Shri Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami : Divine Birth Celebration

Shri Krishna Janmashtami: A Divine Celebration of Birth and Belief

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most revered and anticipated festivals in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated with fervor and zeal, it marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Falling on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada, Janmashtami is not just a festival, but an emotion that encapsulates the beliefs and spirituality of millions.

The Tale Behind the Celebration

The story of Krishna's birth is as enthralling as his life. Born in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna's birth was prophesied to bring about the end of the cruel king, Kansa, Devaki's brother. The night of his birth witnessed miracles: chains broke, guards slept, and the Yamuna River parted, allowing Vasudeva to take baby Krishna to safety in Gokul.

The Festivities

Janmashtami is celebrated with myriad traditions. While some observe fasts, others indulge in devotional singing and dancing. The 'Dahi Handi' tradition is a highlight, symbolizing the playful and mischievous side of Krishna. Young men form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd, mimicking Krishna's love for butter.

In the temples, priests chant verses and hymns from the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavatam, invoking the divine presence.

One of the most popular verses being 👇👇

🙂"यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।

अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥"

(Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth.)

The Essence

Janmashtami is not just about rituals, it's a journey into the teachings and philosophies imparted by Krishna. His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita on karma, dharma, and life are invaluable.

🙂"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।

मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥"

(Your right is to perform your duty only, but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.)

In essence, Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a beacon of hope, righteousness, and divine love. It serves as a reminder that whenever darkness engulfs the world, the divine will incarnate to restore balance and dharma. As celebrations resonate with chants of "जय श्री कृष्णा", it’s a call to embrace the virtues of love, compassion, and righteousness that Lord Krishna embodies.