Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 37
Govardhana-pūjā: Kṛṣṇa Redirects Indra-yajña to Worship of Govardhana, Cows, and Brāhmaṇas
एषोऽवजानतो मर्त्यान् कामरूपी वनौकस: । हन्ति ह्यस्मै नमस्याम: शर्मणे आत्मनो गवाम् ॥ ३७ ॥
eṣo ’vajānato martyān kāma-rūpī vanaukasaḥ hanti hy asmai namasyāmaḥ śarmaṇe ātmano gavām
“This Govardhana Hill, assuming any form he wishes, will kill any residents of the forest who neglect him. Therefore let us pay our obeisances to him for the safety of ourselves and our cows.”
Kāma-rūpī indicates that the form of Govardhana can manifest as poisonous snakes, wild animals, falling rocks and so on, all of which are competent to kill a human being.
FAQs
This verse says that those who show contempt are harmed, so the Vrajavāsīs choose reverence—offering obeisance for peace, protection, and the welfare of their cows.
They feared the danger that comes from disrespecting a powerful forest-deity (Govardhana/vanaukasaḥ) and thus recommended offering respects for their own safety and for protecting their cattle.
Practice humility and reverence toward what sustains life—nature, sacred places, and caregivers—and avoid contemptuous behavior that leads to harm and conflict.