Lord Who Killed Trnavarta, The Whirlwind Demon

35 Om Yamalarjuna Bhanjanaya Namaha The Lord Who Broke The Two Arjuna Trees

36 Om Uttala Talabhettre NamahaThe Lord Who Broke All The Big, Tala Trees (Killing Dhenuka)

37 Om Tamala Shyamala Kritaye NamahaLord Who Is Blackish Like A Tamala Tree

38 Om Gopa Gopishvaraya NamahaLord Of The Gopas And Gopis

39 Om Yogine NamahaThe Supreme Master

40Om Koti Surya Samaprabhaya NamahaOne Who Is As Lustrous As A Million Suns

41Om Ilapataye NamahaThe One Who Is The Master Of Knowledge

42Om Parasmai Jyotishe NamahaOne With A Supreme Light

43Om Yadavendraya NamahaLord Of Yadav Clan

44Om Yadudvahaya NamahaLeader Of Yadus

45Om Vanamaline NamahaOne Wearing A Sylven Garland

46Om Pita Vasase NamahaOne Wearing Yellow Robes

47Om Parijatapa Harakaya NamahaOne Who Removes Parijath Flower

48Om Govardhanachalo Dhartre NamahaLifter Of Govardhan Hill

49Om Gopalaya NamahaProtector Of Cows

50Om Sarva Palakaya NamahaProtector Of All Beings

51Om Ajaya NamahaThe Conqueror Of Life And Death

52Om Niranjanaya NamahaThe Unblemished Lord

53Om Kama Janakaya NamahaOne Generating Desires In Worldly Mind

54Om Kancha Lochanaya NamahaOne With Beautiful Eyes

55Om Madhughne NamahaSlayer Of Demon Madhu

56Om Mathura Nathaya NamahaLord of Mathura

57Om Dvaraka Nayakaya NamahaThe Hero Of Dvaraka

58Om Baline NamahaThe Lord Of Strength

59Om Brindavananta Sancarine NamahaOne Who Loiters About The Outskirts Of Vrindavana

60Om Tulasidama Bhushanaya NamahaOne Who Wears A Tulasi Garland

61Om Syamantaka Maner Hartre NamahaWho Appropriated The Sysmantaka Jewel

62Om Nara Narayanatmakaya NamahaThe Selfsame Nara-Narayana

63Om Kubja Krishtambaradharaya NamahaOne Who Applied Ointment By Kubja The Hunchbacked

64Om Mayine NamahaMagician, Lord of Maya

65Om Paramapurushaya NamahaThe supreme one

66Om Mushtikasura Chanura Mallayudha-Visharadaya NamahaOne Who Expertly Fought The Wrestlers Mushtika And Chanura

67Om Samsara Vairine NamahaEnemy Of Material Existence

68Om Kamsaraye NamahaEnemy Of King Kamsa

69Om Muraraye NamahaEnemy Of Demon Mura

70Om Narakantakaya NamahaDestroyer Of Demon Naraka

71Om Anadi Brahmacharine NamahaBeginning Less Absolute

72Om Krishna Vyasana Karshakaya NamahaRemover Of Draupadi’s Distress

73Om Shishupala Shirascettre NamahaRemover Of Shishupal’s Head

74Om Duryodhana Kulantakaya NamahaDestroyer Of Duryodhana’s Dynasty

75Om Vidurakrura Varadaya NamahaDestroyer Of Demon Naraka

76Om Vishvarupa Pradarshakaya NamahaRevealer Of Vishwasrupa (Universal Form)

77Om Satyavache NamahaSpeaker Of Truth

78Om Satya Sankalpaya NamahaLord Of True Resolve

79Om Satyabhama Rataya NamahaLover Of Satyabhama

80Om Jayine NamahaThe Ever Victorious Lord

81Om Subhadra Purvajaya NamahaBrother Of Subhadra

82Om Vishnava NamahaLord Vishnu

83Om Bhishma Mukti Pradayakaya NamahaOne Who Bestowed Salvation To Bhishma

84Om Jagadgurave NamahaPreceptor Of The Universe

85Om Jagannathaya NamahaLord Of The Universe

86Om Venunada Visharadaya NamahaOne Expert In Playing Of Flute Music

87Om Vrishabhasura Vidhvamsine NamahaDestroyer Of Demon Vrishbasura

88Om Banasura Karantakaya NamahaThe Lord Who Vanquished Banasura’s Arms

89Om Yudhisthira Pratishthatre NamahaOne Who Established Yudhisthira As A King

90Om Barhi Barhavatamsakaya NamahaOne Who Adorns Peacock Feathers

91Om Parthasarathaye NamahaChariot Driver Of Arjuna

92Om Avyaktaya NamahaThe Unmanifested

93Om Gitamrita Mahodadhaye NamahaAn Ocean Containing Nectar Of Bhagwad Gita

94Om Kaliyaphani Manikya Ranjita Shri Padambhujaya NamahaThe Lord Whose Lotus Feet Adorn Gems From Hood Of Kaliya Serpent

95Om Damodaraya NamahaOne Tied Up With A Rope At The Waist

96Om Yajnabhoktre NamahaOne Who Consumes Sacrificial Offerings

97Om Danavendra Vinashakaya NamahaDestroyer Of Lord Of Asuras

98Om Narayanaya NamahaThe One Who Is Lord Vishnu

99Om Parabrahmane NamahaThe Supreme Brahmana

100Om Pannagashana Vahanaya NamahaWhose Carrier (Garuda) Devours Snakes

Govardhan Puja (or Annakut Pooja) is celebrated across Bharat (India) and Nepal (which was part of Bharat in ancient times) in commemoration of one of the great leelas of Lord Krishna in his child form. Then, what is the significance and what does it symbolise actually? Let’s have an indepth delving into the whole episode.

2. In retrospect: Govardhan Pooja is performed on the fourth day of Diwali by worshipping the heap of grains which symbolically marks the Govardhan Mountain. In ancient times, it was customary in the Gokulam to perform Yagnas in honour of Lord Indra with whose Grace there were seasonal rainfall due to which the crops yielded good harvest and the people were living in peace and prosperity. Lord Indra became egoistic as he thought that because of him, all the activities are being carried out promptly and regularly. The Lord incarnate thought for a while that unless and until the ego that has sprouted is extirpated, this will cause irreparable damage to the celestials. Usually, one may wonder why even in the celestial world, the ego is prevalent. It is usually not the case; but sometimes, this may give rise to such contretemps.

3. Then, how did Bal Krishna act? As Nandagopa was the Chieftain of Yadava clan, all the elders in Gokul assembled at his Palace for a threadbare discussion on the arrangements that should be put in place. Albeit a child, Krishna, in his anxiety, also was present and wanted to know as to what the important issue they are discussing. As if an ignoramus would question, the omniscient Lord eagerly asked his father as to why this Yajna is being performed and the purpose sought to be achieved therefrom. To this query, Nandagopa addressed his son like this, “Oh: Dear Child, Lord Indra has been made the chieftain of the clouds and at his behest only, we are receiving timely rains and to requite our indebtedness, we’re performing this ritual every year”. Lord Krishna thought for a while and addressed his Father like this, -

Oh! Dear Father, What you say is correct. I agree that Lord Vishnu (Narayana) has made Indra to perform the activities as you’ve narrated. But, why? Think it for a while. Lord Narayana is fond of Brahmins who always tread the path of righteousness (dharmic path) and also the animals especially the cows, etc. Hence, it would be a befitting tribute if we invite the learned pandits and perform Yagnas for the Lord Vishnu. Another factor that should not be lost sight of is to feed the cows to their stomach full. As the forests, trees and the rivers, etc. are the main sources of this, it would behoove us to convey our indebtedness by offering worship to the King of Mountains, forests and the Rivers. When the Child Krishna utters a suggestion, there would be no second word or objection. Hence, it was unanimously decided to act on the suggestion of little Krishna.

4. Was it carried out and the ramifications: Yes. The denizens of Gokul accordingly invited the Learned Brahmins who were well versed in Vedas, got the Yagnas performed, went to the nearby forests and the Rivers and offered their obeisance to them. Finally, they went to the Govardhan Gri (Mountain), offered their worship and returned back to their homes. Krishna then assumed the form of a mountain himself and accepted the villagers' offerings

5. Did that become the finality? No. When Indra saw all that was happening before his eyes, he called for the Clouds (Indra is also called under the sobriquet “Meghraj’] and Lo! there was thunderstorm throughout Gokul and with the alarming proportion of torrential downpour which was never witnessed earlier, the residents of Gokul immediately rushed to Krishna crying out for his succour. Even the cows and their calves were running hither and thither. Little Krishna was cool and composed and advised all the people and their cattle to come to the foothills of the Mountain, Govardhan Giri. The Lord assumed Vrat Roopa without the knowledge of the Yadava clan, who were none other than the incarnations of the celestials, and with no effort, lifted the entire heavy mountain by his little finger of the left hand and held it continuously throughout the days and nights for a week. All the denizens took shelter under its umbrage and there was plenty of food available to them which sustained them without any difficulty.

There was, in fact, terrific thunderstorms accompanied with gale and gusty winds. Due to the structure of Govardhan mountain, there was not even a single drop of rain inside and the water gushed out through the outlets on the mountains. As the Little Krishna was holding tirelessly the mountain for a week, people inside it were not feeling any discomfort and were, indeed, happy and comfortable. See the Lord’s unfathomable compassion!

When the clouds got depleted, the rain stopped instantaneously. The Gokul denizens were very ecstatic and surrounded Little Krishna and showered eulogies on the Lord. Nandagopa was also extremely overwhelmed with joy, now revealed the secret of the Sacred Lord He addressed them and informed them that when the Sage Garg who came for naming ceremony both Lord Krishna and Balaram revealed the secret of incarnation of the Lord. Really they were blessed. Now, Indra realised his folly and even if there were incessant rains for about a year, he cannot succeed in his mission. Wisdom dawned on him.

Now, it was the turn of Lord Indra who was counselled by Lord Brahma, the Creator to approach the Lord and seek his pardon. Indra along with Kamadhenu, the Celestial Cow, proceeded directly to the banks of the Holy Yamuna (Jamuna in North India) River and fell flatly at the lotus feet of the Lord and sought his forgiveness. The all-knowing Lord told Indra that due to the sprouting of ego which will, if not nipped in the bud, may ultimately lead to his downfall, he had to intervene and make him realise his folly; but the moment the ego was rooted out, he has become dear to the Lord.

Indra now wanted to make amends for his action and, therefore, made a supplication to the Lord that He should accept the title of “Lord of the Lords” (Devathi Deva). Krishna, with an inscrutable smile, now told Indra that if at all he wanted the title, let it be so; but, he never aspired for that. Indra, having been immensely pleased, now milked the teats of Milch Cow, Kamadhenu and along with the waters from various holy Rivers bathed the Lord with the same when there was a great assemblage of Kinnaras, Saaranaas and Gandharvas. There was a beautiful mellifluous musical concert by the Vidyadharas. Indra paid rich encomia on the Lord with the names of Govinda, Madhava, Narayana and Krishna. Thereafter, with a satisfied heart, Indra returned to his Amaravathi. Lord Krishna with Balarama returned to Ayarpadi.

Do you know? Even the Creator, Lord Brahma, was no exception to the leelas of Lord Vishnu. Once it so happened that Brahma, through his Maya, hid all the cows and cattle in a very gargantuan cave in the forest where they were grazing. The colleagues and the cowherd yadava boys were playing in the sand dune and when time was ripe for driving them home, one of them went in search of the cattle; but in vain. He promptly reported to Little Krishna who went in search of them but returned empty handed. To his astonishment, even his friends had vanished. For a moment, he thought that this act is not of human nature; but of divine celestial. He, in a trice, came to know that this is Lord Brahma’s mischief. He never went to him; but on the contrary, created through his Maya the same cattle – both cows and calves as well as cowherd colleagues. Everyone went home and this continued for about a year. No one noticed the difference nor were they worried about the missing cows or their sons as they were now with them through the illusion of Little Krishna.

When a year was drawing to a close, Brahma wanted to know what was going on in Gokul. To his amazement, he could not believe his own eyes. Everything was as usual and there were cows and calves. He immediately rushed to the cave where he hid the boys and the cattle. Everything was in tact. He rushed to Gokul and fell at the Lotus Feet of the Lord and addressed him thus, :Oh! Lord! When I was created through your navel cord, I could not see you. Now, I realise that you are the Supreme Lord and I have committed a blunder by hiding your cattle and companions. Oh! It’s my folly! Please forgive me.: So saying, he handed over the cattle and his companions. The cowherd boys were unaware that they were in the cave for about a year. Little Krishna made his Maya disappear and also forgave the Creator.

Okay Well explained. Now, I have a lingering doubt. Why is it called Annakut Pooja? Please listen. I’ll explain now.

Devotees prepare varieties of foodstuffs with grain and ghee and all kinds of milk preparations. The food is stacked like a small hill and offered to the Lord. Then it is distributed to everyone as prasadam. Hence, this festival is also called the Annakut Festival.

Annakut is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali. Therefore, the rituals surrounding Annakut are closely linked with the rituals of the five days of Diwali. While the first three days of Diwali are days of prayer to sanctify wealth and invite greater wealth into the devotee's life, the annakut day is a day of offering gratitude for Krishna beneficence

Is the Govardhan Puja part of Annakut festival?

Govardhan Puja is a principal ritual performed during Annakut. Although some texts treat Govardhan Puja and Annakut as synonymous, the Govardhan Puja is one segment of the day-long Annakut festival.

Krishna spent most of his childhood in Braj, a place devotees associate with many of Krishna's divine and heroic exploits with his childhood friends. One of the most significant incidents, described in the Bhagavata involves Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan (Govardhan Hill), a low hill situated in the middle of Braj Govardhan has since become a major pilgrimage site in Braj for devotees of Krishna. On the day of Annakut, devotees circumambulate the hill and offer food to the mountain—one of the oldest rituals in Braj. The circumambulation consists of an eleven-mile trek dotted along the way with several shrines, before which devotees place flowers and other offerings.

Families create an image of Giriraj Govardhan (the mountain) from cow dung, adorning it with miniature cow figures as well as grass as twigs, representing trees and greenery. In the days leading up to Annakut, fifty-six food items (chappan bhog) are typically prepared and offered in the evening. Someone from a cow-herding caste officiates the ritual, circling the hill with a cow and a bull, followed by families in the village. They partake in the sanctified food after offering the food to the hill. The festival often draws a large crowd, including the Chaube Brahmins of Mathura.

Krishna holding the Govardhan, a historic legend is depicted in many major Hindu temples complexes. This panel is from the Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu Karnataka (c. 1150 CE). The stone block was carved to show the Krishna legend, and Indra behind it.

Several thousand years later, on this same day, Srila Madhavendra Puri established a temple for the self-manifest Gopala Deity on top of Govardhan Hill.