Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated one day before Dhanteras. On Govatsa Dwadashi day cows and calves are worshipped. The wheat products are given to cows and calves after worship. People who observe Govatsa Dwadashi abstain from eating any wheat and milk products during the day. Govatsa Dwadashi is also observed as ‘Nandini Vrat’. Nandini is divine cow in Hinduism.
In Maharashtra Govatsa Dwadashi is known as Vasu Baras and it is considered first day of Deepawali.
Govatsa Dwadashi is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of cows and calves as symbolic gesture for offering love, gratitude and respect to cows for their help in sustaining the human life. In ‘Sanatan Dharma’, the Hindu religion recognises the rights of animals to co-exist with humans; therefore, those who follow ‘Sanatan Dharma’ are taught to love, nurture and worship them without causing any harm to these innocent beings. ‘Sanatan Dharma’ in Hinduism, refers to various teachings from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other Hindu sacred texts such as the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita, which are revered as concise guides to Hindu philosophy and Self realisation. As described in the Hinduism sacred texts, various Hindu gods and goddesses incarnated in various animal forms.
The cow is one of the most sacred of all the animals in Hinduism. It is known as Kamadhenu, or the divine cow, and the giver of all desires. Sanskrit name for Cow is ‘Gau’, ‘Dhenu’. Cows are venerated in India, and considered sacred beings since Bhagwan Krishna, the central Supreme deity who reincarnated as a cowherd is said to be the ‘Protector of Cows’. So, when you get a chance, do worship cows, visit gaushalas and feed the cows grass and cattle feed. I strongly believe we should never forget our roots and always practice rituals of great traditional value.
Significance
Govatsa Dwadashi (Dwadashi or Dvadasi in Sanskrit means twelve) is observed on the 12 day of ‘Krishna Paksha’ (period of waning phase of Moon) in the ‘Ashwin’ month of traditional Hindu calendar. Govatsa Dwadashi is observed one day before the celebrations of ‘Dhanteras’. In the state of Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated by the name ‘Vasu Baras’ while in Gujarat, it is celebrated as ‘Vagh Baras’. In other northern states, Govatsa Dwadashi is referred to as Vagh, which implies repaying one’s financial debts. On this day, businessmen clear all their accounts and refrain from making any transactions. The festival of worshipping cows is symbolic for abundance and prosperity.
According to ‘Bhavishya Purana’, it is stated that when the devotee observes fast on dwadashi tithi, he/she shall be cleansed off their sins. It is believed that Govatsa Dwadashi was first observed with fasting, by King Uttanapada (the son of Svayambhuva Manu) and his wife Suniti. They were blessed with son Dhruva because of their prayers and fast on the day of Govatsa Dwadashi. According to legendary tale in ‘Vishnu Purana’, Svayambhu Manu (Son of Bhagwan Brahma), had three daughters and two sons; Priyavarta and Uttanapada. King Uttanapada had two sons; Uttama by his favorite young queen Suruchi and Dhruv by his older queen Suniti. Dhruv is the grandson of Svayambhu Manu and great grandson of Bhagwan Brahma. Dhruv is an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Vishnu. As a child, once Dhruv got disappointed for not getting his father’s love and attention, he had performed strong penance to please Bhagwan Vishnu. Dhruv fasted for days and observed strict penance, looking a little boy’s sincerity and devotion, Bhagwan Vishnu appeared before him. Bhagwan Vishnu pleased by his pious devotion granted him boon with the highest seat above the three world and rewarded him as ‘Dhruv Nakshatra’ (The Pole Star) who will be the main anchor and sustainer of the stars and planets. It is believed that when devotees perform ‘Satvik’ duties on the day of Govatsa Dwadashi, observe fast (by not taking wheat or milk) and offer prayers to Dhruv Nakashatra on this day will be free from their sins. (In my subsequent blogs, I will share the beautiful legendary story of Dhruv as described in ‘Vishnu Purana’).
Devotees who worship cows on this day are bestowed with peace, happiness and healthy life.
How to worship and perform puja on Govatsa Dwadashi?
- The festive fervor of the ‘Festival of Lights‘ starts with celebration and worshipping of the cows, bulls and oxen on the day of Govatsa Dwdashi. It is believed that Cows bring happiness and prosperity to entire family. On this day following rituals are performed.
- In the early morning, devotees listen to devotional bhajans. Homes, streets and gaushala’s are adorned with flowers and earthern lamps.
- The air is filled with the mystical piousness livened with the aromatic smell of sweets, flowers and incense sticks.
- Cows, and calves are bathed, draped in clothes and adorned with flower garlands.
- Cows are then anointed with kumkum and turmeric powder as symbol of purity and sacredness and special aartis are performed.
- Cows are fed with gram, moong bean sprouts and special wheat products.
- Devotees visit temples and offers prayers to Bhagwan Krishna and Bhagwan Vishnu on this day.
- Mothers keep ‘Nandini Vrat’ for the long and healthy life of their kids. It is also believed that many couples who wish to have kids worship cow on this day and observe fast to be blessed with a child.
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