Seers in Mathura have lodged a police complaint against the online sale of rock slices from the Govardhan hill on India Mart. The hill, located 26 kilometres from Mathura, holds a special significance for some Krishna worshippers, who consider it an extension of Krishna himself.
In a written complaint given at the Govardhana police station, the protesting holy men have alleged that a deliberate attempt is being made to hurt religious sentiments.
The complaint states that slices of the hill were being sold on Indian e-commerce portal India Mart.
While the product listing has been taken off, search engines still show an image of the product along with details about it and the price: Rs 5,175. According to the product description, “A Govardhana Shila is rock from the Govardhan Hill in Vrindavana. Govardhan Hill holds a unique position in Hindu Mythology related to Krishna…”.
Similarly named products, however, remain visible on other e-commerce websites. On Amazon for instance, the product is described as a reddish stone which weighs 150 grams.
The Govardhan hill, as per mythology, was lifted by Lord Krishna on his little finger for seven days to protect his people from the wrath of Indira—the God of rain. The hill is held in such veneration that a sect of Hindus, the Vaishnvas, will not even step on it as it is considered an extension of Lord Krishna himself. Krishna is also called Govardhandhari—he who bears the Govardhan.
The product description claims the rock will bring stability to the thought process of the devotee, protect one from natural and unnatural calamities, and increase one’s aura and charisma. It states, “Worship of Govardhan Shila frees the devotees from all types of sins. It brings stability in the thought process of the devotee and tremendously increases the capacity of right decision making...shelters and protects devotee from all types of natural and unnatural calamities, sudden accidents and thefts…Worshipper of Govardhan Shila gets very long life and extremely good health. He does austerities and philanthropic activities all through his life.”
The description continues, “He gains success and gets immense respect, fame and dignity in the society. The devotee leads from front and has that much purusharth [capacity)]to make impossible things to happen. [Sic] In every Altar or Puja room Shaligram Shila, Dwarka Shila and Govardhan Shila should always be present. Benefits of worshipping Exotic Giri Govardhan Shila : - For success and gets immense respect, fame and dignity in the society - To make impossible things to happen - For balancing all chakras - For increasing Aura and Charisma."
