Shri Krishna Janmashtami – the sacred festival of the birth of God
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a major festival of Hindu religion, which is celebrated as the birthday of Shri Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated with great devotion at midnight on the Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month.
Nishithe tam udbhute jaymane janardane.
Devakyan Devrupinyan Vishnu: Sarvaguhashayah. ||
Nishith was the time for the incarnation of Janardana, the one who freed us from the cycle of birth and death. There was an empire of darkness all around. At the same time, Lord Vishnu, who was present in everyone's heart, appeared from the womb of Goddess Devaki, just as the full moon had risen from the sixteen stages in the east.
Birth of Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna was born at midnight to the union of mother Devaki and father Vasudeva in the prison of the tyrant King Kansa of Mathura.
Tamadbhutam balakamambujekshanam chaturbhujam shankhgadaryudayudham.
Shrivatsalaksham galshobhikaustubham pitambaram sandrapayodasaubhagam ॥
Vasudevji saw that there was a wonderful child in front of him. His eyes are as soft and huge as lotuses. Holding conch, mace, disc and lotus in four beautiful hands. The symbol of Shrivatsa on the chest is a very beautiful golden line. Kaustubhamani is shimmering around the neck. Like the rainy season clouds, beautiful yellow amber is fluttering on the most beautiful black body. The beautiful curly hair is shining like the rays of the sun due to the precious Vaidurya Mani's crown and earrings. The strings of the shining belt are hanging from the waist. Armlets are adorning the arms and bracelets are shining on the wrists. The child adorned with all these ornaments is exuding a unique radiance from every part of his body. Then Vasudev prayed to God and God told him the secret and Vasudev took him across the Yamuna river to the house of Nand Baba and Yashoda Mata in Gokul, where he was brought up. He was born for the restoration of religion and destruction of evil.
Significance of Janmashtami
This day is a symbol of the victory of truth, religion and love.
The life of Shri Krishna gives us the message of humanity, duty and selfless work.
The teaching of the Gita – “Karmanyewadhikaraste” – paves the way of life even today.
Puja-Vidhi of Janmashtami
Fasting and Vrat – Devotees fast by abstaining from food for the whole day.
Midnight worship – Welcome and worship the Lord with conch, bell and chanting of mantras at the time of Krishna's birth.
Decorating the swing – Decorate the swing for little Kanha and rock the cradle.
Bhajan-Kirtan – Bhajans and kirtans to please the Lord throughout the night.
Bhog of butter-sugar candy – Offer butter, sugar candy and panjiri to the Lord.
How to celebrate Janmashtami
Decorate the house and temple with flowers and lamps.
Contemplate, listen and enact the childhood pastimes of Shri Krishna (Rasleela/Dahi-Handi).
Distribute prasad and food to the poor and needy.
Adopt the teachings of the Gita in life.
Spiritual message
Janmashtami teaches us that one should not leave the path of religion even in the most difficult situations. Love, truth and compassion are the real basis of life.
This worship done with devotion brings happiness, peace and prosperity in your life.
