Mythological Significance of Govardhan Puja

According to mythological descriptions in Vishnu Puran, the people of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra, the God of Rains, for providing them with ample rain for their crops. Indra became very proud at that time. Lord Krishna told the people of Gokul that it was not Indra but the Govardhan Mountain (parvat) that caused rain in Gokul and that they should worship the Govardhan parvat instead of Lord Indra. This infuriated Lord Indra and he caused excessive rainfall with thunder and lighting and flooded Gokul. Lord Krishna, in order to ensure the safety of the people of Gokul prayed, worshipped and offered puja to the Mount Govardhan and lifted it on the little finger of his right hand. People of Gokul along with their cattle took shelter under it and thus were saved from the calamity. It is to remember this occasion that Govardhan Puja is still done in India.