Shri Krishna Janmashtami - Celebrating The Birth of God
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most famous Gods of Hindu religion, Bhagwan Krishna, on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana or Savana. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the ‘Rohini’ nakshatram (star).
It is generally celebrated in the month of August-September according to the Christian Calendar. According to the legends, Sri Krishna was born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and atrocities of his maternal uncle, Kansa.
How is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Special pujas are held in Sri Krishna Temples around the world. Special poojas and rituals are also held at midnight – the time of Krishna’s birth. Processions with tabloids depicting various episodes from the life of Shri Krishna enacted by children are a major highlight of the festival.
At every temple of lord krishna, this Janmashtami festival is celebrated with a great charm, people dance with bhajans, they offer pooja to lord. Social groups organise competitions like “Matki fod Pratiyogitaâ€. Women and little children goes to lord Krishna’s temple for darshan and pooja.
People put Lord Krishna’s idol in the decorated little cradles. Singing bhajans like jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki, Madan Gopal ki, devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna. They also chant mantras of Lord Krishna.
Devotees observe fast for the entire day and it is broken after the birth of the Lord at midnight. Only milk and milk products are preferred by them, as these were the favorites of Lord Krishna.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami is known by various names such as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Saatam Aatham, Ashtami Rohini, Sri Krishna Jayanti and Sree Jayanthi.
Janmashtami Celebrated for over Two Days
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as “Rohini†nakshatra and Ashtami may not fall on the same day. The first day known as Krishnashtami, as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna falls on the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan, which generally falls in the month of August. The second day is known as Kalashtami.
Famous Krishna Temples in India
Some of the famous Krishna Temples in India where Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with much importance includes Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir in Mathura, Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan, Srinath Temple in Rajasthan, Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat, Guruvayur Temple in Kerala, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple in Karnataka, and ISKCON Temple in Tirupati.
