Krishna Lifts Govardhan

Every year, the people of Vrindavan worshipped Indra, the rain god, so he would send good rains for their crops. One day, young Krishna suggested they should worship Govardhan Mountain instead, because it was the mountain that provided grass for their cows and sheltered them. The villagers agreed with Krishna. Indra was furious at being ignored. He unleashed terrible storms with torrential rain. Lightning crackled, fierce winds howled, and all of Vrindavan began to flood. The frightened villagers rushed to Krishna for help. Krishna smiled and lifted the entire Govardhan Mountain on his little finger, holding it up like a giant umbrella. All the villagers gathered beneath the mountain with their cows and animals, safe and dry. For seven days and seven nights, Krishna held the mountain aloft without tiring. Finally, Indra realized his mistake. He stopped the rain and came down to ask Krishna for forgiveness. From that day on, Indra acknowledged Krishna's divine greatness.