Govardhan lila is a special pastime of Lord Krishna and his devotees, as it reveals many secrets of pure devotion. Goverdhan lila teaches us how to serve, how to increase our service and how to maintain our service. Govardhan lila is also a pastime of bliss, as Krishna and his devotees experience the highest joy experiencing all mellows of devotion at the same time.
The Meaning of Govardhan
The word Govardhan is made of two words: Go and Vardhan. Go has 32 meanings some of them mean earth, cows, gopis, mountain, clouds and renunciation. Vardhan means to intensify or increase. Therefore, Govardhan means
Krishna increases the bliss of the earth (vraj Bhumi) by standing on it.
Krishna gives bliss to the cows, that is why he is known as Govinda, the protector of cows.
Krishna gives bliss to the gopis, the cowherd girls who love him with all their hearts. The gopis have a secret that only Krishna knows.
Krishna gives bliss to the mountain, Govardhan, by touching it with his hand and feet.
Krishna gives bliss to the lord of clouds, Indra, by killing his sinful tendency and making him surrender to him
Lastly, Krishna increases the power of renunciation of the Govardhan hill. It was because of the touch of Krishna that Govardhan easily tolerated the pain of torrential rains send by Indra.
The Teachings of Govardhan Lila
Govardhan lila teaches us many lessons about devotion and service. Some of them are:
Despite all the suffering and miseries, Govardhan was in bliss because he was serving Krishna. For devotees, service converts miseries into utter joy.
Govardhan was fortunate to come in contact with Krishna for seven days and nights. He showed us how to come in contact with Krishna through service. It is only in service that Krishna will touch us and satisfy our souls.
To serve Krishna, a devotee can be on top of him. By the mercy of Krishna, a devotee can do more than the Lord.
Govardhan satisfied Krishna in all respects. Therefore, a devotee should plan to increase the pleasure of the Lord.
The best service to Krishna is to engage others in His service as Govardhan have all Vrajvasis full seven days of service to Krishna.