Govardhana Pūjā

When Kṛṣṇa Worships Kṛṣṇa

Abstract

The article " When Kṛṣṇa Worships Kṛṣṇa" by John Stratton Hawley explores the narrative of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan and the subsequent festive celebration, focusing on a specific performance of this drama (govardhan lila) in Braj. While acknowledging the broader context of Divali rituals, the article delves into the particularities of this story, highlighting its mythic dimensions and its relation to pre-Vaishnava traditions. The lila depicts a shift in worship from Indra to Mount Govardhan and, implicitly, to Krishna himself, reflecting a transition to a more localized and personalized form of piety. The performance incorporates elements of Braj culture, including the ras dance and the chappan bhog celebration, while also revealing underlying tensions and power dynamics within the community. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the enduring power and adaptability of Vaishnava traditions.