Why Krishna lifted Goverdhan Mount and why we offered him 56 dishes ( Bhog )?

Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu 

One of the most adored and fascinating gods is Lord Krishna, a prominent character in Hinduism. His life and teachings are described in the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata, two of the earliest Hindu scriptures.

The Hindu faith claims that there are four ages or eras  : 

 1 . Satyuga 

 2 . Tretayug , 

 3 . Dwapar and

 4 . Kalyuga. 

Shri Krishna, according to Hinduism, was born in the Dwapar Yuga.

His Birth   : 

Krishna is regarded as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, taking on various forms to defend dharma (justice) and reestablish harmony in the cosmos. He was born divinely to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki at Mathura. 

He was sent to Gokul because of a prophecy, where he was reared by Nanda and Yashoda, who served as his foster parents. 

Early life in Vrindavan    

From an early age, Krishna displayed extraordinary traits. He was known for his playful and mischievous nature  (Naughty) , often stealing butter (Makhan Chor) and engaging in pranks with the village children. His charm and charisma captured the hearts of everyone around him. 

Krishna's youth is marked by various episodes, the most famous being his dalliance with the gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan. His enchanting flute melodies and playful dance, known as the Raas Leela, symbolized the eternal bond between the divine and the devotee.

Why Krishna lifted the Goverdhan Mount 

Govardhan hill in Vrindavan is well known for its connection with Lord Krishna. When Indra, the rain God, was mercilessly pouring torrents of water on the village, Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger  like a great big Umbrella to give shelter to the people and animals of Vrindavan.

Why 56 Bhogs  (Dishes) are offered to Lord Krishna 

On his birth anniversary or Birthday (Janmashtami) , we offered 56 Bhogs or type of food. 

Lord Krishna went seven days without eating even a single grain of food.  To save people   He supposedly consumed eight servings each day on average. In order to show their thanks, the people of Vrindavan prepared 56 dishes (8 dishes x 7 days) and presented them to him at the conclusion of the seventh day.

Krishna's  love  for Radha

Krishna's love for Radha is something not many of us can comprehend even today. In the above love quote, he says,

 'If there is true love in the heart, every moment of waiting for your beloved gives joy.

They shared an eternal love with each other. Regardless of the fact that they never tied a nuptial knot together, they are worshipped together. These days, modern-day couples admire these pure souls most and make promises to each other to be like them. They are the representation of the purest bond, love, and emotions.

His Teachings 

As he grew older, Krishna's role expanded to become a guide and mentor. He played a pivotal role in the great epic, 

the Mahabharata, which culminated in the Kurukshetra War. Arjuna, a warrior prince, faced a moral dilemma on the battlefield then Krishna provide a proper guidance to him and delivered his profound teachings in the form of the Bhagavad Gita. In this discourse, Krishna elaborated on the concepts of duty (dharma), righteousness, and the path to self-realization.

Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita revolve around the idea of performing one's duty selflessly, without attachment to the results. He introduced the concept of "Karma Yoga," emphasizing the importance of actions carried out in accordance with one's duty, without concern for personal gain. This approach, he believed, would lead to spiritual growth and liberation.