Kadamba Kanana Swami had eagerly made the arrangements the day before to go to Govardhana Pooja at the Bhaktivedanta Ashram, Govardhana Palace. We left in the morning today at 6.30 am. When we got there we were greeted by the devotees there and Maharaja talked with HH Kesava Bharati Swami. There was a detailed talk about The Glories of Govardhana by Gopi Parana Dhana Prabhu. Everyone relished the pastimes of Giriraja and then Maharaja also shared further insights to a few devotees after the class.
There was a big arati to the cows in the goshala and every one enjoyed feeding the lovely cows.
The devotees made their way to Govardhana and prepared for the big Maha Abhishek. Lots of devotees including the local Vrajabasis patiently qued in lines to offer abhishek to Govardhana.
Maharaja then took some karatalas and started singing Hare Krishna at the top of his lungs! The atmosphere at Govardhana enthused the devotees. The Vraja basi children were dancing, the monkeys were dancing and jumping around and even the large ants seemed to be dancing! As the liquid substances from the Govardhana abhishek flowed down the hill few devotees had already started cupping their hands together and then relishing the Maha Carnamrita!
During the kirtan the bhoga was offered to Giriraj. It was a big offering!!! There was a final kirtan and then devotees walked back to Bhaktivedanta Ashram with all the prasadam. There was a mighty feast and then Kadamba Kanana Swami, Nimai Prabhu and I got back to Krsna Balarama temple.
There is another Govardhana Pooja festival tomorrow, this will be at the Krsna Balarama temple!
(Enjoy the pics - stay tuned!)
