The people of Vraja had turned their worship toward Govardhan. Indra, angered that his sacrifice had been set aside, sent heavy clouds, rain, and hail. The sky darkened, and the people and cows had nowhere to hide from the storm. They came to Krishna seeking shelter.
Krishna raised Govardhan Hill with one hand. He invited His parents, the cowherds, and everyone else to come beneath it with their cows. There was room under the hill for families, animals, and wagons. Outside, the rain continued; inside, the community stood protected.
For seven days Krishna held Govardhan without setting it down. The people of Vraja watched Him as they waited for the storm to pass. At last Indra withdrew the rain. The clouds parted, the sun appeared, and Krishna told the people they could come out without fear.
Once everyone had gathered their cows and belongings, Krishna returned the hill to its place. The residents approached Him with love: some embraced Him, while others bowed before Him. What remains vivid in this account is the whole of Vraja under one shelter—people, children, and animals together.