Sri Govardhanashtaka In Praise Of The Govardhana Hill 

The Goovardhanakshtha was a song/Strotra composed by Sri Vishvanatha Chakravarthi, one of the acharyas in Vaishnava culture. On the day of Govardhana pooja, devotees sing Govardhana Ashtakam while the aarti is performed to the Govardhana hill. 

A Brief History Of The Reason For Govardhana Akshatam

The Govardhana pooja is celebrated to commemorate the lifting of the Govardhana Hill by Lord Sri Krishan to protect Vrindavan residents from Indira’s wrath. When the Lord saw that the residents were performing a Yajna to appease Lord Indra, He asked them not to perform it. This angered Lord Indra, and he sent Varuna, the lord of rain, to destroy Vrindavan. Krishna then picked up Govardhana Hill with his finger and gave shelter from rainfall. Indira realised his mistake and asked Lord Krishna for his forgiveness. Thus Krishna established that a devotee who does devotional service and has surrendered to the Supreme need not worship any demigods for fulfilling wishes. So as per Krishna’s instructions, this festival is celebrated in the Kartika month every year. 

On this day, devotees worship cows as an Avatar of Krishan because he is known as the protector of cows. The idol of Lord Krishna, who is holding the Govardhana on his finger, is decorated and worshipped. Devotees prepare many items from milk, grain, and ghee. The food is stacked resembling a hill and is given to the Lord as prasad. An aarti is performed, and songs are sung. The Govardhana Hill story is narrated, and in the Govardhanakshatam, eight verses are sung glorifying the Govardhana Hill. The Prasadam is then distributed to the devotees. 

So any devotee who does Lord Krishna’s service is free from other ritualistic duties, even those mentioned in the Vedas. Krishan firmly established this principle during His stay in Vrindavan, which is propagated to this day. 

Download Govardhan Ashtakam MP3 On AstroVed Astrology Podcast

Govardhana Ashtakam Lyrics and its meaning

Stanza 1

krsna-prasadena samasta-shaila-
samrajyam apnoti cha vairino ‘pi
sakrashya yah prapa balim sa sakshad
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

By the mercy and grace of Sri Krisha, Govardhana Hill became the king of all mountains. This Govardhana hill that got the tribute of even its biggest enemy Indira fulfilled my wishes. 
 
Stanza 2

sva-prestha-hastambuja-saukumarya-
sukhanubhuter ati-bhumi-vrtteh
mahendra-vajrahatim apy ajanam
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

The Govardhana Hill was lifted by the lotus fingers of Lord Krishna and was held above the earth. It was so filled with happiness by the experience of the softness of the lotus hand that despite being struck by a thunderbolt of Indira, it did not feel any pain. May Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes. 
 
Stanza 3

yatraiva krsno vrshabhanu-putrya
danam grhitum kalaham vitene
sruteh sprha yatra mahaty atah sri-
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

King Virshabhanu’s daughter and Krishna quarrelled with each other when collecting a toll. Even those who are Vedas personified want to hear about this quarrel. May that Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes. 

Stanza 4

snatva sarah svasu samira-hasti
yatraiva nipadi-paraga-dhulih
alolayan khelati charu sa sri-
govardhano me disatam abhistam
 
Meaning

An elephant who is bathing in a lake nearby enjoys a pleasant breeze. That elephant is covered by flowers and Kadamba pollen and gracefully plays there. May Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes. 
 
Stanza 5

kasturikabhih sayitam kim atrety
uham prabhoh svasya muhur vitanvan
naisargika-sviya-shila-sugandhair
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

There is a sweet fragrance coming from Govardhana. Is it from the musk deer that relaxes there or from Lord Krishna himself who plays there, or is it the natural scent of the Hill?  May that Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes. 
 
Stanza 6

vamsha-pratidhvany-anusara-vartma
didrkshavo yatra harim harinyah
yantyo labhante na hi vismitah sa
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

The astonished deer, in a bid to search for Hari, walk on the path of his flute music and are unable to find Him. May Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes. 
 
Stanza 7

yatraiva gangam anu navi radham
arohya madhye tu nimagna-naukah
krsno hi radhanugalo babhau sa
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

A Divine couple of Radha and Krishna travelled on the Ganges, and the boat started to sink in the middle. Radha, in a bid to save herself, clung to the handsome Krishna. May that Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes.
 
Stanza 8

vina bhavet kim hari-dasa-varya-
padashrayam bhaktir atah shrayami
yam eva saprema nijesayoh sri-
govardhano me dishatam abhistam
 
Meaning

How is it possible to get pure devotional service without taking shelter at the feet of the hill? This Hill is the best of the Lord’s servants and is full of love for the king and the queen. May that Govardhana Hill fulfil my wishes.
 
Stanza 9

etat pathed yo hari-dasa-varya-
mahanubhavashtakam ardra-cetah
sri-radhika-madhavayoh padabja-
dasyam sa vinded achirena sakshat
 
Meaning

Those who read these eight verses that glorify the greatest servant of Lord Krishna with pure love and a melting heart will get direct access to the lotus feet of Sri Radha Madhava.