Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 33
Govardhana-pūjā: Kṛṣṇa Redirects Indra-yajña to Worship of Govardhana, Cows, and Brāhmaṇas
तथा च व्यदधु: सर्वं यथाह मधुसूदन: । वाचयित्वा स्वस्त्ययनं तद्द्रव्येण गिरिद्विजान् ॥ ३२ ॥ उपहृत्य बलीन् सम्यगादृता यवसं गवाम् । गोधनानि पुरस्कृत्य गिरिं चक्रु: प्रदक्षिणम् ॥ ३३ ॥
tathā ca vyadadhuḥ sarvaṁ yathāha madhusūdanaḥ vācayitvā svasty-ayanaṁ tad-dravyeṇa giri-dvijān
The cowherd community then carried out everything as Madhusūdana, Lord Kṛṣṇa, had advised. They had the brāhmaṇas recite auspicious Vedic benedictions, and with the articles meant for Indra’s sacrifice they reverently offered abundant oblations to Girirāja Govardhana and to the brāhmaṇas. They also fed the cows with fresh grass, and then, placing cows, bulls, and calves in front, they circumambulated Govardhana.
The residents of Vṛndāvana were simply devoted to Lord Kṛṣṇa; that was the sum and substance of their existence. Being the Lord’s eternal associates, they were ultimately not concerned with Lord Indra or ritualistic sacrifice, and they were certainly not interested in the mechanistic philosophy that Kṛṣṇa had just spoken to them. They simply loved Kṛṣṇa, and out of intense affection they did exactly what He had requested.
FAQs
In Canto 10, Chapter 24, the Vraja community places the cows and their bovine wealth in front and performs pradakṣiṇā of Govardhana Hill as part of devoted worship carried out according to Kṛṣṇa’s instruction.
After arranging the worship as Kṛṣṇa directed, they had auspicious benedictions recited and then satisfied the brāhmaṇas with the very offerings prepared—showing that devotion includes proper respect, charity, and dharmic hospitality.
Offer your worship with sincerity and order, honor sādhus/teachers, and include compassion in practice—especially through care for animals and gratitude for nature’s gifts.