Lord Krishna is a central figure in Indian culture and is known by many endearing names like Kanha, Govinda, Gopal, and more. His life and teachings are chronicled in the ancient Indian scriptures, primarily the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata.
Krishna's life is a captivating tapestry of extraordinary events and divine love. His childhood is filled with enchanting tales of playful mischief, including his love for butter, his famous Raslila, the divine dance with the gopis (milkmaids), and his endearing antics as a mischievous baby.
As Krishna grew, he revealed his godlike nature through profound teachings and acts of heroism. In the epic Mahabharata, he served as a charioteer and guide to Prince Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war. It was on the battlefield that Krishna imparted the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture that addresses fundamental questions of life, duty, and righteousness.
Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the path of righteousness (dharma), selfless devotion (bhakti), and the pursuit of spiritual truth. His message transcends time and remains relevant to seekers and philosophers alike. Krishna's life and wisdom continue to inspire millions, reminding them of the importance of love, duty, and devotion on the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Krishna's influence extends far beyond religious boundaries. He is a cultural icon in India and has inspired art, music, dance, and literature for centuries. His stories have been depicted in various forms, including classical dance dramas like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and his divine love for Radha has inspired some of the most profound expressions of devotion in Indian poetry and art.
As Lord Krishna has played a very significant role in the history of Sanatana Dharma, hence a special day has been reserved for him in Hindu Shastras known as "Janmashtami."
'Janm' signifies the moment of arrival into this world, i.e., birth, while 'Ashtami' denotes the number eight (8). In the divine narrative, Lord Krishna, who stands as the 'eighth' manifestation of Lord Vishnu, made his earthly appearance as the 'eighth' offspring of Vasudev and Yashoda, coinciding with the 'eighth' lunar day, or 'tithi.' Hence "Janmashtami", also known as "Krishna Janmashtami", "Krishnashtami", "Gokulashtami", "Ashtami Rohini", "Srikrishna Jayanti", "Saatam Aatham", "Ashtami Rohini", "Nandotsav", "Krishna Janmotsav" and "Sree Jayanthi", is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
According to the Hindu Lunar Calendar, "Janmashtami" is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in Shravana Masa. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in the month of either August or September.
This year, we are celebrating 'Krishna Janmotsav' (5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna), i.e., “Janmashtami” on the '26th August ‘24.'
As per Drik Panchang, the tithi for "Janmashtami" in ‘24 is as follows:
Krishna Janmashtami on Monday, 26th August ‘24
As we are talking about the divine birth of Shri Krishna, there's an interesting legend behind the same:
The story of Janmashtami revolves around the birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura, a city in North India. He was born to Devaki and Vasudeva on the 'eighth' day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada, which is called the Ashtami Tithi. Devaki's brother, Kansa, was the king of Mathura. A prophecy said that Kansa would be defeated by Devaki's eighth son because of his bad deeds. So, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva.
To avoid the prophecy, Kansa tried to harm Devaki's newborns. After Devaki gave birth to her eighth child, magic cast a spell that caused everyone in the palace to slumber. Vasudeva managed to save the baby by taking him at night to Yashodha and Nanda's home in Vrindavan. This baby was actually a form of Lord Vishnu who later was known as Sri Krishna. He grew up and eventually defeated Kansa, putting an end to his cruel rule.
The end of the cruel King Kansa is believed to be the main aim of Lord Vishnu's incarnation in the form of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Vishnu takes divine avatars in this world to wipe off evil and prevail goodness.
The birth (Janma) of Shri Hare Krishna holds astrological significance as well. It is considered that he was born during the Krishna Paksha, or waning moon phase, in the "Rohini Nakshatra" of the Ashtami tithi. Hence every year, the duration of "Rohini Nakshatra" on the very divine occasion (Parva) of Janmashtami is considered propitious.
As per Drik Panchang, the tithi for "Rohini Nakshatra" on 'Janmashtami' in ‘24 is as follows:
Krishna Janmashtami on Monday, 26th August ‘24
On Janmashtami, the devotees observe a day-long fast leading up to midnight, the supposed time of Lord Krishna's birth. They initiate their day-long fast by making a sacred resolution (Sankalpa) after completing their morning rituals. During the fast, consuming grains is prohibited. Basically, all the rules of Ekadashi fasts (Vrat) are to be followed on Janmashtami's Vrat as well.
And fast is broken, i.e. Parana is generally observed on the next day when both Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi are over (most commonly after sunset).
As per Drik Panchang, the "Parana tithi" for 'Janmashtami' in ‘24 is as follows:
Parana as per Dharma Shastra
Alternate Parana as per Dharma Shastra
(Parana can be done on the next day at sunrise after Deva Puja, Visarjan etc.)
(at many places in India, Parana is done after Nishita i.e. Hindu midnight)
If the Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra haven't concluded by sunset, it's acceptable to break the fast during daylight hours once either the Ashtami Tithi or Rohini Nakshatra ends.
Sometimes, Krishna Janmashtami fast (Vrat) goes for two (2) continuous days depending on the end timings of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra. The Hindu religious text "Dharmasindhu" states that 'one who isn't able to perform two-days fasting might perform Parana (breaking of the fast) on the next day after Sunrise.
However, if neither the Ashtami Tithi nor Rohini Nakshatra has concluded by sunset or even Hindu Midnight (Nishita Time), it's advisable to wait until they are over before breaking the fast.
Basically, "Nishita Time" or "Nishita Kaal" is known as 'midnight' as per Vedic time-keeping. It's also the time considered for 'Krishna Puja' on Janmashtami.
As per Drik Panchang, "Nishita Puja Time" for 'Janmashtami' in ‘24 is as follows:
During midnight, devotees engage in an elaborate ritualistic Puja that encompasses all sixteen essential steps as outlined in the Shodashopachara (षोडशोपचार) Puja Vidhi.
Many temples hold special prayers and bhajans (devotional songs) throughout the day. Actually, the main highlight of Janmashtami is the midnight celebration when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. Devotees gather in temples to witness the birth of the Lord. Idols of baby Krishna are bathed, adorned with new clothes, and placed in a cradle.
In some places, devotees enact scenes from Lord Krishna's life, particularly the Rasa Lila, which depicts his playful interactions with the gopis (milkmaids).
Devotees prepare special dishes and sweets, such as 'makhan-mishri' (butter and sugar), 'panchamrit' (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), and 'chappan bhog' (a platter of 56 dishes), to offer to Lord Krishna. After the midnight puja, this prasad is distributed among devotees.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion throughout India, and it holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Different states of India follow different kinds of rituals on 'Janmashtami.'
Among the native Kashmiri Pandits of Kashmir, Janamashtami takes on a unique form known as 'Zaram Satam' or 'Janam Saptami.' This celebration involves a day-long fast and a midnight visit to the Thokur Kuth, also known as the Krishna Mandir. Kite flying is also organized in Kashmir.
In Tamil Nadu, the celebration involves decorating floors with kolams, singing devotional songs like Geetha Govindam, and drawing little footprints symbolizing infant Krishna's arrival.
In the southern regions of India, women adorn their homes with tiny footprints crafted from flour, symbolizing the playful adventures of baby Krishna as he mischievously indulged in butter theft.
In the state of Maharashtra, the celebration doesn't end with Krishna Janmashtami. The following day, known as "Dahi Handi" or "Gopalkala," adds another layer of excitement and enthusiasm to the festivities. Dahi Handi is a sport that recreates a famous episode from Lord Krishna's childhood. In this game, an earthen pot filled with curd, butter, and other goodies is suspended at a height. Young men, known as "Govindas," form human pyramids to reach and break the pot. This is a highly competitive and entertaining event.
The atmosphere during Dahi Handi is electric, with music, dance, and a carnival-like ambiance prevailing. Crowds throng the streets to witness the spectacle.
Basically, Dahi Handi fosters a sense of community and teamwork as groups of Govindas practice together for weeks leading up to the event.
As per Drik Panchang, “Dahi Handi” is on Tuesday, 27th August ‘24.
The celebrations of 'Janmashtami' are not limited to India only. Even we can find immense significance of this divine occasion outside India in the countries of Nepal, Bangladesh, Fiji, Pakistan, Mauritius and Réunion as well.
Apart from all these traditional rituals, Janmashtami and Lord Krishna's teachings offer timeless wisdom that remains relevant in our contemporary lives. We can learn from Lord Krishna to lead a balanced life, focus on our duties, practice selfless devotion, and face challenges with courage. Krishna's teachings of compassion, forgiveness, and respect for diverse paths remain relevant in our modern world. Embracing joy, maintaining detachment from materialism, and fostering unity can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life in today's fast-paced society.
Applying these teachings can help us navigate the challenges of the modern world with wisdom, compassion, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Team Ekohumm wishes you a very happy Krishna Janmashtami and GopalKala.
|| Jai Shree Krishna ||
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