An important day of the Utsavam...

There is a small hillock facing the Ashram aptly named "Govardhana giri". Every year during the Utsavam, the "Govardhana Giri Udharanam" is celebrated grandly on the Dwadasi day. The episode of Sri Krishna, lifting the Govardhana Giri in Brindavan to save Gokulam from the wrath of Indra, is remembered and celebrated in a similar fashion.

The Lord, Sri Swamigal and all devotees climbed on this hillock early in the morning.

The Lord reached the top of the hill and all preparations were immediately underway for the Thirumanjanam. Paranur Sri Srikantha Sarma, gave a very concise and enjoyable account of the episode. The pertinent chapter of Bhagavatham was also read over there.

Then the Thirumanjanam started ... It was a sight to behold with our Lord gracefully accepting the Thirumanjanam and with clear blue skies all around, with Sun just out of the Eastern horizon.

Amidst the chanting of "Govinda, Govinda...", Sri Premika Varadan, bedecked with glittering jewels, befitting a King, was coronated as 'Govindan'. Large helpings of various dishes were placed on plantain leafs before the Lord and after offering them to the Lord, were distributed to the local villagers..

After the Archanam, all the devotees offered flowers to the Lord, almost drowning the divine couple in a floral shower. Soon after, the devotees descended to partake prasadam in the Ashram.

The Lord was mounted on an Yaanai Vahanam (Elephant) in the evening and he went for a brief stroll outside Madhurapuri.