Palguni, panguni -Govinda

Name: Govinda

Month: Palguni Month (14 March - 13 April) also known as Meena Masa or Govindha Masa

As per the Pancharatra Agama texts, each month is ruled by a specific form of the Lord accompanied by Mahalakshmi in her own expansion, and each month is named after the presiding Lord of that month.

Govinda Murti is the fourth among the Vyuhantara forms, emanating from Sankarshana. He is the presiding Lord of the month of Palguni (also known as Panguni in Tamil) along with Mahalakshmi in the form of Loka Sundari. Govinda Murthi possesses a soothing brightness resembling the moon and pearl. His eyes are lustrous and attractive like a red lotus, and he is adorned with rich gold ornaments.

Palguni Month starts when the Sun enters Kumbha Rasi (element of water), and the month derives its name from the full moon (Purnami) that falls on the Uttra-Palguni Nakshatra (Uttiram). It is celebrated as the celestial wedding month in many temples for their presiding Deity. Maha Lakshmi is also believed to have taken birth in this month on the Uttiram Nakshatram.

Govinda Murti's Skin color: Pearl-like color/moon-like color

Govinda Murthi’s Ayudhams (clockwise): Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), Padma (lotus), Shanka (conch), or shown with four Sargams in four hands

Maha Laksmi’s Name: Lokasundari, Chandra Sahodari, or Padma

Govinda Murti’s Element Tattva: AAPA Tattva (water element)

Govinda Murti’s Universal Tattva: Manas Tatwa

Govinda Murti's Syllable of Gayathri: “TUH”

Govinda Murti’s Abhimana Devata: He is the Lord of Indra and Kama Deva

Thiruman/Namam location in the body of the devotee: Front neck (middle) of the devotee.

Among the 12 Aditya: Govinda Murti is the Aditya named Parjanya (He heats up the whole world first and then causes rain).

Govinda Murti’s Flag: His flag bears the emblem of the lofty palm-tree and a plough.

Meaning of the word Govinda:

‘Go’ means Earth, Cow, Vedas, and ‘Vindha’ means Protector, preserver, or maintainer.

So, Govinda means the Protector of the Cows, Earth, and the Vedas.

This name suits all the forms of the Lord, hence, the name GOVINDA became famous among devotees. In Tirumala Thirupati or any Perumal/Vishnu temples, devotees chant GOVINDA !! GOVINDA !!! GOVINDAA !!! loud and clear.

It is said that the Lord loves to be called GOVINDA as He is the Lord of the Vedas, Earth, and Cows.

Andal in the Thirupavai mentions that Govinda is the Lord of abundance with no shortfall of glories or His mercy and blessings.

“குறை ஒன்றும் இல்லாத கோவிந்தா”