Kanhaland

Krishna storybook · Chapter 6:Krishna lifts Govardhan Hill

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A feast for Indra

Every year, the families of Vrindavan cooked a giant feast for Indra, the king of the rain.

Seven-year-old Krishna asked His father, Nanda Baba, "Why do we do this?"

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Nanda Baba explained that they thanked Indra so he would keep sending rain for the grass, the cows and the crops. Krishna gently said that everything, even the rain, comes by the Supreme Lord's arrangement, and that their own duty was to care for the cows and the land that feeds them.

A feast for Govardhan

Krishna said, "Let's offer our feast to Govardhan Hill instead! It gives our cows grass and water."

Everyone agreed, and they walked around the hill singing.

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They piled up a mountain of food and decorated the cows. Krishna then appeared in a huge form and said, "I am Govardhan!" and lovingly accepted the offering, showing that the hill is very dear to Him. Devotees still celebrate this day, Govardhan Puja, right after Diwali by building a "hill" of food called Annakut.

Indra gets angry

When Indra saw his feast was gone, he became proud and furious.

He sent the biggest storm ever to Vrindavan, and everyone ran to Krishna.

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Indra forgot that his power to send rain is given to him by the Lord. Pride made him think he was the boss. He even sent the fearsome Samvartaka clouds, which are meant only for the end of the universe.

Krishna lifts the hill

Krishna smiled and said, "Don't be afraid! Come, everyone!"

Call out to Him with the families of Vrindavan, and watch what He does!

Press and hold with your finger, mouse, Space or Enter.

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Krishna lifted the whole hill on the little finger of His left hand, as easily as a child picks up a mushroom. He said that protecting those who depend on Him is His promise, and He always keeps it.

Seven days under the hill

For seven days and nights, Krishna held up the hill without eating or sleeping.

Everyone was so happy looking at Him that they forgot to be hungry!

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Families, cows, calves and even their carts all fit underneath. Not one drop of Indra's rain reached them. At last, Indra saw that his storm could do nothing, and he called back his clouds.

Indra says sorry

Indra saw his mistake. He bowed to Krishna and said, "Please forgive me. I was proud."

Krishna kindly forgave him.

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He came down with Surabhi, the heavenly cow. Surabhi and Indra bathed Krishna and gave Him a new name: Govinda, the one who brings joy to the cows. Krishna told Indra to keep sending the rain, but without pride, remembering who gave him that service.

What we learn

  • Pride made Indra forget who gives the rain. Saying sorry fixed it.
  • Krishna protects everyone who calls out to Him.
  • Be thankful, and offer our food to Krishna first.

Did you like this story? Say “Hare Krishna!” out loud.

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Retold from Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 10, chapters 24–27. Placeholder pictures only.

All chapters of the Krishna storybook