Janmashtami is a Hindu religious festival celebrated in joyous observance of the birth of Lord Krishna. This festival is also known as Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, or Krishna Janmotsav. Janmashtami is celebrated every year on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which falls between August and September according to the calendar.
There are several ways to celebrate this festival, but the most prominent and popular method is to visit Krishna temples and offer prayers to Lord Krishna to rejoice in the happiness of his birth. This worship is conducted at night as Lord Krishna was born during the nighttime.
During Janmashtami puja, people prepare butter (makhan) and other special dishes as offerings to Lord Krishna, especially in his child form (Bal Krishna). The deity's idol is adorned, and the doors of his temple are opened in the afternoon, a ritual known as "Dahi Handi," which involves breaking a pot of curd. Alongside, stories from the life of Lord Krishna are recited, and devotional songs and hymns are sung.
On Janmashtami, devotees also engage in reading stories and accounts from Lord Krishna's life and participate in devotional activities like bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (devotional music).
Throughout the day, devotees celebrate the various leelas (divine plays) and significant events from Lord Krishna's life with great enthusiasm and devotion. They come together with friends and family to share in the joy and festivity of the occasion.
Janmashtami is celebrated in various forms across different regions of India, and it holds significant religious and cultural importance.
Let us know a little about the life of Shri Krishna on the occasion of Janmashtami.
Lord Krishna is a central figure in Hinduism and one of its most revered deities. He is often regarded as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Lord Krishna's life and teachings are documented in various ancient Hindu texts, with the most famous being the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. Here is some deep knowledge about Lord Krishna:
Birth of Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, India, to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki. His birth took place in a prison cell, where his parents were imprisoned by Devaki's brother, the tyrannical King Kamsa. It is said that Lord Krishna was born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which is celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami.
Childhood and Youth: Lord Krishna's childhood is filled with miraculous stories and adventures. His playful and mischievous nature, especially as a young boy (Bal Krishna), is the subject of many folk tales and artistic depictions. His escapades, such as stealing butter and playing the flute, are well-known.
Role in Mahabharata: Lord Krishna played a crucial role in the epic Mahabharata. He served as the charioteer and counselor to Prince Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War, where he delivered the Bhagavad Gita. In the Gita, Lord Krishna imparts profound spiritual wisdom and guidance to Arjuna, addressing various aspects of life, duty, righteousness, and devotion.
Teachings and Philosophy: Lord Krishna's teachings emphasize the concepts of dharma (duty/righteousness), karma (action and its consequences), and bhakti (devotion). He stresses the importance of performing one's duties selflessly and surrendering to the divine with unwavering devotion.
Divine Forms: Lord Krishna is often depicted in various divine forms, each representing different aspects of his personality. These include Lord Krishna as a child (Bal Krishna), as a youth playing the flute (Muralidhar), as a charioteer (Parthasarathi), and as Lord Vishnu's avatar.
Radha-Krishna: Lord Krishna's love and devotion for Radha, a gopi (cowherd girl), is a prominent theme in Hindu mythology. Their love is seen as the epitome of divine love and is celebrated in various forms of art, music, and literature.
Legacy and Worship: Lord Krishna's teachings continue to inspire millions of people worldwide. His devotees often engage in Krishna bhakti (devotional worship) through prayer, meditation, and the chanting of his holy names, such as the Hare Krishna mantra.
Temples: There are many temples dedicated to Lord Krishna across India, with some of the most famous ones being the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, and ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temples around the world.
Cultural Impact: Lord Krishna's stories and teachings have had a profound impact on Indian culture, art, literature, and philosophy. He is a beloved figure in classical and folk music, dance, and visual arts.
Universal Appeal: While Lord Krishna is a significant figure in Hinduism, his universal message of love, duty, and devotion transcends religious boundaries and continues to resonate with people of various faiths and backgrounds.
Lord Krishna's life and teachings are vast and deep, and they have been explored and interpreted in countless ways throughout history, making him a timeless and revered figure in Hinduism and beyond.
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