Govardhana Lila of Lord Krishna has an important message. The same message is also stated in the biography of Lord Chaitanya.
It is stated in the Chaitanya Charitamrita (a biographical account of the Life and Teachings of Lord Chaitanya written by Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami) that a devotee who is engaged in the service of Krishna is free from all obligations. He has no other duty to perform. He need not perform any ritualistic functions enjoined in the Vedas; nor is he required to worship any demigods. Krishna wanted to firmly establish this principle during His presence in Vrindavana.
When Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana arranging for Indra-yajna (a traditional ceremony to please Indra, the chief-of-demigods, who is responsible for supplying water) He suggested that they forgo the worship of Indra and instead worship Govardhana Hill.
When Indra understood that the sacrifice which was to be offered by the cowherd men in Vrindavana had been stopped by Krishna, he became angry. He ordered Samvartaka (the cloud of devastation) to go over Vrindavana and inundate the whole area with an extensive flood. Riding on his elephant Airavata, he personally came to punish the inhabitants of Vrindavana.
Ordered by King Indra, all the dangerous clouds appeared above Vrindavana and began to pour water incessantly, with all their strength and power. There was constant lightning and thunder, blowing of severe wind, and incessant falling of rain. The rain seemed to fall like piercing sharp arrows.
All the inhabitants of Vrindavana prayed to the Supreme Lord Krishna and took shelter at His lotus feet. Lord Krishna immediately picked up Govardhana Hill with one hand, and asked everyone to come under the umbrella of Govardhana Hill along with their properties and animals. For one week, they remained there without being affected by hunger, thirst or any other discomforts. Indra was astonished to see the little boy Krishna holding the Govardhana Hill on His little finger and protecting Vrindavana from the devastating rainfall. He immediately called for all the clouds and asked them to desist. The sky became completely cleared of all clouds and there was sunrise again, the strong wind stopped. All the inhabitants of Vrindavana came out and Krishna replaced the Govardhana Hill in its place.
Indra, the King of heaven, became conscious of his offense before Krishna; therefore he stealthily appeared before Him and immediately fell down at the lotus feet of Krishna and offered his prayers.
Related Links: Govardhana Puja | Sri Govardhanashtaka
