Gopashtami in 2023
What is Gopashtami?
Gopashtami day falls on Ashtami Tithi during Kartik Shukla Paksha. It is famous festival in Mathura, Vrindavan and other Braj areas.
According to Hindu mythology Lord Krishna lifted Gowardhan hill on His Knishtha (smaller finger) on Gowardhan Puja day to save Braj people from fury of Indra. After seven days of unrelenting flooding of Braj region God Indra accepted his defeat on Gopashtami.
Lord Krishna suggested Braj people to stop annual offering made to God Indra. This angered Indra and he decided to flood Braj region. God Indra was failed in his mission as Braj people and their livestock were protected under the vast cover of Gowardhan hill.
On Gopashtami, cows and their calf are decorated and worshipped. The ritual of worshipping cows and calf is similar to Govatsa Dwadashi in Maharashtra.
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