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Janamashtami

Janamashtami is the festival to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

Krishna resides in the very heart of India. India, its history, its culture, its heritage, and Krishna can’t be viewed separately from each other. Krishna has left his marks on the Indian culture like no other.

Every man in India grows listening to Krishna’s stories.

 From his childhood tales to the liberating knowledge of Geeta, he has covered every aspect of humanity.

Although he existed around 5,000 years ago, he is still equally relevant today.

In order to understand Janmashtami, we need to understand Krishna first

Understanding Krishna: Krishna is a man who can’t be bound within definitions.

He has such a large personality that everything gets covered under it.

He does not follow fixed patterns and responds to life with equal freshness each time.

That is why he can’t be tagged as morally ‘good’ or ‘bad’.

He does the unthinkable.

On one side, he is dancing with his 16,000 queens, while on another side, he is the greatest yogi. Sometimes, he acts childish, and it is also he, who has given the greatest source of knowledge to humanity, the Bhagwad Geeta.

That is why Krishna has been extremely popular among the people.

He did not exclude anyone by putting moral restrictions.

For a child, he is just a playmate, for a mother, he is a sweet child, for a girl, he is a brother, and for people like Arjuna, he is the mighty Krishna.

That’s the reason He is still remembered today by celebrating his birthday in a grand way known as the festival of Janmashtami.

Celebration of Janmashtami: According to the Hindu calendar, Janamashtami falls on the Ashtami of Krishna paksha in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada.

 It generally overlaps with the month of August or September of the Gregorian calendar.

It is also known as Krishna Janmashtami and Gokulashtami in many parts of India.

Janamashtami is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in India.

This is a big occasion, especially for the people belonging to the Vaishnavism sect.

Most Hindus celebrate this festival in different ways.

Many people visit Krishna temples to offer their reverence to the lord.

Many celebrate this festival by making a small decoration of toys and sweets for child Krishna.

At large, the festival is celebrated in different ways across India.

These include some very unique and joyful ways, such as:

Dahi Handi: This way of celebration is mainly popular in the state of Maharashtra and neighboring areas.

Dahi handi literally means earthen pots of yogurt.

It is a very popular tale of how Krishna used to steal butter, yogurt, and other things from Gopis when He was a child.

Gopis would hang earthen pots high above the ground so as to protect them from Krishna.

 But Krishna would come up with innovative ways to get what He wanted.

He would form a human pyramid with His friends and reach the pots.

These stories were the reason Dahi Handi celebration became an integral part of the Janmashtami celebration.

Dahi Handis are hung high above the ground using ropes.

There are groups of young boys who are called Govindas.

They visit these places and form up huge human pyramids to get the prize.

This is a spectacle to watch.

Being a very grand celebration, this is attended by many celebrities as well.

Raas Leela: Raas Leela is a part of the Krishna tradition where he dances with Radha and other

Gopis dissolving into a very enchanting celebration.

Raas Leela has been beautifully described in ancient texts such as Bhagavad Purana and Geeta Govinda.

 Above the general perception, Raas Leela is the celebration of feeling one with the divine.

Raas Leela is celebrated across various parts of India where young people are dressed up as Krishna and Gopis, and they form a mesmerizing aura of this festival.

Sweets are also distributed among the devotees.

Recitation: It is a very common way of celebration for every festival in India.

Scriptures related to the particular festival are recited in temples, at homes, and various other places.

On the day of Janamashtami, texts such as Bhagavata Purana and Geeta are most commonly recited.

Geeta Govinda is also recited by many people.

Fast and Devotional Offering: Devotion is the very heart of the Indian culture.

The culture derives its wisdom and uniqueness from the virtue of devotion.

Devotion isn’t just limited to singing in the praise of the lord, or visiting temples.

Devotion is the very quality of getting dissolved into the divine.

So, devotion for Krishna is very commonly seen on the occasion of Janmashtami.

People keep fasts, offer devotional songs, visit temples, dance, and sing to celebrate their love for Krishna.

That’s how Janmashtami is celebrated in many different ways in India.

It is a very special occasion for the people of Vrindavan and Mathura, where Krishna spent most of his childhood.

It is not only the people who celebrate Janmashtami, the whole city rejoices in ecstasy on this auspicious day. People from all over the world visit these cities on Janmashtami to have a glimpse of this delight.

Significance: The very significance of Janmashtami is to remember a man who should not be forgotten.

He shows us the way of life and gives us teachings that will help us to touch the very source of existence.

The birth story of Lord Krishna is very tragic.

He was born in the time of evil, of corruption, of suppression.

He was born in a jail and was somehow carried to his foster parents the same night.

It was prophesied that this child was going to be the reason for the end of evil, and the same thing happened eventually.

Krishna signifies the prevalence of Dharma over all.

He was the only ray of light in the time of darkness.

That’s why Janamashtami becomes so relevant.

 It reminds us that truth can never be defeated.

Janamashtami is the celebration of truth, of Dharma, of the eternal law that governs all.

Summary: Through his deeds and His life, Krishna has risen beyond the limited definition of a man.

He has blessed humanity with His words that show us the very way of life.

He designed the past of India, and so as the future ahead.

That’s why remembering Him is very important to remember our roots, our culture, and our wisdom.

That’s why Janmashtami is such a grand festival across India.

More than just a celebration, it is an opportunity to know Krishna, to experience the beatitude of His personality, to become one with him, the ultimate nature of the divine.

Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism)

Many Hindus around the world will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna, on Sept. 6. The birth celebrations occur on the eighth day after the full moon in the month of Bhadrapada, or during August-September; in some parts of southern India the celebrations are held during the fifth lunar month of Shravana, which is in July-August.

In Sanskrit, Krishna means “dark” or “black,” and like the deity Vishnu with whom he is associated, Krishna is often depicted as dark-skinned. He is identified as the eighth avatar, or incarnation, of the deity Vishnu in many texts, while other sources identify Krishna as the highest divine being. He is especially loved for his divine attributes of compassion, protection and friendship.

The observance of Krishna Janmashtami has moved far beyond its place of origin in Krishna’s homeland of Vrindaban, in north-central India, where Krishna is said to have been raised. Today, in the global community of about 1.2 billion Hindus, Krishna Janmashtami is considered an important holiday among all lineages and traditions.

Krishna’s birth

The story of Krishna’s divine birth is told in households across South Asia on Krishna Janmashtami. According to lore, Krishna’s uncle, Kamsa, the king of Mathura, a town in northern India, heard a celestial voice prophesying in his court that his downfall would come at the hands of the eighth child born to his cousin Devaki.

In an effort to preserve his reign, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and her spouse, Vasudeva, and killed each child born to them. According to a sacred Hindu text called the “Bhagavata Purana,” when the eighth child, Krishna, was born, the gates of the prison opened miraculously and a divine voice instructed Vasudeva to ferry Krishna across the Yamuna River. A torrential rain caused the Yamuna to flood, but the river rose only to Krishna’s feet; Vasudeva delivered the divine infant unharmed to his cousin Nanda and his wife Yashoda in the region in northern India known as Braj.

To quell Kamsa’s suspicions, the gods replaced Krishna with Yashoda’s daughter in the prison. When Kamsa’s guards attempted to kill her, she transformed into the goddess Yogamaya and reminded Kamsa of his inescapable fate and vanished from the prison cell.

The exploits of Krishna as a child are especially celebrated during the holiday. Devotees commemorate the love of Yashoda for Krishna and recall his playful pranks in songs and dances.

Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita

While many around the world may not know much about Hinduism, or about Krishna, they might still recognize him from his role in the “Bhagavad Gita,” or “The Song of the Lord,” a section in the world’s lengthiest epic poem, the “Mahabharata.”

Often dubbed the “Bible of Hinduism” because of its immense popularity, the Bhagavad Gita is chanted in homes and temples in the days leading up to Krishna Janmashtami.

In the Gita, Krishna, disguised as a charioteer, advises the warrior Arjuna, who is heartbroken that he has to fight his own cousins, about his duty on the battlefield. In its 18 chapters, Krishna counsels Arjuna about three paths, or “margas,” to realize salvation, or “moksha,” from the eternal cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Festivities on the day

On the first day of the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, activities culminate in a “Krishna puja,” a devotional form of worship using a form or an image, such as an idol of Krishna. After midnight, statues of Krishna are bathed in milk and water, dressed in new clothes and venerated in homes and temples. Devotees enjoy a celebratory meal after breaking the daylong fast.

In addition to fasting during the holiday, Krishna’s devotees sing songs called “bhajans,” or “kirtans,” dedicated to Krishna, reenact episodes from mythology about his life, known as “Krishna Lilas,” and perform folk dances, or “garbhas.”

In northern India, Krishna Janmashtami is followed the next day by a raucous and spirited event called “Dahi Handi,” loosely translated as “curds in an earthen pot.” Young men and boys imitate the childish pranks of “Makhan Chor,” an epithet given to Krishna in his beloved form during his childhood as a “butter thief.” Folklore is full of stories about Krishna and his childhood friends stealing sweetened butter from the village gopis, or cow herdesses.

To engage in the reenactment, a pot of sweetened butter and curds is suspended in midair, while teenage boys dressed as cowherds form human pyramids, climbing on each other’s backs to reach and break the pot, sharing the sweet yogurt within. A 2012 group from Mumbai holds the world’s record for forming a 13-meter tall Dahi Handi pyramid.

Beyond South Asia

Krishna devotion spread in the United States with the founding of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, in New York City in 1965. Since then it has become a global movement, with the devotees being referred to as “Hare Krishnas” due to their devotional chants to Krishna.

On Krishna Janmashtami, the devotees observe the birthday of the founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, as his “Appearance Day,” believing him to be another incarnation of Krishna.

Krishna is believed to be eternally present. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reminds Arjuna that “he is not far from the soul – in fact he is closer than the closest.” For many, the commemoration of Krishna’s birth is a time to remember God’s abiding love and closeness, as well as to express gratitude for the freely given gift of grace.

Krishna Janmashtami

Many Hindus around the world will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna, on Sept. 6. The birth celebrations occur on the eighth day after the full moon in the month of Bhadrapada, or during August-September; in some parts of southern India the celebrations are held during the fifth lunar month of Shravana, which is in July-August.

In Sanskrit, Krishna means “dark” or “black,” and like the deity Vishnu with whom he is associated, Krishna is often depicted as dark-skinned. He is identified as the eighth avatar, or incarnation, of the deity Vishnu in many texts, while other sources identify Krishna as the highest divine being. He is especially loved for his divine attributes of compassion, protection and friendship.

The observance of Krishna Janmashtami has moved far beyond its place of origin in Krishna’s homeland of Vrindaban, in north-central India, where Krishna is said to have been raised. Today, in the global community of about 1.2 billion Hindus, Krishna Janmashtami is considered an important holiday among all lineages and traditions.

Krishna’s birth

The story of Krishna’s divine birth is told in households across South Asia on Krishna Janmashtami. According to lore, Krishna’s uncle, Kamsa, the king of Mathura, a town in northern India, heard a celestial voice prophesying in his court that his downfall would come at the hands of the eighth child born to his cousin Devaki.

In an effort to preserve his reign, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and her spouse, Vasudeva, and killed each child born to them. According to a sacred Hindu text called the “Bhagavata Purana,” when the eighth child, Krishna, was born, the gates of the prison opened miraculously and a divine voice instructed Vasudeva to ferry Krishna across the Yamuna River. A torrential rain caused the Yamuna to flood, but the river rose only to Krishna’s feet; Vasudeva delivered the divine infant unharmed to his cousin Nanda and his wife Yashoda in the region in northern India known as Braj.

To quell Kamsa’s suspicions, the gods replaced Krishna with Yashoda’s daughter in the prison. When Kamsa’s guards attempted to kill her, she transformed into the goddess Yogamaya and reminded Kamsa of his inescapable fate and vanished from the prison cell.

The exploits of Krishna as a child are especially celebrated during the holiday. Devotees commemorate the love of Yashoda for Krishna and recall his playful pranks in songs and dances.

Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita

While many around the world may not know much about Hinduism, or about Krishna, they might still recognize him from his role in the “Bhagavad Gita,” or “The Song of the Lord,” a section in the world’s lengthiest epic poem, the “Mahabharata.”

Often dubbed the “Bible of Hinduism” because of its immense popularity, the Bhagavad Gita is chanted in homes and temples in the days leading up to Krishna Janmashtami.

In the Gita, Krishna, disguised as a charioteer, advises the warrior Arjuna, who is heartbroken that he has to fight his own cousins, about his duty on the battlefield. In its 18 chapters, Krishna counsels Arjuna about three paths, or “margas,” to realize salvation, or “moksha,” from the eternal cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Festivities on the day

On the first day of the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, activities culminate in a “Krishna puja,” a devotional form of worship using a form or an image, such as an idol of Krishna. After midnight, statues of Krishna are bathed in milk and water, dressed in new clothes and venerated in homes and temples. Devotees enjoy a celebratory meal after breaking the daylong fast.

In addition to fasting during the holiday, Krishna’s devotees sing songs called “bhajans,” or “kirtans,” dedicated to Krishna, reenact episodes from mythology about his life, known as “Krishna Lilas,” and perform folk dances, or “garbhas.”

In northern India, Krishna Janmashtami is followed the next day by a raucous and spirited event called “Dahi Handi,” loosely translated as “curds in an earthen pot.” Young men and boys imitate the childish pranks of “Makhan Chor,” an epithet given to Krishna in his beloved form during his childhood as a “butter thief.” Folklore is full of stories about Krishna and his childhood friends stealing sweetened butter from the village gopis, or cow herdesses.

To engage in the reenactment, a pot of sweetened butter and curds is suspended in midair, while teenage boys dressed as cowherds form human pyramids, climbing on each other’s backs to reach and break the pot, sharing the sweet yogurt within. A 2012 group from Mumbai holds the world’s record for forming a 13-meter tall Dahi Handi pyramid.

Beyond South Asia

Krishna devotion spread in the United States with the founding of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, in New York City in 1965. Since then it has become a global movement, with the devotees being referred to as “Hare Krishnas” due to their devotional chants to Krishna.

On Krishna Janmashtami, the devotees observe the birthday of the founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, as his “Appearance Day,” believing him to be another incarnation of Krishna.

Krishna is believed to be eternally present. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reminds Arjuna that “he is not far from the soul – in fact he is closer than the closest.” For many, the commemoration of Krishna’s birth is a time to remember God’s abiding love and closeness, as well as to express gratitude for the freely given gift of grace.

Krishna Janmashtami

Happy Janmashtami : Lord Krishna is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered across India.

Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most popular festivals widely celebrated by Hindus across India and other countries. The day, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi, marks the birth of Lord Krishna.

He is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered across India. Born in a dungeon in present-day Mathura in Uttar Pradesh at midnight to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva, Krishna is described in Hindu epics as the god of love, tenderness, and compassion. He is also known for playing mischievous pranks and performing miracles with his supreme powers.

This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on both the 6th and 7th of September. 

History and significance of Krishna Janmashtami

As per belief, Kansa, brother of Queen Devaki, heard a prophecy that her eighth son would be the reason for his death. Upon hearing this, Kansa threw both Devaki and her husband Vasudev in prison and one by one killed all of their six children. Kansa tried to eliminate Krishna but before he could do that, Krishna was safely sent out of the dark dungeon. King Vasudeva crossed the Yamuna River carrying Krishna over his head in a basket and left him in the care of his friends Yashoda and Nanda in Vrindavan.

Vasudev returned with their girl child born on the same day to present her to King Kansa in the hope that he wouldn’t harm her since the prophecy said that their eighth ‘son’ would be the cause of Kansa’s death. However, he threw the little girl against a rock. Instead of getting harmed she rose to the air taking the form of Goddess Durga and warning him about his death.

Krishna then grew up and killed Kansa, thus fulfilling the prophecy and saving the town from the merciless rule of Kansa. The day of Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the love, warmth, and beauty that Lord Krishna represents.

Rituals and Celebrations

On this day, devotees observe fast, wear traditional clothes, bathe and decorate Lord Krishna’s idols in new clothes and jewelry, and seek blessings for the well-being of their families. People also decorate their houses with flowers and rangoli and observe ritualistic fasts. While a section of people observe ‘nirjala vrat’ until midnight, considered the birth time of Lord Krishna, some eat light, sattvik meals throughout the day. Since Lord Krishna was born at midnight, the puja for him is performed in Nishita Kaal. Devotees offer Krishna’s favourite maakhan (white butter), milk, and curd to the idols after marking his birth at midnight.

In temples, festivities begin before dawn and extend all day until midnight, the time when Lord Krishna was born. Devotees organise kirtan, and chant the Lord’s name. 

Dahi Handi is also organized where people make a human pyramid and smash an earthen pot filled with butter and curd and hung at a height.

Fares of Faith: Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, or simply Janmashtami, is the two-day birthday celebration of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. The holiday is celebrated throughout India and in Hindu homes around the world, but the spirit of devotion is especially prevalent in the ancient cities Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood.

Hindus believe Lord Krishna is the personification of love, joy and knowledge. He is considered the most personable Hindu deity, always ready to answer the prayers of his followers. A brave hero, wise teacher and loving friend to all, Krishna has had an overwhelming influence on Indian philosophy and culture.

The legend of Janmashtami begins about 5,000 years ago, when Mother Earth and her children were grieving terribly under the dark rule of the demon kings. The outlook was so bleak that Lord Vishnu, the Godhead of the Hindu trinity, chose to be reborn as baby Krishna to bring love and peace to the world and end the rule of evil kings.

Celebration and Fasting

Janmashtami festivities last two full days, which generally fall in August or September. Devotees spend the first day of festivities fasting, singing and preparing Krishna’s favorite foods — mostly sweet, milk-based dishes — to offer their Lord at midnight. Beautifully decorated temples and homes exude an aroma of rich desserts and flavorful spices.

Many devotees fast on the first day of Janmashtami. In Hinduism, fasting is considered a sacrificial gift that allows individuals to grow closer to God and repent for sins. In a phalahar fast, worshippers are allowed to consume fruit, water and milk but must refrain from cereal and salt. The most devoted followers keep a nirjal fast, which excludes food and water. During the fast, devotees spend the day preparing Krishna’s favorite dishes, singing songs and chanting mantras. At midnight, the carefully prepared food offering, or prasad, is given to Krishna. Fasting is broken by eating the prasad.

Temples at Midnight

Festivities peak at midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth. Devotees flock to temples adorned with sparkling lights, hanging flowers and colorful decorations. Holy mantras are chanted, and a conch is blown to symbolize the destruction of evil. A representation Krishna, such as a small statue or figurine, is bathed in a mixture of honey, ghee, sugar and curds, then placed in a cradle. It is believed that those who visit the temple to rock the cradle will have a wish granted. The sweet aroma of Krishna’s favorite dishes fills the air as they are placed in front of the cradle. Some Krishna temples prepare as many as 108 dishes, a sacred number in Hinduism.

Breaking the Butter Pot

Dairy products, such as milk, butter and curds, are important staples of Indian cuisine. This is reflected in one of the holiday’s most beloved traditions, Dahi Handi. This ritual, carried out on the second day of festivities, is a celebration of Krishna’s playful and mischievous side. In a daring public display of acrobatic strength and balance, Dahi Handi participants, or govindas, build a human pyramid to reach a dangling butter pot suspended out of reach. The last govinda climbs to the top and strikes the pot until it cracks, spilling curds onto those below.

According to legend, the children of Vrindavan village were deprived of milk products because every drop had to be given to Mathura, the home of evil King Kansa. In response, Krishna and his friends made a human pyramid to reach the pots hanging from ceilings and distribute the prized butter to local children.

Foods of Janmashtami

Food prepared as an offering for Krishna is made with only the finest ingredients in highly sanitary conditions. Because Krishna was known for his sweet tooth and love of milk products, most dishes prepared for Janmashtami are desserts with a milk or yogurt base. Meals are typically vegetarian, as Hindus strongly promote nonviolence and believe all animals have souls. As providers of precious milk, cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, so there are no holiday beef dishes.

Krishna Janmashtami

Divine birth

The Krishna Janmashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, one of the most popular deities worshipped by Hindus. He is thought to have been born in 3228 BC.

His birthday is celebrated eight days after Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls in the Hindu month of Sravana, which normally corresponds to August or September. Celebrations are spread over two days and are vibrant and passionate.

At the stroke of midnight

Festivities start at midnight, when Krishna is thought to have been born.

Celebrations are different all over India, where each region has its own way of marking the special occasion. In the UK, one of the biggest celebrations for Janmashtami is held at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire. Thousands of plates of prasadam, a sacred vegetarian food, are given away to visiting pilgrims.

Sleepless at Janmashtami

Some Hindus simply don’t go to sleep during the celebrations and instead sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Food is a key ingredient for Janmashtami: Krishna is thought to have favoured milk and curds, so meals are prepared from these ingredients. However, some Hindus choose to fast all day and night for the first day of Krishna Janmashtami, breaking the fast at midnight.

Song, dance and drama are essential to the lively and colourful celebrations. Plays are carried out re-enacting scenes from Krishna’s early life. In temples, images of Krishna are bathed and placed in cradles, whilst the shankh (conch shell) is blown and bells are rung. Holy mantras are also chanted to venerate him.

Human pyramid

Another striking tradition is the human pyramid: a young boy, who stands right at the top, is elevated by the crowd to reach a clay pot. The pot, known as a handi, is filled with buttermilk (dahi). When the boy reaches the top of the pyramid, he smashes the pot and the buttermilk spills.

Janmashtami celebrations are so important and extensive because of the huge significance that Krishna has in Hinduism.

Preserver and protector

Most Hindus believe in a supreme god, whose qualities and forms are represented by the multitude of deities which emanate from him.

Krishna is believed to be an incarnate of Vishnu, the second god in the Hindu triumvirate or Trimurti.

The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. The other two gods are Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Shiva the destroyer.

Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. His role is to return to the earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. So far, he has been incarnated nine times, but Hindus believe that he will be incarnated one last time close to the end of this age and destroy the evil that has arisen in the world.

Hindu beliefs and traditions can differ depending on where communities are based. This great variety is due to the character of this faith, which is perhaps better described as a family of religions.

On his way to visit a Hindu shrine, Peter Owen Jones meets a Sadhu – a holy man.

A family of religions

Unlike most other religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings.

Throughout its extensive history, there have been many key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books.

For these reasons, Hinduism is often referred to as a way of life or a family of religions rather than a single religion.

Although it is not easy to define the belief system, it’s believed to be rooted in India.

Most Hindus revere a body of texts as sacred scripture known as the Veda and draw on a common system of values known as dharma.

Hindu concepts have also influenced other traditions and religions.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu religious festival, celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated by people all around the world. The holiday sits in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada (August or September), the eighth day in the dark fortnight, and lasts for two days.

The celebrations begin at midnight, the time when Krishna is thought to have been born in 3228 BC in Mathura.

Krishna is one of the most important and loved deities in Hinduism because he is the embodiment of divine joy and love.

Krishna survived many mortal dangers throughout his life, and he is celebrated for his intellect as well as his strength and agility.

He is a central character in the Hindu scriptures and epics like the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita.

They portray him in various perspectives: as a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero/teacher, and the universal supreme being.

The celebrations of Janmashtami are passionate, and many people move through the two-day celebration without sleep.

They sing, dance and some choose to feast on traditional festival foods while others choose to fast until the birth of Krishna Janmashtami at midnight. Special foods are prepared in celebration, and they reflect the foods that Lord Krishna was fond of.

Krishna Janmashtami

The festival of Krishna Janmashtami—also called Saatam Aathan, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Shree Jayanti, and Krishnasthami—is one of the most important festivals on the Hindu calendar, particularly for the followers of Vaishnavism. The festival honors the birth of Krishna, one of the most popular deities, and it takes place over two days in the late summer or early fall, depending on when it falls in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. 

Fast Facts Event: Krishna Janmashtami

Description: Krishna Janmashtami is a two-day-long event celebrating the birth of the Hindu god Krishna.

Key Participants: Hindus, particularly followers of Vaishnavism.

Start Date: The eighth day of the lunar month of Bhadra or Bhadrapada, typically in August or September.

End Date: The ninth day of Bhadra.

Location: Major cities in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and other states.

When Is Janmashtami Celebrated? 

Like other Hindu holy days and celebrations, Janmashtami’s date is determined by the lunisolar cycle, rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the West. The holiday occurs on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra or Bhadrapada, which typically falls during August or September. Bhadrapada is the sixth month in the 12-month Hindu calendar. Based on the lunisolar cycle, each month begins on the day of the full moon; Janmashtami is celebrated beginning on the eighth day of the first half (when the moon is waning) of the lunar month.

Traditions of the Krishna Janmashtami Celebration

On the first day of the festival, known as Krishan Ashtami, worshippers begin at dawn by fasting, reading scripture, and conducting prayer rituals (puja). The fast strictly prohibits the consumption of grain but may be broken by small meals of fruit and water. Dances and dramatic reenactments of the Janmashtami myths are performed during the day. Some cities—such as Mathura of Uttar Pradesh, where Krishna is said to have been born—and Mumbai, at the huge temple complex of ISKCON, parades are held and temples and statues of Krishna as an infant are brilliantly decorated.

At midnight, the fast ends, and the Krishna statues are bathed in milk and honey, or in water that has been treated with a combination of spices: cloves, cardamom, saffron, Tulasi, and rose petals. 

On the second day (Janam Ashtami), the Chappan Bhog is collected, a huge offering of 56 of Krishna’s favorite foods. Those include cereals, dried and fresh fruits, sweets, pickles, and nuts; each of the 56 must include a quantity of eight. After the offering, the foods are distributed to the participants. In some of the larger cities, the Dahi Handi is performed—an entertainment recollecting the mischievousness of Krishna as a boy. Clay pots containing butter, curd, and money are strung high up on buildings, and young men form human pyramids to compete with one another to break the pots.

Who Is Krishna?

Hinduism is a polytheistic faith that has hundreds, if not thousands, of deities and incarnations of the faith’s primary gods and goddesses. Blue-skinned Krishna is both an avatar of Vishnu, Hinduism’s principal deity, and a god in his own right. He is associated with romance, music and the arts, and philosophy. 

Krishna was a mischievous child who loved music and pranks. As an adult, Krishna drove the chariot of the warrior Arjuna, whose story is chronicled in the Hindu holy text, the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna’s philosophical discussions with Arjuna highlight the main tenets of the faith.

Hindus throughout India worship Krishna. Paintings, statues, and other images of him as a child or an adult are very common in homes, offices, and temples. Sometimes he is depicted as a young man dancing and playing the flute, which Krishna used to charm young women. Other times, Krishna is shown as a child or with cows, reflecting his rural upbringing and celebrating family ties.

The Myth of Krishna’s Birth

According to stories recorded at least as long ago as the fifth century CE, Krishna was born in Mathura, the son of Devaki, the beloved sister of King Kamsa, who had arranged her marriage to Vasudeva. At the wedding festival, a great voice came from the heavens and told Kamsa that he was destined to be killed by the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva. In fear and rage, Kamsa threw the couple into a prison and vowed to kill all their children. 

Kamsa began a reign of terror on the city, causing great misery, and he killed the first six of their children. Miraculously, the seventh son, Balram, was transferred from Devaki’s womb to that of Princess Rohini in Vrindavan, where he was safely raised to become Krishna’s eldest brother. 

Devaki’s eighth baby was incarnated as Vishnu in the womb, and when he was born, the guards fell asleep and the doors of the jail magically opened. Vasudeva smuggled Krishna out of the prison to his friend Nanda to be raised. A frightening thunderstorm and heavy rainfall made the trip difficult, but Shesh Nag, the snake god, sheltered them from the storm. 

Vasudeva gave Krishna to Nanda and took his wife Yashoda’s child, who was a girl, and then went back to prison. The doors locked behind him, the guards awoke and went to tell Kansa that a girl had been born, not a boy. Kamsa rushed to the jail and attempted to dash the baby to her death, but the baby rose into the sky and took the form of the Goddess Durga, making one last warning to Kamsa about how his death would occur. 

Krishna grew up in Gokul, living with Nanda and his wife Yashoda until he was fully grown. Then he returned to Mathura, freed his parents, and killed Kamsa as had been foretold. 

Krishna Janmashtami

The Hindus celebrate Janmashtami for the birth of Sri Krishna. The festival usually occurs in August. Moreover, the Hindus celebrate this festival in the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha. Moreover, Lord Krishna is the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is a joyful festival for the Hindus. Furthermore, the Hindus perform different rituals to please Lord Krishna. This is one of the most joyous celebrations for the Hindus.

Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna was born on the 8th day of Dark Fortnight in the month of Bhadon. Bhadon is a month in the Hindu calendar. Moreover, he was born around 5,200 years ago approximately. Because he was one of the most powerful Gods. He was born for a special purpose on Earth. Lord Krishna was born to free the world from evil.

As a result, he played an important role in the book of Mahabharata. Also, Lord Krishna preached about good karma and the theory of Bhakti.

Lord Krishna was born in a prison. He was in the clutches if Kansa. But his father Vasudev gave him to his friend Nand to save him. Because he knew that Kansa was evil-minded. Furthermore after getting saved the upbringing of Sri Krishna was in a Gokul family. Sri Krishna after some time became strong. As a result, he was able to kill Kansa.

When I was a child I used to watch many shows on Sri Krishna. As a result, I know many things about him. First of all, Sri Krishna was very fond of eating Makhan. Because of that he always used to steal it from his mothers’ kitchen. Therefore his name was ‘Natkahat Nand Lal’. Sri Krishna was dark-colored. So he was always worried about his color. Moreover, Sri Krishna had a friend named Radha. Radha was of great importance to Krishna. So he always spent time with her. Radha was very beautiful and fair so Lord Krishna always feels color complex.

How is Janmashtami Celebrated?

People celebrate Janmashtami in mid-night. Because Lord Krishna was born in the dark. Moreover, people have a special way of celebrating the festival. Since Sri Krishna was fond of eating Makhan people play this sport.

The sport is, they tie an earthen pot(matki). The judge of the game ties the matki really high from the ground. Furthermore, a person fills Makhan in the matki. Also, what people do is they build a human pyramid to break the matki. Since the matki is too high they have to build a tall pyramid. As a result, many people have to take part in sport. Moreover, there are other teams too who stop them from breaking the matki. Equal chances are there for both the teams. Each team gets a chance for a particular time period. If the team is not able to do it in time then the other team tries it. This is an interesting sport many people gather to watch this sport.

Furthermore, the celebration is also done in houses. People decorate their houses from outside with lights. Moreover, the temples are full of people. They perform various rituals inside the temple. As a result, we hear the sound of bells and mantras the whole day.

Moreover, people perform a dance on different religious songs. Finally, it is one of the most enjoyable festivals in the Hindu religion.

 Krishna Janmashtami

What is Krishna Janmashtami?

Krishna Janmashtami is a celebration of the birth of the revered and beloved Hindu deity Lord Krishna. Krishna was born in the Indian city of Mathura and is believed to have dwelled on earth between 3200 and 3100 B.C.E. While sources differ, Krishna is noted to have been born either during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada or Shravan, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight known as ashtami (the eighth day of the Hindu lunar calendar).

Krishna Janmashtami: History

Hinduism is filled with legendary tales of gods and goddesses who performed heroic feats and are worshipped by practitioners for their supernatural powers. Lord Krishna is an immensely powerful and popular god whose tales were written about extensively in the Bhagavad Gita, an epic and revered Hindu narrative which translates as ”Song of God.” The Bhagavad Gita is part of the epic Hindu poem the Mahabharata. Written in the 1st or 2nd century C.E., the Bhagavad Gita is the story of Lord Krishna mentoring his friend Prince Arjuna during a great conflict of engagement between warring parties from the same family. Krishna teaches Arjuna about honor, duty, courage, knowledge, and the accumulation of good karma through selfless action.

Significance of Krishnashtami

Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, is celebrated eight days following a festival that celebrates the relationship between sisters and brothers known as Raksha Bandhan. In Vaishnavism, a form of Hinduism that has specific devotion to the god Vishnu and his avatars (incarnations), the celebration of Krishnashtami commences before dawn and continues through midnight, when Krishna was believed to have made his divine appearance in the world. In Vaishnava temples, great ceremonies are enacted to worship the special day. Krishnashtami has great significance in the Vaishnavism tradition as it celebrates the incarnation of their primary worshipped god Vishnu. As Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the universe, Krishnashtami commemorates the balance between good and evil.

Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations

Worshippers of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami by the observance of fasting the day prior to Krishna’s midnight birth in preparation for the festival. Krishna temples are elaborately decorated, and devotees perform kirtan, Hindu religious songs that praise divinity through singing and chanting in a call-and-response style. Worshippers may celebrate with an idol statue of baby Krishna. A night vigil of Krishnashtami is held; following the end of the fasting at midnight the festivities begin and devotees will feast and eat sweets in celebration of Krishna’s birth. The festival goes on for two days, and many worshippers do not sleep during the celebrations.

Krishna Jayanthi: Facts.

Janmashtami is also known as Krishna Jayanthi. Because Krisha was born during an auspicious time, in Ashtami tithi in the star of Rohini, the word Jayanthi is used solely to indicate the time of Krishna’s birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens on Janmashtami?

Hindus celebrate Janmashtami as the birth of Lord Krishna, a revered and popular Hindu deity. On Janmashtami, Hindus fast until midnight, which is the hour of Krishna’s birth. After they break the fast there are tremendous celebrations, feasts, and sporting events to honor Lord Krishna.

What is done on Krishna Janmashtami?

On Krishan Janmashtami celebrants frequently decorate temples and perform Hindu devotional songs known as kirtan. Worshippers also participate in dance-drama groups that reenact the life of Lord Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami

What is Janmashtami?

Janmashtami, also called Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami or Sreekrishna Jayanthi is one of the most important Hindu celebrations in the calendar. The event commemorates the birth of Krishna, who was the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The annual celebration marks a joyful holiday all over India and in a number of other countries, too. It is a rich and colourful religious festival, with people attending both public and private forms of celebration. From praying, singing and dancing to re-enacting the birth story of Krishna and his boyhood mischiefs, Janmashtami focuses on the idea of love and devotion towards the God.

The 2-day-long event accumulates at midnight on the first day; this symbolises the time Krishna was born and therefore the high point of the entire festival.

The events – for many – also marks the end of the previous year and the start of a new one. It offers the chance to contemplate on the past, to make sure the future gets better by practising spiritual renewals and expressing various forms of devotion to Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami dates in

But when do we celebrate Janmashtami exactly? The dates for the birthday of Krishna change every year because the Hindu calendar has a leap month once every three years. The official date for Krishna Janmashtami is the eight day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Shravana or Bhadra. This puts the two-day event around the end of August and start of September according to the Gregorian calendar.

In , Janmashtami falls onto the 6th and 7th of September; these are going to be a Wednesday and a Thursday.

How do people celebrate Janmashtami?

Since the festival of Krishna Janmashtami is an especially popular and sacred one for millions of people in the world, there are numerous ways it can be celebrated year by year. The major celebrations can be divided into public and personal ones. Huge crowds gather on the streets where towns have their own temples, waiting for people to attend the different events. They pray, sing together and recite from various religious books that cover stories of the Hindu God.

People also starve before the midnight feast to show their devotion and determination towards Krishna.

Street festivals include music, singing and dancing, dressed in gorgeous traditional clothes. What’s more; it’s common for groups of people to form a human tower to commemorate the child Krishna’s mischiefs.

At home, people cook elaborate and rich meals, decorate their home and kids re-enact stories from Krishna’s early life.

Where do people celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?

While the Hindu festival of Janmashtami is predominantly celebrated in India, there are other countries in the world that devotes a special place in their calendar to the birthday of Lord Krishna. The event is celebrated in countries such as Bangladesh, Canada, Fiji, Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, as well as the United Kingdom and the US.

Happy Janmashtami Wishes & Krishna Quotes

Greet your family members or friends, or give children ideas as to how they can fill in a lovely Janmashtami card to celebrate the event. Here are some wishes and quotes from Lord Krishna that you can use around the important festival:

• “If you offer Me with love a leaf, flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.”
• “The key to happiness is the reduction of desires.”
• “When the mind is still, the universe surrenders to you.”
• “You are the creator of your destiny; mould it with love, faith, and determination.”
• “Set your heart upon your work, but never its reward.”
• ”Whatever happened was good. What’s happening is going well. Whatever will happen will also be good. Do not worry about the future. Live in the present.” 
• “Be a lighthouse of love and compassion, guiding others through the stormy seas of life.” 
• “When you love without expectations, you open the doors to the divine.”
•  “A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we expect nothing in return.”
• “Find the divine in every heart, and love will illuminate your path.”
• “When a person responds to the joys and sorrows of others as though they were his own, he or she has attained the highest spiritual union.”
• “The highest wisdom is realizing that everything is interconnected, and the divine is present within all.”

Who was Krishna?

Krishna is an important deity in the Hindu religion; he is said to be the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu. While as a child, he was famous for being a mischief and carrying out smaller acts like stealing butter, chasing cows and fighting in wrestling matches with his peers.

As an adult, Krishna became the symbol of love and lust, a god devoted to love people and show them the strength and value of being kind to one another.

To introduce children to Krishna, click on the image below and show them an informative and beautifully illustrated PowerPoint about The Story of Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami

The Hindu festival of Janmashtami is taking place on Wednesday 6 September.

The day is all about celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu.

Janmashtami always falls on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This falls in either August or September each year.

The festival itself is celebrated on Wednesday 6 September and Dahi Handi is celebrated the following day on Thursday 7 September. Many see the festival as a celebration of good over evil.

How it is celebrated

On the day before Janmashtami, Hindus fast until midnight to acknowledge it as the time of Krishna’s birth. Once the fast is broken, they bathe figures of Krishna in water and milk, dress them and worship them.

Temples and household shrines are decorated with leaves and flowers. Sweetmeats are first offered to Krishna and then distributed as leftovers to members of the household.

Devotees also construct representations of Mathura, where Krishna was born, the Yamuna River, over which he was transported to safety, and Gokul, where he spent his childhood.

People sing and dance together in celebration in honour of the god.

We know that Bracknell Forest has a thriving Hindu community, and we wish them all a blessed celebration.

Krishna Janmashtami

 What does Krishna Janmashtami mean?

Krishna Janmashtami is the Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna, the god of love and compassion. In Vaishnavism, the largest sect in Hinduism, Krishna is the eighth incarnation of the supreme god, Vishnu. Some Hindus worship Krishna himself as the supreme deity.

Also called Gokulashtami (after an alternate name for Krishna) or simply Janmashtami, the celebration is held on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Shraavana. That date falls in July or August each year.

Explains Krishna Janmashtami

The way Hindus celebrate Krishna Janmashtami varies by region and tradition. Among the rituals and observances are:

• Fasting
• Dancing and drama performances
• Hymn singing
• Scripture readings
• Private prayers

Observances are held all day long, from before dawn up until midnight – believed to be the actual time of Krishna’s birth – when a statue image of the infant is revealed and placed in a cradle. The ritual may include dressing the infant Krishna and/or bathing his body in milk. If fasting, the devotees break the fast with various sweets and even a feast.

Krishna Janmashtami

Shri Krishna, one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu, was born over 5,000 years ago on Shravan Vad 8. Shri Krishna incarnated on this Earth to kill the evil Kansa and give the discourses of the Gita to Arjun. On this day, devotees observe nirjala, a waterless fast, and remember the life and message of Shri Krishna. At midnight, the hour at which Shri Krishna was born, devotees perform aarti. Then, a child murti of Shri Krishna is placed in a swing and devotees sing bhajans. In the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, devotees come together and recall Shri Krishna’s lila and the invaluable life lessons he taught.

Reason for Incarnation:

The Bhagavad Gita (4/78) explains why Bhagwan incarnates on the Earth:

“Yadaa yadaa hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharat; Dharma sansthaapanaarthaaya sambhaavami yuge yuge.”
“I incarnate whenever Dharma declines and evil predominates, to establish Dharma and vanquish evil.”

Shri Krishna incarnated on this Earth for several reasons, particularly, to vanquish Mathura’s evil King Kansa, expel darkness from the lives of pious people, and fulfill his promise to Vasudev and Devki, his parents. When Vasudev and Devki were married, Kansa heard a divine proclamation. It explained that the couple’s 8th son would bring about Kansa’s demise. Thus, Kansa imprisoned the couple and killed the first seven sons born to Devki. When Shri Krishna was born, Vasudev placed him in a cradle, traveled across the Yamuna River, and brought the child to safety to be reared by his foster parents. Eventually, Shri Krishna fuflfilled the prophecy and rid the people of Mathura of Kansa.

Rituals:

Devotees observe a nirjala fast on this day, recall the divine lila from Shri Krishna’s life, and perform aarti at midnight.

Special parayans of the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana and the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita are arranged in the days leading up to Janmashtami.

Krishna Janmashtami Mantra

ममखिलपापप्रशमनपूर्वक सर्वाभीष्ट सिद्धये
श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी व्रतमहं करिष्ये॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki
Gale Mein Baijanti Mala, Bajave Murali Madhur Bala।
Shravan Mein Kundal Jhalakala, Nand Ke Anand Nandlala।
Gagan Sam Ang Kanti Kali, Radhika Chamak Rahi Aali।
Latan Mein Thadhe Banamali;
Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak, Chandra Si Jhalak;
Lalit Chavi Shyama Pyari Ki॥
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2
Kanakmay Mor Mukut Bilse, Devata Darsan Ko Tarse।
Gagan So Suman Raasi Barse;
Baje Murchang, Madhur Mridang, Gwaalin Sang;
Atual Rati Gop Kumaari Ki॥
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

1. What are the benefits of chanting Krishna Ji Ki Aarti?

Benefits of chanting Krishna Ji Ki Aarti

• Singing Lord Krishna Aarti is the best way to appease Lord Krishna. Shri Krishna Ji Ki Aarti helps to get rid of all the troubles and brings peace, prosperity, and happiness into your life.
• It is believed that singing Shri Krishna Ji Ki Aarti releases the soul from the cycle of birth and death and offers eternal salvation.
• Singing Shri Krishna Aarti- Aarti Kunj Bihari ki keeps away all the evils from your life.
• It offers good health and allows you to achieve success and prosperity.
• By singing Shri Krishna Aarti, one can get peace of mind. They may connect with God and gain transcendental happiness. 
• Singing Shri Krishna Aarti with utmost devotion offers transcendental energy. It helps you build good Karma and open yourself to spiritual awakening. 
• Worshipping Lord Krishna and understanding the meaning of Shri Krishna Ji Ki Aarti can help you realize God and his eternal love. It develops a spiritual connection with the Shri Krishna ji and illuminates your mind and soul. 
• Singing Krishna Ji Ki Aarti every day enhances the knowledge of students and working professionals and offers courage and confidence to overcome all the hardships. 
• Krishna Ji Ki Aarti eradicates confusion and fills you with positive vibrations.

2. How to worship Lord krishna and chant krishna Mantra ?

• Always take a bath before starting and chanting krishna Aarti. 
• Before Lord’s idol, blow a Shell and light a Diya made with Ghee and Cotton ball. You may use camphor for Aarti also. 
• Then, Chant krishna Ji ki Aarti and clap while singing Aarti.

Krishna Janmashtami Mantra

The incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura and looked after by Nand and Yashoda in Vrindavan. The mischievous Lord is prayed to mostly in his baby and youth form widely across India and beyond. The sole objective of Sri Krishna’s birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the Bhagvad Gita.

Krishna is easily recognized by his representations. Though his skin color may be depicted as black or dark in some representations, particularly in murtis, in other images such as modern pictorial representations, Krishna is usually shown with blue skin. He has been described as having skin, the color of Jambul (Jamun, a purple-colored fruit). He is also known to have four symbols of the jambu fruit on his right foot as mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam commentary.

Krishna is often depicted wearing a silk golden yellow dhoti, and a peacock feather crown. In this form, he usually stands with one leg bent in front of the other in the Tribhanga posture, accompanied by cows, emphasising his position as the divine herdsman, Govinda, or with the gopis(milkmaids).Other depictions show him stealing butter from neighboring houses in the form of Gopalakrishna, defeating the vicious serpent in the form of Navneet Chora or Gokulakrishna or lifting the Govardhan hill in the form of Giridhara Krishna. Still other depictions recount other childhood exploits.

Representations in temples often show him standing in a bent posture, holding a flute in his hand accompanied with his consort Radha and gopis. Seldomly he is shown with his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra, or his queens Rukmini and Satyabhama. Krishna is also depicted and worshipped as an infant (Bala Krishna), crawling on his hands and knees, or dancing, often with butter or Laddu in his hand being Laddu Gopal. Regional variations in the iconography of Krishna are seen in his different forms, such as Jagannath of Odisha, Vithoba of Maharashtra, Venkateswara (also Srinivasa or Balaji) in Andhra Pradesh, and Shrinathji in Rajasthan and also as a new born cosmic infant sucking his toe while floating on a banyan leef during the Pralaya (the cosmic dissolution) at the end of universe observed by sage Markandeya.

Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.

He was born around 5,200 years ago in Mathura.

The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa.

All over India this day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.

The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated.

Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.

Recitation of the mantras dedicated to Sri Krishna is believed to be a great purifying act in the age of Kalyuga where sinful acts gain importance. These mantras provide spiritual solace and peace of mind which is unmatched.

Krishna Mantra

Krishna Moola Mantra

In Hindi

ॐ कृष्णाय नमः

In English

“Om Krishnaya Namah”

Meaning : ‘Accept my salutations, Oh Sri Krishna.’

Benefit : This small chant is often recited by believers in their daily course of life.

Hare Krishna Maha Mantra

It is a 16-word Vaishnava mantra, the most famous mantra of Lord Krishna, which first appeared in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad.

In Hindi

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे

In English

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare”

Meaning : Ode to Sri Krishna and Lord Rama who are both two bodies but one being, as they are the incarnation of Sri Hari Vishnu.

Benefit : This divine mantra is chanted by believers to take them on a higher spiritual plane and transport them into another divine world, directly connecting their soul with Sri Krishna.

This mantra is derived from the repository of knowledge – the Vedas. Both these names are the ultimate truth and hence give immense peace of mind.

Sri Krishna Mantra For Success

In Hindi

ॐ श्री कृष्णः शरणं ममः

In English

“Om Sri Krishnah sharanam mamah”

Meaning : ‘To the beloved Lord Krishna I pray to take me under your shelter, I surrender to you Oh lord.’

Benefit :  A chant of Sri Krishna’s name takes away all the miseries and grief’s from one’s life and mind and gives him the shelter of peace.

Krishna Gayatri Mantra

In Hindi

“ॐ देव्किनन्दनाय विधमहे 
वासुदेवाय धीमहि 
तन्नो कृष्ण:प्रचोदयात”

In English

“Aum Devkinandanaye Vidmahe
Vasudevaye Dhi-Mahi
Tanno Krishna Prachodayat”

Meaning : ‘Lord Krishna is constantly governing the thoughts of ascetics (yogis) in meditation. The divine Krishna is limitless and not even Gods or demons can define the limit of Sri Krishna. To such a supreme deity I offer my salutations. Accept my regards Oh lord.’

Benefit : A chant of Sri Krishna’s name takes away all the miseries and griefs from one’s life and mind.

Shri Krishna Aarti

In Hindi

आरती युगलकिशोर की कीजै, तन मन न्यौछावर कीजै
गौरश्याम मुख निरखन लीजे, हरी का स्वरुप नयन भरी पीजै

रवि शशि कोटि बदन की शोभा. ताहि निरिख मेरो मन लोभा
ओढे नील पीट पट सारी . कुंजबिहारी गिरिवरधारी

फूलन की सेज फूलन की माला . रतन सिंहासन बैठे नंदलाला
कंचन थार कपूर की बाती . हरी आए निर्मल बही छाती

श्री पुरषोत्तम गिरिवरधारी. आरती करत सकल ब्रजनारी
नन्द -नंदन ब्रजभान किशोरी . परमानन्द स्वामी अविचल जोरी

In English

Aarti Yugalkishore Ki Kijay. Tann Mann Nyochavar Kijay.
Gaurshyam Mukh Nirkhan Leejay. Hari Ka Swaroop Nayan Bhari Peejay.

Ravi Shashi Koti Badan Ki Shobha. Tahi Nirakh Mero Mann Lobha.
Odde Neel Peet Pat Sari. Kunj Bihari Girivardhari.

Phulan Ki Sej Phulan Ki Mala. Ratan Sinhasan Baithe Nandlala.
Kanchan Thar Kapur Ki Bati. Hari Aye Nirmal Bahi Chhati.

Shree Purshottam Girivardhari. Aarti Karat Sakal Brajanari.
Nand-Nandan Brajbhan Kishori. Parmanand Swami Avichal Jori.

Benefit: This is one of the strongest invocations of Sri Krishna which is wonderful to listen and to absorb in. Reading of this strotram makes the Lord stay in favour of the individual.

Thus, we can see that he is true to his name ‘Shri Krishna’ which means ‘ the one who is capable of attracting everyone.’

The name Krishna also means ‘absolute truth’.

He is the eight and most famous avatar of Lord Vishnu who is symbolized as the best example of truth, love, dharma and courage.

These most popular mantras of Shri Krishna are recited by devotees all over the world.

To get best result, one should chant the Sri Krishna Mantra sitting in front of a Krishna idol or picture early in the morning after taking a bath and freshening the mind of all engaging thoughts.

Regular chanting gives peace of mind and keeps away all the evils from one’s life, making him/her healthy, wealthy and prosperous.

8 Fascinating Stories Llord Krishna

Lord Krishna is revered by and is very dear to Hindus.

He is a central figure of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna is one of the many incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

He is often portrayed as a young boy playing the flute or a baby eating butter.

He was born in prison to Vasudeva and Devaki.

He was their eighth child and was without the knowledge of anyone smuggled out of the prison because his uncle, Kansa would have killed him at birth.

He was raised by Nanda and Yashoda in Gokula.  

There are many tales associated with him. Here are a few fascinating stories of Lord Krishna –

Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill

The people of Vrindavana were preparing for a great puja for Lord Indra to please him for giving them abundant rainfall when required.

When Krishna (a young boy at that time) came to know of this, he went to his father Nanda who was the leader of that village and said that Govardhan Hill deserved their worship and thanks more than Indra.

He argued that Govardhan was the one to provide them with clean water and air as well as herbs that had healing properties.

He was able to convince Nanda and the village elders. 

So they offered their worship to Govardhan instead.

Lord Indra saw everything that had happened and got angry by the fact that the people of Vrindavana had listened to a mere child and believed in what he had said.

So in order to teach the people a lesson, he sent a huge storm to destroy the village.

 Krishna protected all the animals and the people from this storm by lifting the Govardhan Hill with one finger. Everyone remained safe there till the rain stopped.

Indra realized who the boy was and apologized for what he had done.

Krishan kills the witch Putana

Kansa called upon Putana a demoness who could change her form.

He told her to kill all the infants born in Gokul.

She took the form of a beautiful woman and filled her breasts with poison.

She started killing the babies in Gokul one by one.

Then she reached Nandaraja’s place and saw baby Krishna there and took him for feeding.

Krishna sucked the life out of her and killed her.

Upon dying she went back to her original huge form of a demoness.

The other people found her huge body with baby Krishna on top.

Putana’s soul attained liberation because of her act of providing Lord Krishna with her breast milk.

Krishna kills Snake demon Aghasura

One day Krishna and the other boys were playing when they encountered a huge cave.

This cave was Putana’s demon brother Aghasura who was waiting there in the form of a huge snake.

His mouth was the cave entrance.

Hot air and fish like smell was coming from the cave.

The boys became curious and went in.

Krishna knew who it really was but after sometime he followed them in.

The demon was waiting for this moment and as soon as Krishna entered he snapped his jaws shut.

When that happened Krishna expanded his body and choked the demon to death.

He showed his grace by saving his friends and providing liberation to the demon.

Lord Krishna Breaks Duryodhana’s Yagna

Before the great Mahabharata war, Duryodhana wanted to do a yagna to ensure his victory in the war.

So he asked Sahdev to give him the best date.

Sahdev was a great astrologer and did his profession with great dedication.

So even though Duryodhana was an enemy he helped him.

He told him to conduct the Yagna on New moon day.

This upset the Pandavas and Krishna because a yagna on the new moon day would guarantee Duryodhana’s victory.

In order to stop this Krishna started doing Pitru tarpana a day before the new moon.

When the sun and the moon heard of this, they came to Lord Krishna for an explanation as to why he was doing the tarpana today instead of the next day.

To this Krishna said that the new moon day was the day the sun and the moon came together and they were together now in front of him.

So this was the new moon day.

Due to this Duryodhana was unable to perform the yagna on the right day and Krishna ensured that he wouldn’t win.

Lord Krishna and his 16,108 wives

Kirshna had eight principal queen consorts often called the Ashtabharya(s).

The most popular list, found in the Bhagavata Purana, includes: Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra and Lakshmana.

Besides the Ashtabharya, Krishna had 16,000 or 16,100 junior wives.

The story goes like this – Narakasura was a demon and the son of mother earth.

He kidnapped 16100 women and held them in his captivity.

Krishna and his wife Sathyabhama went to the demon and fought a fierce battle.

Many demons were killed in this battle.

In the end Narakasura was killed by Sathyabhama (He had a curse that he could only be killed by his mother.

Sathyabhama was considered the reincarnation of mother earth). After the battle Krishna asked the 16100 women to return back to their homes.

But they refused saying that they won’t be accepted their as they had been in the captivity of a man.

When he asked them what they wanted to do, they expressed their desire to marry Krishna.

So he fulfilled their wish by expanding himself into many bodies and marrying the 16100 women at the same auspicious time.

He built a beautiful home for each one of them and created 16100 forms of himself to live with each one of them.

Lord Krishna and the birth of Parikshit

After the great Kurukshetra war, Aswatthama was grieved to find his father, Drona, lying dead on the war field.

In his rage, he went and killed all the Pandava sons ( Draupadi and Her Five Children – the Upapandavas).

When Arjuna came to know of this, he went to kill Aswatthama.

hen he saw Arjuna coming he became scared and sought the Brahmashirsha Astra and released it saying the words- let there be no Pandava. Lord Krishna saw this and saved Arjuna.

Aswatthama re-aimed the Astra at Arjuna’s pregnant daughter-in-law Uttara.

When she heard this she ran to Krishna and begged him to save her child’s life.

Lord Krishna agreed and protected the unborn child by entering the womb and warding off the Astra.

He remained there, looking over the infant, till it was born.

He named the child Parikshit when he was born and he went on to inherit the kingdom.

Lord Krishna and Bhishma Pitamah

In the initial days of the Mahabharata war, Bhishma Pitamah was in charge of the Kauravas.

Duryodhana was angry that the Pandavas where not dead even under the leadership of Bhishma. Duryodhana accused him of being biased towards the Pandavas.

This hurt Bhishma Pitamah and he made a vow that by the next evening the Pandavas will be dead or he will resign his post as their leader.

Krishna overheard this and he knew the strength of Pitamah’s words.

He knew that if nothing was done the Pandavas would die tomorrow.

So he went to Draupadi and told her that she would become a widow tomorrow.

Upon hearing this she asked Krishna to help.

So Krishna took the form of a farmer and asked her to come with him to the tent of Bhishma Pitamah.

He told her to say certain things to him.

She agreed and they went.

There was heavy security around the tent.

Only Sanyasis and married women were allowed to enter (it is said that a sanyasi or a married women never spy hence they were not a danger).

So Draupadi entered and Bhishma Pitamah was meditating that time and his eyes were closed.

She asked him for his blessings and he told her ‘Saubhagyawati Bhava’.

Then he opened his eyes to see who it was and realized what he had done.

So in this way, using his cleverness Krishna ensured that the Pandavas did not die.

Curses and death of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna died due to the culmination of several curses in his life.

The first one was Lord Ram killing Bali from a hidden spot in the tree even though Bali had not committed any deceitful act against Lord Rama.

Lord Rama accepted his mistake and granted him the right to kill him in their next life.

Sage Durvasa also cursed Krishna. He had asked him to apply kheer all over his body.

Krishna did not apply it on his feet.

So in anger Durvasa cursed him that he will always have weak, unprotected legs.

Also, after the battle at Kurukshetra, Gandhari saw the dead bodies of her sons and called upon Krishna.

She blamed him for their deaths saying that he could have stopped it if he had wanted to.

Krishna laughed upon hearing this.

This angered Gandhari and she cursed him that he and his entire Yadava clan will die after a period of 36 years. Krishna smiled and said ‘Tathastu’.

He knew that a time will come when the Yadava clan will have to die as they will become undisciplined and manner less.

The curse came true eventually.

In the end after the death of the entire Yadava clan including Krishna’s brother Balarama, Krishna was sitting in the forest consumed with grief.

He was killed by the arrow from hunter Jara, who mistook his leg for a dear. Jara was the reincarnation of Bali from previous birth.

Krishna died due to the arrow in his leg because of the curse from Durvasa that his legs will always be weak and unprotected.

This tells us an important thing- No one escapes Karma.

Why Is Lord Krishna Called Ranchod

When we say Krishna, we should understand the essence of who he is – he is an irrepressible child, a terrible prankster, an enchanting flute player, a graceful dancer, an irresistible lover, a truly valiant warrior, a ruthless vanquisher of his foes, a man who left a broken heart in every home, an astute statesman and kingmaker, a thorough gentleman, a yogi of the highest order, and the most colorful incarnation.

Krishna has been seen, perceived, understood and experienced in many different ways by different people. For example, in Duryodhana words, Krishna is a “smiling rogue if there ever was one.

He can eat, he can drink, he can sing, he can dance. He can make love, he can fight, he can gossip with old women, and play with little children. Who says he’s God?” That was Duryodhana’s perception.

Krishna was sporty and his leelas extend in various fields involving various individuals. Some of them are with the milkmaids of Vraja while some involve the Pandavas.

He has acquired a lot of names based on these Leelas.

One such story is the how Jarasandha the king of Magadha got killed by the cleverness of lord Krishna which gave him the name of Ranchod.

King Brihadratha of Magadha was married to the twin daughters of the King of Kashi. Brihadratha loved both his wives equally and had all the material joys of the world, but no son. This left him in a depressed state.

The sage Chandakaushika visited his kingdom and Brihadratha served him with respect. Being pleased with his service, the sage granted Brihadratha a boon. Brihadratha asked the sage for a son and the sage gave him a mango, which Brihadratha was to give one of his wives. Now Brihadratha loved both his wives equally so he cut the mango in two equal halves and fed both of them.

Nine months later, both his wives gave birth to a child, or rather half a child each. Seeing this the queens attendants were horrified and decided that they must dispose of the two halves, so they dumped them outside the kingdom. Now outside the kingdom, there lived a demoness named Jara. Sensing human flesh, she found the two halves of the child. Hoping to carry them home to eat them, she placed both the halves side by side in a basket and lo behold the halves miraculously joined up, making one complete human child. Jara realized that this must be the son of the King of Magadha, and wanting a reward, took the child to the palace. The King was overjoyed and named the child Jarasandha in order to honor Jara, the demoness who had saved him.

Jarasandha grew up and became a very powerful king. He defeated many other kings and made them promise their allegiance to him making him supreme emperor. He gave both his daughters in marriage to Kamsa of Mathura.

Now Krishna killed Kamsa, making Jarasandha an enemy. Jarasandha attacked Mathura seventeen times and Krishna decimated his army, sparing Jarasandha alone.

Jarasandha decided to teach Krishna and the Yadavas a lesson. Since the Yadavas were concentrated in and around Mathura, he decided to battle them and destroy the race forever.

Jarasandha then repeatedly attacked Mathura and each time, he caused massive death and destruction. The seventeen attacks that he led on Mathura had sapped the energy of the Yadavas and stunted the growth of the city.

The economy of the Yadavas was in shambles and the wars had emptied the treasury. Jarasandha was a powerful enemy with a huge army and the Yadavas barely managed to withstand his attacks with even the likes of Krishna and Balarama on their side.

One day, Krishna received disturbing news that Jarasandha had forged an alliance with several other kings to forever destroy the Yadava clan.

Jarasandha had entered into an armed alliance with Emperor Damghosha of Chedi, Dantavakra of Karusa, Rukmi of Vidarbha and the brothers Vind and Anuvinda of Avanti. The alliance had only one aim-destroy Mathura and the Yadava clan.

There was more disturbing news for the Yadavas. The Kingdom of Hasthinapur expressed helplessness in coming to the aid of the Yadavas. Meanwhile, the alliance began its march towards Mathura. Thus the Yadavas were left forlorn and at the mercy of a huge force.

The alliance decided to simultaneously attack Mathura from several fronts. Jarasandha then sent a message to the Yadavas stating that they would be spared if they handed the heads of Krishna and Balarama to him.

The Yadavas refused and readied themselves for war. Krishna was the only person who repeatedly cautioned his clansmen against the war. He then hit upon the idea of shifting the capital from Mathura to Dwaraka.

Krishna placed the suggestion before King Ugrasena his grandfather.

Ugrasena and all other courtiers and even the commanders of the Yadava army were against flight. Balarama too was against the move. He wanted to fight against Jarasandha.

Ugrasena then pointed out to Krishna that if he ran away from battle field, he would forever be known as a Ranchod or one who has run away from a battle field.

Krishna retorted that he had no worry about any new name being given to him. “I already have many names and one more does not make any difference”, he said. Moreover, I am willing to sacrifice my reputation for saving my people and their lives”, he said.

When Balarama again raised the war cry, Krishna gently reminded him that war is not the solution for solving all the problems. He said the confederacy of kings against Mathura is so great that it would lead to the death of countless people.

“Why should people suffer because of me and Balarama”, he asked the gathering. He then suggested that the best solution would be leave the city and go to a new place where it would be difficult for Jarasandha to attack them.

He reminded the gathering that Jarasandha had already attacked Mathura seventeen times and he would not rest till he succeeded in his mission of exterminating the Yadava clan.

It was then that Ugrasena pointed out that if Krishna’s suggestion to flee Mathura was accepted, Krishna would forever be labeled a Ranchod – a man who had run away from the battlefield.

Krishna did not flinch and answered that he is known by several names. He again renewed his suggestion to leave Mathura.

The gathering reluctantly accepted the suggestion but Ugrasena wanted to know how a new city could be built in such a short span of time. The Magadha Army was already near Mathura and it would reach the city in a matter of days. “Then, how can a new city be built in days”, he asked.

Krishna then replied that he had already requested Vishvakarmaa, the architect of Gods, for help.

He then prayed for Vishvakarmaa to appear before the Mathura court. When the architect came, Krishna asked him to show Ugrasena the plan of the new city.

Vishvakarmaa showed the court the plan of Dwarka. The entire gathering was stunned at the beauty of the city.

“How much time do you need to construct it”, asked Ugrasena of Vishvakarmaa.

The architect replied that the city had already been built but that it was under water. Please give me your permission and I will raise Dwarka from the ocean and place it on land.

It will be ready for immediate occupation.

When all the Yadavas unanimously gave their consent, the capital was shifted to Dwaraka. When Jarasandha and his army reached Mathura, they were met with an empty city.

 An enraged Jarasandha put the city to destruction and called Krishna a coward Ranchod  a man who had run away for battle.

Krishna, though appeared unfazed by the new name. He knew that it would be better of one sacrificed his name and fame for the good of people.

Krishna had five cousins, the Pandavas, who had just acquired a kingdom -Indraprastha.

The eldest Pandava, Yudhishtra wanted to perform the Rajasuya Yagyas.

In order to perform the Rajasuya yagna, a king had to be declared emperor and all the surrounding kingdoms had to recognize the emperor as their overlord.

In order for this to happen, Yudhishtra would have to defeat Jarasandha and obtain the title of emperor. Yudhishtra, not knowing how to go about this, asked Krishna for help. 

Krishna said that he, Arjuna (the third Pandava) and Bheema (the second Pandava) would dress up like Brahmans and go to Magadha and challenge Jarasandha to a wrestling match.

Upon reaching Magadha, Krishna, Arjuna and Bheema challenged Jarasandha to a wrestling match. Jarasandha seeing their physiques realised that these were not Brahmans and asked them who they were. 

Krishna revealed their identities and told Jarasandha that they had come to challenge him and that Jarasandha must pick an opponent.

Jarasandha said that he would not fight Krishna as he was a cowherd and he did not match his dignity and social standing.

He then refused to fight Arjuna saying that Arjuna was too young, but he agreed to fight Bheema as Bheema seemed mighty and a worthy opponent.

Bheema and Jarasandha fought for days, both equally matched and neither succumbed to the other’s blows.

Bheema realizing that Jarasandha was an equal match looked to Krishna for help.

Now Krishna who knew the story of Jarasandha’s birth, picked up a twig from the floor, broke it in two halves and threw the two halves far away from each other.

Bheema now knew what he must do. He threw Jarasandha to the ground, held his legs and split his body in two.

He then threw the two halves of Jarasandha far away from each other so that they might not join. Bheema had defeated Jarasandha and Krishna installed Jarasandha’s son as the king of Magadha.

In return, Jarasandha’s son agreed to be a vassal to the Pandavas.

However, even today, Krishna is also known as Ranchod in Gujarat – Ran meaning war and Chod meaning run away.

Having run away from battlefield, he was given the name Ranchod.

What we can interpret from this episode between lord Krishna and Jarasandha is that the conventional way is not always the option, sometimes to defeat the crisis we have to think on a different tangent.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna is one of the most widely worshiped avatars of Mahavishnu.

Janmashtami literally translates to birthday and Krishna janmashtami commemorates the birth of lord Krishna.

Krishna jayanthi is not exclusive to vaishnavites alone.

 Across the Hindu society, Krishna janmashtami is celebrated by all.

According to traditional Hindu astrology, Lord Krishna was born when the moon entered the house of Vrishabha (Taurus) at the Rohini Nakshatram (star) on the eight day (Ashtami) of the second fortnight of the month of Sravana (this corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha in North India).

All these conditions have to match to celebrate Sri Krishna Jayanti but most of the time these conditions never match in the calendars of various Hindu sects.

So the different sections in Hinduism have adopted their own standards for celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna.

For some sect, it is the ‘ashtami’ day that is important.

For some sect, it is the star ‘rohini.

There are a few traditions practiced during Sri Krishna Janmashtami, No grains should be consumed during Janmashtami fasting until the fast is broken on next day after Sunrise.

 All rules followed during Ekadashi fasting should be followed during Janmashtami fasting also.

Sri Krishna Birth Story

The most important ritual is done during night when it is said that Krishna was born.

The story of Krishna’s birth and childhood is something we have all been told and retold since our childhood.

Kamsa was a tyrant who ruled over Mathura, the mention of his name sent shivers down the spine of his subjects.

Kamsa’s sister was married to Vasudeva, a voice from the heavens echoed across the kingdom.

It prophesied that their 8^th son would kill Kamsa.

Kamsa immediately decided to kill both of them but vasudeva begged for mercy with a condition that each child should be handed over to kamsa on birth.

Hence kamsa put both his sister and her husband in prison.

 When Devaki gave birth to her first child, Kamsa came to the prison cell and slaughtered the newborn.

In this way, he killed the first six sons of Devaki.

Even before her 8th child was born, Devaki and Vasudeva started lamenting its fate and theirs.

As soon as baby Krishna was born a white dazzling light blinded all the guards and officers in the prison. Even devaki fainted at the sight of the light then suddenly Lord Vishnu appeared before them and said he himself was coming to rescue them and the people of Mathura.  

He asked Vasudeva to carry him to the house of his friend, the cowherd chief Nanda in Gokula right after his birth, where Nanda’s wife Yashoda had given birth to a daughter.

Vishnu assured them that “nothing shall bar your path”.

Vasudeva had to carry baby Krishna over the river Yamuna and there was a heavy rain, but the five headed snake adi sheshan gave him shelter and the river split in to two parts to make way for Vasudeva.

When Vasudeva reached Gokula, he found the door of Nanda’s house open.

He exchanged the babies and hurried back to the prison of Kamsa with the baby girl. Early in the morning, all the people at Gokula rejoiced the birth of Nanda’s beautiful male child.

Vasudeva came back to Mathura and as he entered, the doors of the prison closed themselves.

When Kamsa came to know about the birth, he rushed inside the prison and tried to kill the baby.

But the child turned in to goddess yoga Maya who taunted kamsa that his end was coming sooner than he anticipated.

His nemesis will return to Mathura to take back what is rightfully his.

Krishna’s birthplace Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate this occasion with great pomp and show.

Raslilas or religious plays are performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha.

At our very own homes we decorate idols of Krishna, recreate footprints of Krishna leading from the door to the puja room. 

Making Krishna’s favorite delicacies is also habitual among Hindus, to those who can’t afford it just butter and ghee appeases the lord.

It must be remembered here that Lord Krishna is happy with anything that is offered to him in true devotion.

Krishna was happy with sweat drenched beaten rice offered by Cochlea or Susana.

He was happy with the last leaf left in Draupadi’s Akaheyapatra.

He was content with the gruel in Vidura’s (Dhritarashtra’s minister in Mahabharata) home.

Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita,

“If you offer Me with love a leaf, flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.” Krishna is not as grand as we make of him.

He is what you see in him.

To some he is the grand king of Mathura, to others the valuable adviser he was to Arjuna or the wonderful friend to Kuselan.

friend king or adviser, he simple, kind and divine in all his forms.

Not to mention charming and mischievous

It is believed that lord Krishna visits all his devotees’ houses and blesses them with health and happiness. In most temples, plays and kadhakalakshebam (musical plays) are organized which educated the audience about lord Krishna.

The stories are conveyed through song which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable affair.

Those who do not believe in materialistic worship of the lord, can resort to reading bhagavad gita and Krishna puranam and have an enlightening evening.

The joy of knowledge doubles when it is shared hence preaching the stories of Krishna to you near and dear people is a blissful experience.

Radha krishna an eternal love story

tavasmi radhika-natha
karmana manasa gira
krishna-kante tavaivasmi
yuvam eva gatir mama

sharanam vam prapanno ‘smi
karuna-nikarakarau
prasadam kuru dasyam bho
mayi dushte ‘paradhini

“O Lord of Shrimati Radharani, I am Yours; my actions, mind and words.

O lover of Shri Krishna, Shrimate Radharani, I belong to You alone.

You both are my only shelter.

 O Radha and Krishna, ocean of mercy, I am taking shelter of You.

Please be pleased upon me and make me Your servant, although I am such a fallen offender.”

Radha Krishna stories are one of the most highly retold stories in Hinduism.

From small children to elderly men, the antics of Krishna and the way Radha chides on him brings about awe.

It is said that Radha is considered as the supreme goddess in Vaishnavism as Krishna enchants the entire world but only Radha can enchant even Krishna and bind him with her love.

Radha is actually a devotee of Krishna who was given an exalted status of Krishna’s consort, but it is also believed that Radha is an incarnation of goddess Lakshmi.

In other schools of thought, it is believed that, all 16,000 gopis are reincarnations of goddess Lakshmi of which Radha or Radharani is given a higher importance.

Krishna in most of his depiction is seen hand in hand with his flute and his beloved Radha.

Radha’s undying love for Krishna is often interpreted as  the ultimate quest of a mortal to unite with the divine.

During Krishna’s stay in Vrindavan, Radha, daughter of Vrishabhanu, becomes his beloved friend, adviser and consort.

But when Krishna had to return to his rightful throne and worldly affairs he left Radha at the Vrindavan and Radha waited as Krishna defeated his enemies and became king.

In course of time he married Satyabhama and Rukmini and raised a family but Radha kept waiting.

The kind of devotion that Radha has for Krishna is considered the highest form of worship where she surrenders herself to Krishna without any inhibitions.

This kind of an eternal love has interested poets, writers, seers and even the common Krishna devotee. while some argue about the amount of truth in Radha Krishna stories.

The idea of Radha and Krishna as lovers became popular only after the Bhakti movement during the late medieval age.

The poets and romantics have given this spiritual relation a physical form, and distorted the picture for the average viewers.

In ancient prayers, “Rukmani, Satyabhama sametha Sri Krishnamasra” is what (is) recited and there is no mention of Radha.

Radha has been perceived differently by different people down the ages. She is sometimes the adulterous and amorous lover of Krishna and at others his divine consort. This perhaps makes her the most confusing character in Indian mythology.

In the eastern religious tradition, she is however accepted as a beloved of Lord Krishna but the wife of another, sometimes mentioned by name as Aiyyan.

In the spiritual world, the highest, topmost level of love is Parakiya. Parakiya means love – not by marriage, but by friendship.

Then, it is pure.

There’s no inebriety.

This is the kind of relationship that Radha and Krishna had with each other.

Some faiths believe that Radha and Krishna are the same.

Radha is the energy that runs Krishna.

This makes him happy and pleased, hence Radha and Krishna did not have to marry as they are inseparable even though they might be miles apart.

There are Radhe Panthis and Vishnu Panthis who don’t worship Krishna, they worship only Radhe.

They are a very big group with a large following. If you travel in North India, you will see stickers and posters with just Radhe, no Krishna.

Because in her love and her sense of inclusion, she just included him as a part of her.

They say, “There is no Krishna without Radhe.”

It’s not the other way around.

It is not that there is no Radhe without Krishna.

There is no Krishna without Radhe.

The word “Radhe” means, Ra means Ras, which means love or juice of life.

Dhe means “the giver.”

The miracles of Krishna are contemplated even today.

Ever since his birth he has been a miracle and yugas later  even we are guided by his ideals, illuminated spirit and spiritual force.

The childhood meeting of Radha Krishna is much debated but the story goes something like this, when Yashodha ties Krishna to the pounding wood for his mischief, any other child would have wept for the mother to come and untie him but divine Krishna uproots the pounding stone with his strength and dragged it along with him as he went out.

Two girls came that way and they noticed Krishna. The younger girl Lalita was his playmate.

The older girl was about 12 years of age. He did not know who she was but he was just drawn to her.

She was Radha.

Radha’s undying devotion is often described as a romantic one rather than a spiritual one by the society were as in reality, their relationship was of the mind.

Krishna did not return to Vrindavan as he promised to his beloved but radha kept waiting.

Krishna assured Radha that everyone would take her name before his name whenever they worshipped him.

 that Is why even today, we refer to them as Radha Krishna and not Krishna Radha.

Radha’s birth is celebrated 15 days after Krishnashtami. It is believed by many that Radha was 10 years older than Krishna.

In every incarnation Laxmi, in word of herself, can be the wife of only Vishnu.

So it is absolutely right that God Brahma made Radha and Krishna get married secretly in the forest.

In ‘Mahabharata’, Rukmini is considered as an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi and the queen of Krishna. Rukmini is also regarded as the incarnation of Radha in Hindu Society.

There are many aspects of the life of Rukmini which absolutely match with the life of Radha.

Rukmini is just spiritual representation of Radha.

They are one.

That’s why when Krishna is depicted with Radha we don’t see Rukmini and when he is depicted with Rukmini we don’t see Radha, both in temples and pictures. Moreover, we can notice the idols of Rukmini and Radha.

They look same. Likewise, the word ‘Radha’ is nowhere in any ancient scriptures including Mahabharata.

Even ‘Srimad Begawan’, the story of Krishna has no mention of Radha.

Neither is she mentioned in any Puranas written in the Chaitanya era.

Mahabharata describes an unknown Gopi who is the favorite of Krishna whom he plays with as a young boy.

She is described as special to Krishna.

And the unknown Gopi might have been Rukmini who is described as Radha in latest scriptures like Padma Puran, Gita Govinda etc.

That’s why till 18th century we don’t find Radha Krishna temples.

We find only Krishna temples.

Krishna is the embodiment of love, affection, wisdom and wit and radha is the female manifestation of all these traits.

If Krishna is the sun, Radha is the sunlight.

If Krishna is Shaktiman, Radha is Shakti.

The word Radha means the greatest lover and worshiper of Krishna. Shree Radha is the feminine aspects of Shree Krishna and is non-different from Krishna.

They are one not different. Shree Radha is the presiding goddess of Shree Krishna and Shree Krishna is the god of Shree Radha.

Why Is Radha Worshiped With Krishna Instead Of Rukmini

In Hinduism, importance is given to one’s action, karma, dharma and its impact rather than on one’s identity.

The Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are considered to be superior to the Devas like Indra, because the former have much bigger roles.

In Shaktism, Shakti is considered to be superior to the Trinity because she is the energy of all.

Thus, these hierarchies are formed due to their responsibilities and actions – dharma and karma.

In Rukmini’s case, our mythology has only talked about her identity – Rukmini being the incarnation of Laxmi, it has never highlighted any of her achievements – and for a reason – unlike the births of Sita and Ram whose objectives, besides establishing dharma, were to set examples of ideal wife, husband, mother, ruler and so on, Krishna’s role was to set examples of an ideal lover, devotee, friend, guide, guru and to give mankind the lotus-like words of Gita, and Rukmini’s role was to be his human-consort. One has to understand that this does not imply that she was inferior – it’s just that they incarnated for some specific reasons.

Now to set an example of an ideal lover and a devotee, one needs other side of the coin too, and here comes Radha, an epitome of selfless love, the love which knew no boundaries, no age, no community.

It is this devotion which pulled Krishna to play his beautiful flute, and it is the same devotion which drove Radha to the Raas Leela, forgetting her own self.

This love, this devotion, this karma, pure as a prayer, a silent meditation, is what makes Radha divine, this is what turns a devotee into God. Radha-Krishna have been a part of poetry, drama and folklore since time immemorial.

So the world worships Radha to celebrate the bond of love and devotion, one of the paths to realize the Truth mentioned in the Gita. Laxmi’s incarnation as Rukmini was supposed to be a silent supporter – very important but less conspicuous. And this was by their own design, their own strategy, and their master plan.

There’s no bias between Radha and Rukmini as why one is only worshipped with Krishna.

There are many temples that worship Rukmini with Krishna as Rukmini-Dwarikadhish. 

The rasa involved is different.

But both of them are the internal potency or hladini-shakti (internal potency) of Lord Krishna and they are meant to worship with Him.

Moreover, Radha and Rukmini are non-different and we find this statement in Skanda Purana confirming this:

“rukmini dvaravatyam tu radha vrndavane vane”

TRANSLATION: Rukmini is in Dwaraka what Radha is in the forest of Vrindavan.

 Importance of spiritual shelter by Srimati Radha or Mother Rukmini to the Devotee:

Radha or any of the forms of the spiritual potency of Krishna makes the way for the sincere living entity who is aspiring to render devotional service to Krishna. 

Krishna explains sincere devotees are always under the protection of His Internal Potency (i.e. Radharani, Mother Sita or Rukmini) this in Bhagavad-Gita:

“mahātmānas tu māṁ pārtha
daivīṁ prakṛtim āśritāḥ
bhajanty ananya-manaso
jñātvā bhūtādim avyayam”

TRANSLATION: O son of Pritha, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature.

They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible.- Bhagavad-Gita 9.13

Also, many a times devotees are attached to a certain form of Lord Krishna and they worship but this is no great issue or some bias.

Some wish to worship Radha-Krishna, or Sita-Rama, Lakshmi-Narayana, Lakshmi-Nrismhadeva. 

But the focus should be sincere service to Lord Krishna. Krishna reciprocates with the devotee accordingly as confirmed in Purusha-Bodhini-Upanishad:

“eko devo nitya-līlānurakto
bhakta-vyāpī hṛdy antarātmā”

TRANSLATION: “The one Supreme Personality of Godhead is eternally engaged in many, many transcendental forms in relationships with His unalloyed devotees.”
In Laghu-bhagavatamrita (5.383) expounding the above fact:

“ata evā purāṇādau kecin nara-sakhātmatām
mahendrānujatāṁ kecit kecit kṣīrābdhi-śāyitām
sahasra-śīrṣatāṁ kecit kecid vaikuṇṭha-nāthatām
brūyuḥ kṛṣṇasya munayas tat-tad-vṛtty-anugāminaḥ”

“According to the intimate relationships between Sri Krishna, the primeval Lord, and His devotees, the Puranas describe Him by various names.

Sometimes He is called Narayana; sometimes Upendra (Vamana), the younger brother of Indra, King of heaven; and sometimes Kshirodakashayi Vishnu.

Sometimes He is called the lord of the thousand-hooded snake, Sheshnag, and sometimes the Lord of Vaikuntha.”

Rukmini is the incarnation of Goddess of Fortune, Mother Lakshmi and Radha is the origin of Mother Lakshmi and she is extremely dear to Lord Krishna.

Some scriptural evidence for this:

“yatha radha priya visnos-tasyah kundam priyam tatha
sarva gopisu saivaika visnor-atyanta-vallabha”

TRANSLATION: “Just as Radha is dear to Lord Krishna, so her bathing place [Radha-kundah] is dear to Him. She alone is His most beloved of all the Gopis.” – Padma Purana

[Krishna to Arjuna]

Trai – Lokye prithvi dhanya
yatra vrindavanam puri
tatrapi gopikah partha
yatra radhabhidha mama

TRANSLATION: “O Partha, in all the three planetary systems, this earth is especially fortunate, for on earth is the town of Vrindavan. 

And there the Gopis are especially glorious because among them is My Srimati Radharani.” – Adi Purana

Since she is extremely dear to the Supreme Lord, whichever sincere devotee she recommends Krishna immediately accepts unconditionally.

Srimati Radharani is ‘not’ mentioned in Vedic Scriptures

Sometimes there are lame argument that the name of Radha is not mentioned in Scriptures, so she is an imaginary figure or a concocted personality by the Bhakti Movement.

But this is actually not a fact as she is mentioned, but to avoid unscrupulous people and pretenders, her names are not directly mentioned as it is confidential knowledge.

At the same time, there are also direct mentions in Vedic Scriptures.

In many Vedic scriptures Srimati Radharani is described but in Bhagavatam Shukadeva Goswami has tried to hide Her confidential name, nature and pastimes.

Srimati Radharani is referred to in this verse as kaacit, “a certain Gopi”.

To establish that this particular Gopi is in fact Radha, Srila Jiva Goswami quotes the following verses from the Agni Purana:

“gopyah papracchur usasi

krsnanucaram uddhavam

hari-lila-viharams ca

tatraikam radhikam vina

radha tad-bhava-samlina

vasanaya viramita

sakhibhih sabhyadhac chuddha-

vijñana-guna-jrmbhitam

ijyante-vasinam veda

caramamsa-vibhavanaih”

“At dawn the Gopis inquired from Krishna’s servant, Uddhava, about the Lord’s pastimes and recreation. Only Srimati Radharani, immersed in thought of Krishna, withdrew Her interest in the talks.

Then Radha, who is worshiped by the residents of Her Vrindavan village, spoke up in the midst of her girlfriends.

Her words were full of pure transcendental knowledge and expressed the ultimate portion of the Vedas.”

The Brihad-gautamiya-tantra also names Srimati Radharani as Krishna’s foremost consort:

“devi krsna-mayi prokta
radhika para-devata
sarva-laksmi-mayi sarva-
kantih sammohini para”

“The transcendental goddess Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krishna.

She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead.

She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord.”

Additional information about Sri Radha is given in the Rig-parishishta (the supplement to the Rig Veda):

“radhaya madhavo devo madhavenaiva radhika/ vibhrajante janeshu”

“Among all persons, it is Sri Radha in whose company Lord Madhava is especially glorious, as she is especially glorious in His.”

So Srimati Radharani is not a fictional character nor is it a bias of only her being worshipped with Krishna. Different devotees have attachment to various incarnations of Krishna so they serve Him appropriately.

If Radha is a true example of ‘Love’ then Rukmini a true example of being a ‘Devoted Wife’

Once, Satyabhama prided herself about the love Krishna had for her and her grasp over his heart.

On one contrived occasion, Rishi Narada arrived in Dwarka and in the course of conversation hinted to Satyabhama that the love that Krishna exhibits towards her is not all that real and in fact it is Rukmini (the first wife of Krishna) who has real control over his heart.

Unable to bear this, Satyabhama challenged Narada to prove it.

Narada, with his way with words, tricked her into accepting a Vrata (ritual) where she has to give Krishna away in charity to Narada and reclaim him by giving the weight of Krishna in wealth.

Narada lured her into accepting this vrata by telling her that Krishna’s love to her will increase many folds if she succeeds in performing this Tulabharam.

He also instigated her ego by hinting that her wealth may not be sufficient to equal the weight of Krishna.

With Satyabhama’s ego duly raised, she told Narada that she can mobilize so much wealth that it is a child’s play for her to outweigh Krishna.

 Narada warned her that if she is not able to do this, Krishna will become his slave to be done with as he pleases.

The scene was soon set for the vrata.

Satyabhama gave Krishna away in charity (Dana) in spite of the other wives’ pleadings.

Krishna, always the mischievous cowherd, meekly submitted to this drama.

After donating Krishna to Narada, Satyabhama arranged for a big scale to be put up and sends with all assurance for her huge treasure of gold and jewelry.

All that she has is soon put on the scale, but it didn’t budge.

Narada started taunting her and threatening her that if she can’t put enough gold or diamonds, he will be forced to auction Krishna as a slave to someone else.

Satyabhama, in frantic panic, swallowed her pride and begged all the other wives to give their jewels.

They agreed out of love for Krishna but alas, it was of no use.

Krishna remained a mute witness to all this drama and rubbed salt into the open wounds of Satyabhama’s ego that he has now to become a slave to some cowherd and will have to suffer the separation from his dear wife.

Narada suggested to Satyabhama that Rukmini may be able to get her out of the predicament.

She finally swallowed her pride and appealed to Rukmini, the devoted first wife of Krishna.

Rukmini came and with a prayer to her husband and put a single leaf of the sacred Tulasi on the scale (Tula).

Lo and behold, the scales became all at once so heavy that even after removing all the jewels, the scales were weighed down on the side of the Tulasi leaf.

Janmashtami 

Every year, the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.

Janmashtami holds immense significance in Sanatan Dharma as it marks the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, who is considered the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

On this auspicious day, households and temples alike make special preparations to celebrate the birth and worship of Lord Krishna.

Janmashtami will be celebrated on both September 6th and September 7th this year, causing some confusion among devotees.

This duality in celebration arises because the festival spans two days. Household devotees observe Janmashtami on September 6th, while those following the Vaishnava sect celebrate it on September 7th.

According to religious beliefs, Lord Shri Krishna was born at midnight under the Rohini Nakshatra.

 In Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 7th.

Hurat:

Shri Krishna Puja Time: From 11.57 pm on September 6, , to 12.42 am on September 7, .
Rohini Nakshatra: From 09:20 am on September 6, , to 10:25 am on September 7, .
Janmashtami fast-breaking time: After 06.02 am on September 7, .
Significance of Janmashtami:
Fasting on the day of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is believed to fulfill all desires. By worshiping Lord Krishna with devotion and adherence to rituals, one can receive blessings of happiness and prosperity. Couples desiring children often worship Laddu Gopal on Janmashtami, offering him butter, curd, milk, kheer, sugar candy, and panjiri.

Materials for Janmashtami Puja:
To perform Janmashtami puja, you will need the following materials:

Statue of Lord Krishna (Kanha ji)
Swing or throne
Peacock feathers
Flute
Statue of a cow
Vaijayanti garland
Red cloth
Basil leaves
Jewelry
Thick crown
Cucumber
Roli
Gopi sandalwood
Kumkum
Mica
Turmeric
Akshat
Saptadhan
Mauli
Cotton
Tulsi Garland
Abir
Gulal
Saptamritika
Perfume
Urn
Lamp
Incense
Fruits
Yellow clothes
Coriander leaves
Butter
Sugar candy
Naivedya or sweets
Small cardamom
Cloves
Incense sticks
Camphor
Saffron
Coconut
Copper or silver vessel for anointing
Panchamrit
Flowers
Banana leaves
Kusha and Durva
Panchmeva
Ganga water
Honey
Sugar
Betel nut
Betel leaf
Vermilion
Clothes for Lord Ganesha
Clothes for Ambika
Sandalwood
Flowers
Panchamrit

Janmashtami Puja Rules:
According to scriptures, Lord Shri Krishna was born at midnight on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, under the Rohini Nakshatra.

herefore, it is essential to perform the birth of Kanha at an auspicious time during the night of Janmashtami.

Cut cucumber at night during Janmashtami to invoke Lord Krishna.

This is believed to invite Lord Krishna into the house and facilitate the growth of progeny.
Worship of Bal Gopal is incomplete without offering butter and sugar candy.

Decorate Lord Krishna before the birth ceremony and dress Him in new clothes.

Adorn Him with fragrant flowers.
Those fasting on Janmashtami should eat fruits only once a day.

It is advisable to break the fast at sunrise the next day after night worship.

Chant these Special Mantras on Janmashtami:
Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, O Nath Narayan Vasudeva: This mantra is simple and effective for seeking Lord Krishna’s blessings and protection.
Krim Krishnay Namah: Chanting this mantra can bring wealth and prosperity.
Govallabhay Swaha: This mantra is believed to lead to complete success when chanted with devotion.

Mantras According to Zodiac Signs on Janmashtami:
Aries: Om Kamalnathaya Namah
Taurus: Recite Krishna-Ashtak
Gemini: Om Govindaya Namah
Cancer: Fast and recite Radha Ashtak
Leo: Om Koti-Surya-Samprabhay Namah
Virgo: Remember the Bal-Gopal form and chant Om Devki Nandanay Namah
Libra: Om Leela-Dharaya Namah
Scorpio: Remember the Varaha form and chant Om Varaha Namah
Sagittarius: Chant Om Jagadguruve Namah
Capricorn: Chant Om Pootna-Jeevita Haraya Namah
Aquarius: Chant Om Dayanidhay Namah
Pisces: Chant Om Yashoda–Vatsalay Namah

Choosing an Idol of Lord Krishna:
On Janmashtami, the child form of Lord Krishna is typically worshiped. However, the choice of idol depends on your specific wishes. For example:

To bring happiness to your married life, install the idol of Radha-Krishna.
To seek blessings for having a child, install the idol of Bal Krishna.
For general happiness and prosperity in the house, install an idol of Krishna with a flute on Janmashtami.
How to Dress Lord Krishna:

Keep the idol of Lord Krishna in a container at midnight.
Bathe the idol with milk, curd, honey, and ghee, followed by a water bath.
Adorn Lord Krishna with yellow attire, as He favors this color.
Offer yellow flowers and matching clothing.
Use sandalwood scent during worship, and avoid wearing black clothing during the puja.
Offering Foods to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami:

Butter: Lord Krishna is famously known for stealing and enjoying butter as a child, so offering butter is essential.
Kheer: Lord Krishna loved the kheer made by His mother, Yashoda.
Sugar Candy: Butter and sugar candy are often offered together to enhance the taste.
Panjiri: This prasad is specially distributed on Janmashtami and is made from coriander with added sugar for sweetness.
Black Sesame Sweets: Lord Krishna is fond of sweets made with black sesame seeds.
Celebrating Janmashtami with devotion and adherence to these rituals can bring blessings of happiness and prosperity into your life.