Krishna and Govardhan: A Story of Protection, and the Devotion of Radha Krishna

Few stories are told as often, or with as much affection, as those of Krishna in Vrindavan.

Krishna lifts Govardhan

As the tradition is told, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Indra, the god of rain, each year. Krishna gently suggested they honour instead the Govardhan hill, which fed their cows and gave them grass and water. Indra, angered, sent a terrible storm. Krishna lifted Govardhan on the little finger of his hand and held it above the village for seven days, so that people and cattle could shelter beneath it. Indra, at last humbled, bowed to him.

What it teaches

Krishna is shown here as the protector of those who trust him, and as a friend of the cow and of nature. The story reminds us to be grateful to the earth and the animals that sustain us.