Govinda Pattabhishekam – The Hindu

Among all His manifestations, Perumal’s descent on earth as Krishna is the most celebrated one. As Krishna, He destroyed evil (personified by numerous asuras) from the very beginning, many times. Among all His deeds and sports, it is His act of lifting the Govardhan hill, holding it aloft like an umbrella and protecting everyone, culminating in Govinda Pattabhishekam, is an affirmation of His kindness towards His devotees, said Damal Perundevi.

Growing up in Nanda Gokulam, Krishna endeared Himself to everyone to such an extent that residents prefixed His name to everything. One example will suffice: they did not sell butter; instead, vendors called out, ‘Do you not want to buy Krishna?’ Such being His everlasting love for butter. An expert cattle herder, Krishna was astounded when He found his father Nandagopa rallying everyone to make offerings to Indra, the god of rain. Krishna’s father said Indra had to be propitiated and honoured since without his providing rainfall, people’s lives would not flourish, nor cattle thrive. Krishna pointed out that good things happen only due to innate goodness and none should pander to another’s ego. He directed everyone to pray to the Govardhan hill near their homes, as it offered protection and livelihood to them. They readily agreed.

A furious Indra caused a heavy downpour, following it up with hailstorm, unrelentingly, for seven days. However, Krishna, lifted up hill in one hand, held it like an umbrella over all the residents and livestock. His ego punctured, Indra brought sacred water to perform abhishekam to Krishna, which is known as Govinda Pattabhishekam and Krishna came to be known as Govinda. In Narayaneeyam, Narayana Bhattathiri tells Guruvayurappan, “You who took the form of Varaha (boar) to plunge into the depths of the world and came up carrying Mother Earth on your horn would not have found it difficult to hold the Govardhan hill in your hands in order to protect your devotees. Likewise, I pray that you cure my illness.”

The efficacy of Govinda namam has been underscored by Andal in Tiruppavai pasuram ‘Koodarai vellum seer Govinda.’ In the next two verses also, she highlights the efficacy of Govinda namam. A person who utters Govinda namam thrice, with humility and faith, will receive Krishna’s grace.