appy Krishna Janmashtami
The celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami marks the Supreme Lord’s heavenly arrival. According to Lord Krishna, whenever and wherever there is a fall in religious practice, He comes to destroy the miscreants, protect the pious, and restore religious values (Bhagavad-Gita 4.7-8). Lord Krishna visited Vrindavan, Dwarka, and other divine holy places more than 5000 years ago and amazed everyone with his constant teachings and delightful deeds. August 26, 2024, is Janmashtami Day.
What is the reason people celebrate Janmashtami?
Hindu mythology describes Lord Krishna as the supreme lord of the universe, known for his humor, love, and compassion. Certain Hindu scriptures, such as the Gitagovinda, acknowledge Lord Krishna as the ultimate deity and the origin of all avatars. Consequently, Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the month, during the auspicious month of Bhadrapada, during Krishna Paksha, which is the period of the waning moon. The name of the festival, Janmashtami, comes from the terms “Janma,” meaning birth, and “Ashtami,” which refers to the day of his birth.
The eighth child of Vasudeva and Devaki, the extremely violent king Kansa’s sister, was Lord Krishna.When Kansa learned about the prophecy that Devaki’s eighth son would be the cause of his death, he locked up both Vasudeva and Devaki in a prison cell. Their first seven children were all killed by Kansa, but the fate of their eighth son was different. Following the instructions of a divine voice, Vasudeva broke out of prison, carried Krishna on his head, and walked all the way from Mathura to Vrindavan, which would be a safe haven for the newborn child. Yashoda and Nand took care of Krishna during his childhood days in Vrindavan.
People all over the country talk a lot about Krishna’s heroism and naughtiness, his encounters with demons like Kansa and his reputation as Makhanchor . This year Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26, 2024. Ashtami Tithi will begin on August 26, 2024, at 03:39 AM and finish at 02:19 AM on August 27,2024.
How is Janmashtami celebrated?
People celebrate Janmashtami both within India and internationally. Devotees in Malaysia, Canada, and even Paris honor the birth of Lord Krishna with equal devotion. A few days before the actual Muharat, which is the most auspicious moment that marks the beginning of an activity, you would see markets crowded with vendors and customers negotiating over bundles of lights, peacock feathers, tinsel, and other ornamental objects.
1. Pray to Lord Krishna:
Recite the lovely prayers of famous devotees as a sincere way to show Lord Krishna your sincere prayers on Janmashtami. Another option is to chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, a powerful mantra that strengthens your relationship with the Lord.
2. Visit Lord Krishna’s temple:
It is a soulful experience to see a temple devoted to Lord Krishna during festival season. You feel gratitude and awe seeing the beauty of Lord Krishna deity and the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Apart from seeing the beautiful adornments (adornments) of the deities, visitors can offer flowers, devotional prayers to Lord Krishna and join melodious kirtans (devotional songs), enjoy the grace of Lord Krishna and receive His divine blessings.
3. Follow the fast:
The women make little footprints on the ground to show that the Lord has visited their home and poured blessings on the inhabitants. Devotees follow a fast on Janmashtami, which they can break only after Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi have passed the next day. This fast is nirjala, i.e., without water. During this time, devotees may also choose to follow a falahaar fast, which consists of consuming only fruits and light sattvic meals.
4. Serve Krishna with devotion.
Serving as volunteers during festivals is a special way to celebrate Janmashtami. Many temples like ISKCON Bangalore, well known for their time and energy to help in the preparations for the festival, warmly invite devotees. Volunteering for service through selfless service can help you develop a closer relationship with the Lord.
5. Krishna gets cooking offerings:
The enjoyer of all sacrifices is Sri Krishna. Prasad, the remnants of food offered to Sri Krishna purifies us and facilitates our spiritual growth. Furthermore, the Lord declares in Bhagavad-gita 9.26, “I will accept a leaf, a fruit, a flower, or water offered to Me with love and devotion.” You can make the Lord happy this Janmashtami by putting together an enticing platter of Sattvik foods or just by serving some fresh fruit and nuts. Give them love and devotion.
6. Read the Bhagavad Gita on this day.
Immerse yourself in the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita on Janmashtami This holy book contains important lessons about spirituality, duty and life. Reading and meditating on the Bhagavad Gita gives wisdom to face challenges and uncertainties. Sri Krishna’s teachings provide guidance and direction in the way of self-realization and morality. Janmashtami gives us a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God. By offering our hearts in prayer, going to temples, serving others without expecting returns, preparing food, reading devotional books, we get the grace of Lord Krishna in our hearts and in our lives.
Guidelines for Krishna Janmashtami Fasting :
During the Janmashtami fast, no grains should be consumed until the next day, after sunrise. Janmashtami fasting should follow the same regulations as Ekadashi fasting.
Parana or breaking the fast:
Breaking the fast, or parana, should occur at the proper moment. When Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra end, the next day after sunrise is when Parana is completed for the Krishna Janmashtami fast. If Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra do not end before sunset, then one can break the fast during the day or when one of them is over
Fasting on Krishna Janmashtami may last for two full days, depending on when Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi end. If a devotee is unable to fast for two days, they may break their fast at midnight after the moonrise. The Hindu holy scripture Dharmasindhu has made this suggestion.Other names for Krishna Janmashtami are Gokulashtami, Shree Jayanthi, Ashtami Rohini, and Krishnashtami.
Krishna Janmashtami Wishes:
1. On this Janmashtami, may Lord Krishna take the sand of His little toes to your house, remove all your troubles and sorrows and bless you and your family. Happy Janmashtami!
2. Let your heart be filled with the serene and infinite bliss of the wonderful flute music of Lord Krishna. I hope and pray that this auspicious Janmashtami brings you love, happiness and peace.
As we celebrate Janmashtami, let us keep in mind the teachings of Lord Krishna and work towards building a loving, compassionate and harmonious family. I hope you had a wonderful Janmashtami!
Krishna’s teachings are still enlightening and intellectual. I pray that his words of wisdom and inspiration serve you for the rest of your lives. Let His wisdom influence your decision.
