Shri Krishna Janamashtami

Janmashtami is the celebration of the divine descent of Absolute Brahm Shri Krishna to Earth in 3226 BCE, at the end of the Dwapar yug in the Saraswat Kalp. According to the luni-solar calendar, it's celebrated on the eighth day after the full moon of the month of Shravan.

The Celebration of Janmashtami

Janmashtami is typically celebrated on two consecutive days. Devotees of Lord Vishnu, known as Vaishnavas, observe the first day to commemorate the birth of Shri Krishna in a prison in Mathura, where his parents, Devaki and Vasudev, were held captive by the tyrannical king Kansa.

The following day, devotees of Nand Nandan Shri Krishna celebrate the festival when baby Krishna was brought to the home of Mother Yashoda and Nand Baba in Gokul. The residents of Gokul were filled with immense joy and celebrated his arrival with unmatched enthusiasm. Lost in divine bliss, they sang, danced, and rejoiced, forgetting all about their daily chores and even food and hydration.

Modern Traditions and the True Meaning

Today, devotees celebrate Janmashtami by observing a fast, decorating their homes with scenes from Krishna’s childhood, bathing an idol of baby Krishna, and singing devotional songs, known as kirtans. They also prepare and distribute delicious food offerings, called prasad, and dance with great enthusiasm to celebrate His birthday.

According to Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the true way to celebrate Janmashtami is to remember Shri Krishna throughout the day by engaging in kirtan, preparing offerings, and decorating the space with depictions of his pastimes.

The goal is to become so immersed in these activities that one naturally forgets about eating or drinking, much like the residents of Gokul did. This practice of fasting on Janmashtami is a way for devotees to emulate the divine state of bliss that the residents of Gokul experienced. The ultimate purpose of the celebration is to deepen one's devotion to Shri Krishna.

Haathi Ghora Paalki, Jai Kanhaiya Laal Ki!!