Story of Gopashtami: Gopashtami is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Kartika, dedicated to Lord Krishna’s boundless love and bond with cows. Lord Krishna initiated cow grazing. Cows are considered sacred and revered. Tomorrow, learn two fascinating mythological stories of Gopashtami and the exact auspicious time for worship.
First Story of Gopashtami: Krishna’s Desire to Graze Cows
When Lord Krishna was only six years old, he expressed his desire to graze cows to his mother, Yashoda, and father, Nand Baba, like the other cowherds of Vrindavan.
Nand Baba called a priest and asked him for an auspicious time for cow grazing. The astrologer determined that Kartik Shukla Ashtami was the most auspicious time. Krishna began grazing cows on this day, and this date became known as Gopashtami.
Read More: Significance of Gopashtami, a Day to Honor Cattle, Ritual and Remedies
On this day, the Kamadhenu cow anointed Lord Krishna, after which he became known as Govind, meaning protector of cows. This story symbolizes the love, righteousness, simplicity, and devotion of cows towards Lord Krishna.
Second Story of Gopashtami: Indra’s Ego Destroyed and Govardhan Puja
Gopashtami is also associated with the miracle of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. To teach a lesson to the arrogant Indra, Lord Krishna protected Vrindavan and the cows from torrential rain by holding Mount Govardhan on his little finger for seven days.
Seeing this, Indra was astonished. Brahma told him that Krishna was an incarnation of Vishnu. Indra repented, accepted his defeat, and renounced his ego. After this, Lord Krishna placed Mount Govardhan back on the earth.
That date was Gopashtami. Since then, Gopashtami has become a festival celebrating the victory of humility, protection of nature, and devotion.
Auspicious Time for Gopashtami Puja
For prosperity, livestock welfare, and spiritual progress, worship at this auspicious time on Gopashtami.
(Note: Times may vary by location; see local calendar.)
| Muhurat | Time |
| Brahma Muhurta | 4:48 AM to 5:40 AM Morning |
| Evening | 5:14 AM to 6:32 AM |
| Abhijit Muhurta | 11:42 AM to 12:27 PM |
| Vijay Muhurta | 1:55 PM to 2:40 PM |
| Godhuli Muhurta | 5:37 PM to 6:03 PM |
| Evening Evening | 5:37 PM to 6:55 PM |
| Amrit Kaal | 7:42 AM to 9:22 AM |
| Nishith Muhurta | 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (October 31) |
| Ravi Yoga | Evening 6:33 AM to 6:32 AM (October 31) Ideal for cow worship, consecration, and Govardhan Puja. |
How to celebrate Gopashtami?
- Clean the cows and decorate them with flowers, tilak, and bells.
- Offer fresh grass, jaggery, and fruits.
- Make Govardhan Parvat from cow dung and worship it.
- Sing “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya” or Govind Bhajans.
- Distribute milk-based sweets as prasad.
Gopashtami is not just a festival but a symbol of Lord Krishna’s eternal love for Mother Cow and the Earth. Celebrating this festival with devotion during the auspicious time will surely bring Govind’s blessings to your life.
Jai Shri Krishna! Jai Gau Mata! 🐄✨
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