Unlocking the Spirit of Sri Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating the Divine Birth

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Yogeshwar Shri Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in honor of the birth of Lord Krishna.

This festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu Panchangam. Which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

The significance of the festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami lies in celebrating the divine birth of Lord Krishna. There is a need to learn from them and adopt them in your life. Who is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The birth of Lord Krishna is considered an important event in Hindu mythology.

We have to remove sin, greed and hatred in the form of Kansa from our life. Lord Shri Krishna was instrumental in guiding humanity through his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and his various divine adventures as a child and young adult.

Traditions and Celebrations: Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by people of other religions including Hindus all over India and the world. These are some of the major traditions and festivals involved.

In the world including India, there is a tradition of making children Krishna on Sri Krishna Janmashtami. According to Hindu beliefs, Shri Krishna was very talented.

In the form of Yogeshwar, he gave the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita to the world, gave meditation and taught oneself to fight in every situation of life. In the same way Sanatani mothers want to see their child in the incarnation of Shri Krishna.

They hope that their child will also become talented, strong and intelligent like Krishna. That’s why all mothers have been decorating their son as Shri Krishna and beloved daughter as Radha for centuries. This is our amazingly powerful tradition.

The significance of celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is a huge festival in India as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It symbolizes the victory of truth over untruth. It is a symbol of Sanatan on misconduct, unrighteousness, sin and hatred. Most Hindus observe fast on this auspicious occasion.

• Devotees work with devotion in their life by reciting Bhagwat Geeta.
• They pray to Lord Krishna, do bhajans, kritans.
• They distribute sweets among their relatives with great enthusiasm.
• In the villages, brothers and sisters make swings in the nearby trees like Kadam, Mango, Neem etc. Can be found swinging.
• Rural women are seen singing traditional folk songs.
• In the evening, fasting people have snacks and fruits. Some people live only as water-eaters and some even remain hungry.
• At midnight, the priests open the curtains of the temple gate and reveal the beautifully decorated deity of Krishna dressed in new clothes
• Everyone swings this beautiful child Krishna on a small cradle-like swing. People welcome Shri Krishna by playing Mridangam, Nagara, Jhal (taal), Shankha, Dhol while doing bhajan, kirtan, dance etc.

The Legend of Lord Krishna’s Birth

In Dwapara Yuga, the evil king Kansa was very cruel and merciless. He considered himself greater than Vishnu. The evil king Kansa wanted his subjects, sages, saints, ascetics and devotees to stop praising Vishnu and praise only him (Kans).

Kansa loved his sister Devaki very much. He did not want to see his sister in any kind of trouble. So he got his sister married to his friend Vasudev with great fanfare. At the time of farewell, he himself was going to leave his sister sitting on the chariot that suddenly ‘Akashvani‘ happened.

‘The one you want, the eighth child of that Devaki will kill you. Kansa was horrified to hear this terrible oracle and took out his sword to kill his sister.

At the same time Vasudev came in between and started saving his wife. Cousin sister Devaki also started crying and begging for her life. In the end, Kansa left them alive but imprisoned them till they had 8 children.

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Later, Kansa killed Devaki’s 6 sons one by one as soon as they were born. And increased atrocities in the world. Shreesh (Anant) had entered the 7th womb. To save Shrishesh, Lord Vishnu got Devaki’s womb in the womb of Rohini, wife of Brajnivasini Vasudev, through Yogamaya.

Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Vishnu and requested his intervention to save the earth and its innocent people. Lord Vishnu accepted his prayer and assured him that his next birth would be as a mortal.

Thus, Shri Krishna was born to Queen Devaki to kill the evil King Kansa and provide solace to innocent souls. This auspicious occasion happened on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada. Which is called Janmasthami.

The divine circumstances surrounding Lord Krishna’s birth

As soon as Shri Hari himself was born as Krishna in human form, all the security personnel of the prison fell asleep due to the influence of Maya.

The chain that had tightly bound Devaki and Vasudev was removed on its own. All the doors of the jail started opening on their own. Divine beams of light started scattering from the small windows. The wind speed started increasing.

As if time itself is moving, if any spy or soldier of Kansa had come at that time, he would have died. Yamuna ji‘s water level has become excessive from its extreme limit.

Bells started ringing loudly in all the pagodas and temples of the world. As if nature itself has come to welcome Shri Hari. Vasudev reached Nanda’s house with the infant Krishna from the prison of Mathura.

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The significance of Mathura and the prison cell

Mathura

A great deal has been added to the greatness of Mathura in our Puranas. Mathura has an ancient history and is also the homeland and birthplace of Krishna who was born in the Yadu dynasty.

The name of Mathura city appears in Ramayana. Earlier there was a small forest here which came to be known as Madhuvan, then Madhupura and later Mathura.

• It is said that if a person merely recites the name of Mathura, he gets the result of liberation from God.
• Hearing the word Mathura gives the result of listening to the story of Shri Krishna.
• By attaining the touch of Mathura, man gets the fruit of touching the feet of sages and saints.
• The person who visits Mathura alive gets the result of seeing Shri Hari.
• Consuming food from Mathura is like eating Prasad (nectar) of Shri Hari.
• By serving human beings, one gets the result of serving Shri Hari. That’s why it has been said in the Vedas, ‘Nar Seva – Narayan Seva‘.
• Even a person who roams around in Mathura is a part of the fruits of pilgrimage at every step.
• Those who listen to this greatness of Madhupuri wherever they live, with restraint and regularity, with their mind focused on the only Lord Shri Krishna. There is no doubt that they get the results of circumambulating Mathura.

Mathura Mahatmya pdf Book

Read the book Mathura Mahatmya, brought to you by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (Book pdf link)

Translator and editor	Bhaskar, Uma
Publisher	Vrindavan Research Institute, Vrindavan
Description	With Hindi translation
Source	Vrindavan Research Institute
Type	E-Book
Received From	Vrindavan Research Institute

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Karagar

The prison where Shri Hari was born was the largest prison of its time and a place of severe torture.

Even Parinda(bird) could not go inside the prison without the order of the evil Kansa. Kansa had kept Mata Devaki and Vasudev inside the seven dungeons of the prison. In which there were seven very strong doors.

Each gate was guarded by 125 guards. Devaki and Vasudev were tied with thick chains. He was given many types of tortures throughout the years in jail. There were no sources of light coming from anywhere in the prison. Life used to pass in darkness. It was like hell for humans.

The divine purpose of Lord Krishna’s incarnation

“यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्।।”

“परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ।।”

“परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ।।

Sanskrit Shloka in Mahabharat

This is the best way for human beings to understand the divine purpose of Lord Krishna’s incarnation. Some people say that Shri Krishna was born to kill Kansa. Or was it done to remove sin from the world. If it is so, then Shri Hari who is the master of innumerable Brahmins would have destroyed all the sins with just a little bit.

But the divine purpose of Lord Krishna’s incarnation was something else for man. So let us know what was the divine purpose of Lord Krishna’s incarnation?

Lord Krishna was a very big Yogeshwar. Meditation, divine words, yoga, yagya were all part of his daily routine. Shri Krishna was a Karma Yogi who was a Vedic scholar. He was knowledgeable of 16000 hymns of the Vedas. He used to meditate on 16000 hymns.

Later, these 16000 hymns started being called 16000 Gopikas and wives by some portraits. This is the worst effect of the character assassination of Lord Krishna. He was the only expert in ethics, a man of the era, a great man, a great knowledgeable person, a great karma yogi and the restorer of religion.

Whom we have made a cheater, a scoundrel, a harasser of Gopis and a mischief maker. Which is very sad. Sri’s only wife’s name is Rukmani.

A son named Ratna was born to Shri Krishna and Rukmani after 12 years of intense penance. Whose name is Pradyuman. He was more extraordinary than Shri Krishna. Lord Rama had 12 arts, whereas Shri Krishna is known to have 16 Kalas (arts).

These arts are- 1. Annamaya, 2. Pranamaya, 3. Manomaya, 4. Vigyanmaya, 5. Anandamaya, 6. Atishayini, 7. Viparinabhimi, 8. Sankramini, 9. Prabhavi, 10. Kunthini, 11. Vikasini, 12. Maryadini, 13.Sanhaladini, 14.Ahladini, 15.Paripurna and 16.Swarupavasthi.

Although the purpose of Shri Krishna’s birth is infinite. But we talk about only a few purposes.

Teaching of Yoga by Yogiraj Shri Krishna

ब्राह्मो मुहूर्ते उत्थाय वार्युपस्पृश्यमाधव:।
दध्यौ प्रसन्नकरण: आत्मानं तमस: परम्।।४।।

एकं स्वयं ज्योतिरनन्तमव्ययं स्व संस्थ्या नित्य निरस्त कल्मषम्।
ब्रह्माख्यमस्योद्भवनाश हेतुभि: स्व शक्तिभिलर्क्षितभाव निर्वृतिम्।।५।।


अथाप्लुतोऽम्भस्यमले यथा विधि क्रिया कलापं परिधाय वाससी।
चकार सन्ध्योपगमादि सत्तमो हुतानलो ब्रह्म जजाप वाग् यत:।।६।।

Sanskrit shloka from Satyartha Prakash (Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati)

Shri Krishna ji got up at Brahma Muhurt (in Usha Kaal) and retired from defecation etc. with a happy heart he meditated on the soul i.e. God beyond Tamas.

Meditation connects the mind and body. This is what Maharishi Patanjali has said in Yoga Sutras. Therefore Shri Krishna taught us yoga.

Karma is everything

Karma is everything for men. No one is greater than karma, not even one’s own body. Shri Krishna had nothing, neither an army nor his own kingdom.

He kept wandering here and there throughout his life. But he got everything while doing his work. Those who met with love, used to make them their own. To teach action to have a purpose in Krishna’s life.

Death is an unchangeable truth

Sri Krishna told us ‘Death is the ultimate truth of life‘. It is firm, it is immortal. Earth, Sun, Planets and infinite stars in the universe are one life. Which will be destroyed one day. Everyone has a purpose in life which has to be fulfilled.

Sri Krishna also fulfilled the purpose of his life and in the end, despite the knowledge of death, he sat under the tree with a smiling and happy heart and gave up his life with the hunter’s arrow. Shri Krishna taught us that the soul has to complete its journey.

Crush your ego

Shri Krishna fulfilled this purpose in his life by ending the life of the most egoistic person. The main aim of Shri Krishna’s life was to prove that the ego of any man can become the cause of his death.

Taught to win the war at any cost

Shri Krishna had said that this life is also a war. The one who can fight is the only brave one. In war, if the opponent fights according to religion (War rules/Dharma Yudha), then you should also follow religion. If the enemy uses deceit, then we should also use it in a little bit. But the war must be won at any cost.

Nothing without love

Sri Krishna loved everyone. There are many examples like nature, animals, birds, mountains, rivers for which Shri Krishna had deep love. He gave a new identity of love. His love was natural and spiritual.

If you want to understand love, then open the eyes of your mind. Love is not about outward appearance, decoration, colour, form. Rather, it is a deep connection between two souls. It was on the strength of love that he lifted ‘Govardhan‘ mountain to protect the villagers from the rain.

Friends are wealth

Sri Krishna never cheated on his friend. Sacrificed everything for them. Be it Sushama or Arjuna. For the sake of a friend, he used to fight many times even with his Baldau Bhaiya Balrama.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Traditions

Fasting and its spiritual significance

It symbolizes unity, courage, faith and the lasting victory of good over evil. Gives the message of freedom from tyranny. Shri Krishna has given us the knowledge of Mahabharata.

These are the epics of India. He has given us the way to live. These are not just books or belong to just one religion or school. They are very meaningful and they are deeply embedded in our entire culture and heritage.

During this fast, people sing praises of Shri Krishna while fasting. Fasting is part of yoga. One who must not eat anything for 24 hours once in a month. Devotees also do the same.

Preparations and decorations in homes and temples

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is a very important day for Hindus. Auspicious atmosphere remains everywhere. Hence people decorate their homes and temples. The person uses tulsi, mango belly, Safron Flags, lamp, flower, garland etc.

The traditional dahi-handi ceremony

Dahi Handi is a remarkable display of teamwork and unity: participants must work together seamlessly, forming a human pyramid in a short period of time.

The objective is to reach the top, with one team member rapidly climbing the pyramid to attempt to break the handi (pot) containing the curd. It is also known as Gopal Kala or Utlotsavam.

Krishna is an entertainment and competitive event associated with Janmashtami, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna. During the event, which takes place during August or September, the day after Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

Devotional singing and dancing

At this time people sing and dance devotionally. People sing the glory of Shri Krishna in the form of folk songs, bhajans, kirtans. There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the child. They enjoy dancing etc. a lot. Children dressed up as Shri Krishna and played hurdang, dance and other games.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Delicacies

Food plays a major role in every Hindu festival. People make different types of feasts and dishes. Let us know about some important dishes prepared on Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

1 coconut laddoos, coconut barfi,
2. Chappan Bhog
3. Mohan Bhog (Mal-bhog)
4. Kheer, Sabudana Kheer
4. A variety of fruit salad
6. Malpua
8. dry fruit laddoos
8. Buckwheat flour pudding
9. different types of fritters
10. Halwa-Puri

The significance of offering these foods to Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna loves our mothers and sisters very much. Therefore, everyone offers different types of food items according to their capacity for them. Let us know about some offerings of Shri Krishna.

1. Coriander Panjiri
2. Sama Rice Pudding
3. Panchamrit
4. Makhan Mishri
5. Mawa Ke Laddoos
6. Sago Khichdi
7. Sabudana Vada
8. Buckwheat Puri
9. Fast Potatoes
10. all fruits available

The purpose of offering all these dishes is to offer them to Shri Krishna. Even a small offering is supreme.

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Sri Krishna Janmashtami Around the World

To call Janmashtami only a festival of India would be a blunt response. While Janmashtami is celebrated all over the world. It is celebrated in almost every corner of the world including USA, Canada, Nepal, Malaysia, Russia, Caribbean countries, France, Germany, UK, South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Japan.

The celebration in Mathura and Vrindavan is particularly vibrant and exuberant. In Mathura and Vrindavan, Krishna Janmashtami has special significance.

How the festival is celebrated in different countries

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated everywhere in the world including India. Most of the world watches it as entertainment. But at some places spirituality is also seen in it.

Which will be found in the festival of every temple in India. Big swings, fairs are also arranged at many places. People are engrossed in entertainment. Everyone praises Shri Krishna with joy.

The global appeal of Lord Krishna’s teachings

The universal appeal of Lord Krishna’s teachings is that we become energetic, talented, strong, knowledgeable and intelligent in every field like Shri Krishna. God used to recite all the hymns of the Vedas.

Yagya is performed to protect the environment. No one can be a greater lover of nature than Shri Krishna. Today we talk big about climate change. But do not take any step towards its improvement. Taking inspiration from Shri Krishna, we need to work on all aspects to save nature.

Conclusion- Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous and spiritually significant festival that unites millions of devotees in celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees prepare a variety of sweets, fruits and other dishes as offerings to Lord Krishna.

Idols of Lord Krishna are placed on swings and devotees take turns to swing them, symbolizing the playful nature of Krishna. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated, and devotees gather for special prayers and bhajans (devotional songs) at midnight to mark the divine birth.

The significance of the festival lies in celebrating the divine birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The birth of Lord Krishna is considered a significant event in Hindu mythology as he was instrumental in guiding humanity through his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and his various divine adventures as a child and young adult.

It is a time of devotion, contemplation and cultural richness, reflecting the enduring influence of Lord Krishna’s teachings and his enduring legacy in Hinduism. This festival is also to protect nature.

It teaches humans to forget mutual rivalry and love everyone. We have been taught to forget sexism, apartheid, linguism, regionalism, casteism, religionism, provincialism, nationalism and follow the path of humanity. The whole world is our family. We are all members of the family.

Wishing readers a blessed and joyous Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebration

Best wishes and congratulations to all of you on Shri Krishna Janmashtami!! May Shri Krishna always keep you happy, support you at every turn of life.

stay healthy, stay cool, stay busy

By Author and Editor

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