Govatsa Dwadashi
Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Godhulivrat, Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Bachh Baras or Nandini Vrat, is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the Dwadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. This festival is dedicated to worshiping the cow and its calf. The main objective of this festival is to worship and serve Mother Goddess (Cow). On the day of Govatsa Dwadashi, people worship the cow, touch its feet, tie food with it and remain devoted to it. This festival acknowledges the important role of mother cow and explains the importance of cow protection. Moreover, on the day of Govatsa Dwadashi, donations are made to Gaushala (cow shelter) or cow shelter poverty alleviation centre’s and the cows are taken care of. On this day people also try to feed and serve the cattle in their homes or around the cowshed.
By celebrating Govatsa Dwadashi, a person attains religious virtue and gets gratitude for the protection of cows in his life.
Origin of Govatsa Dwadashi festival
Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Bachh Baras or Nandini Vrat, is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the Dwadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. This festival is dedicated to worshiping the cow and its calf.
History of the festival
The origin of the Govatsa Dwadashi festival is linked to Indian mythology. There is a story in the Uttar Kanda of Mahabharata which tells the importance of this festival.
According to the story, one day Lord Krishna went to the cowshed of Gokul with his friends and calves. There, he advised the gopis to take care of the cow mothers and spent time with them.
Shri Krishna told the gopis, “Mother cow is the basis of our life. She provides us milk, ghee, curd, and other nutritious food items. We should worship and serve her.”
The Gopis accepted Shri Krishna’s words and worshiped the cow mothers. Shri Krishna also worshiped the cow mothers along with him.
Thus, the Govatsa Dwadashi festival began. In this festival the message of worshiping the cow and its calf is given.
Importance
Govatsa Dwadashi festival has special significance in Hindu religion. This festival gives the message of importance of cow and protection of cow progeny. Cow is considered sacred in Hindu religion. She is given the status of mother. Cow provides milk, ghee, curd, and other nutritious food items. It is also useful in plowing the fields and in other works. Govatsa Dwadashi festival reminds the importance of cow and inspires people to protect the cow progeny.
Govatsa Dwadashi Region where it is celebrated
Celebrated in Indian states, especially where there is a tradition of cow rearing and cow motherhood.
Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh is one of the cow husbandry centers of India and Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated with great pomp here.
Rajasthan: Rajasthan is also a major center of worship of Mother Cow, and here too Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated significantly.
Madhya Pradesh: Govatsa Dwadashi is also organized in Madhya Pradesh and this festival is celebrated in the major areas of cow rearing.
Haryana: Haryana is also a major area of cow rearing and Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated with great pomp here.
The worship method of Govatsa Dwadashi is as follows:
Date: Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated on the Dwadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month.
Time: Govatsa Dwadashi worship should be done early in the morning.
Place: Govatsa Dwadashi puja can be done at home or any public place.
The following materials are required for the worship of Govatsa Dwadashi:
- Statue or picture of a cow and calf.
- Lamp
- Flower
- intact
- Roli
- kumkum
- Turmeric
- Sandalwood
- Perfume
- Rice
- Milk
- cow ghee
- Basil leaves
- Posture
Pooja Process:
- First of all, spread a stool on a clean place and place the idol or picture of a cow and calf on it.
- Bathe the cow and calf with Ganga water.
- Offer them flowers, Akshat, Roli, Kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood, perfume etc.
- Feed the cow and calf with rice, milk and cow ghee.
- Perform Aarti of cow and calf.
- Pray at the feet of cow and calf.
Other rituals:
- On this day, apart from worshiping the cow and calf, you can try to donate to the Gaushala or Gaushala Poverty Alleviation Centre.
- You can also take a pledge to feed the cows.
- You can also keep fast on the day of Govatsa Dwadashi.
Benefits of Govatsa Dwadashi:
Worshiping Govatsa Dwadashi has the following benefits:
- Respect and love for cow and calf increases.
- One gets inspiration to protect the cow progeny.
- The mind gets peace and relaxation.
- One gets freedom from sins.
- Salvation is attained.
Dates of this festival in the current year
In 2023, the festival of Govatsa Dwadashi will be celebrated on Thursday, November 9.
conclusion:
Govatsa Dwadashi is an important Hindu festival that promotes respect and love for the cow and calf. By celebrating this festival, we can contribute to protect the cow dynasty. This festival gives the message of importance of cow and protection of cow dynasty. This festival inspires people to worship and serve the cow.