On 24 August 2019, Lord Krishna’s presence will grace your household. Know the importance of the festival Janmashtami and its associated legends.
Lord Shri Krishna’s History
Lord Vishnu reincarnated as the son of Devaki and Vasudev during the Dwapar Yuga. It was during the conclusive era of Dwapar Yuga and the cruel King Kans ruled over Mathura at this point of time. He wreaked havoc in the lives of all the citizens of Mathura. One day Kamsa was on his way to drop his sister Devaki at her in law’s house after she got married Vasudev, when an oracle narrated a premonition that the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudev will be the reason for his death and downfall. After hearing this, Kansa raised the sword to kill his sister, but Vasudev, who was truthful, promised that he would give away his children to Kansa, but Kansa did not accept any of his pleas and eventually he dragged both of them to the jail.
When did Shri Krishna take Birth?
Time passed by and Kans’ atrocities towards Devaki and Vasudev kept increasing. He killed all the seven children of theirs. It has been said that time belongs to no one and it never remains the same. It was during the Rohini Nakshatra on Ashtami Tithi in the month of Bhadrapada, that it started raining heavily and darkness prevailed all over. During midnight Lord Krishna took birth from Devaki's womb. It is believed that God himself appeared in front Devaki and Vasudev and said that a girl was born in the house of Nand Baba. He said that the girl child is one of creations, so Vasudev can bring her to the prison and take krishna Ji to Nanda’s house. He also assured Vasudev that no obstacle will stop him on the way. After saying so, the Lord disappeared and all the guards of Kamsa went into sleep and the handcuffs tied around the hands of Vasudeva and the shackles of his feet cracked opened automatically and he embarked upon the journey towards Nand Baba's house with the newborn child.
Lord Krishna’s Miracle
On the way, the river Yamuna was flowing at a rapid speed and the great serpent Sheshnaag was covering Lord Krishna from getting drenched in rain. When the Lord's feet touched the river, then the water level of the Yamuna decreased at once and Vasudev swiftly went to Nand Baba's house and brought Yoga Maya from there. When he returned, the handcuffs and leg shackles automatically covered his hands and feet and the guards woke up from utter sleep. They informed Kans that Devaki gave birth to the eighth child. As soon as Kans arrived to kill the child, she disappeared into thin air and then another oracle was heard by everyone. It was stated that your reason for your destruction has taken birth elsewhere and your death in his hands will surely take place. This infuriated Kans further and he ordered the slaughter of all the newborns around.
Lord Krishna’s Peculiar Appearance
Kamsa repeatedly sent various kinds of demons to kill Krishna but all of them had to face defeat in the hands of the Lord. He killed all of them and also a demoness named Pootana. Everyone was surprised after witnessing the fate of the demons and how Krishna Ji managed to put an end to them. Krishna also rescued Kalia Nag and then went on to play flute and graze cows with his friends.
Little Krishna’s Playful Mischiefs
Ever since childhood, Lord Krishna used to fascinate everyone with his adventures and naughtiness. Sometimes, he used to break the matkas(earthen pot)of a Gopi, and the other time he had the habit of stealing Makhan(butter). Once Kanha ate soil in his childhood, and then his friends complained to his mother Yashoda. When Yashoda Maiya opened his mouth, she was astonished to see the entire universe in his mouth.
Krishna’s Playful banter with the Gopis
Krishna playfully danced with the gopis and taught the essence of love to the whole world. This is the reason why the whole world believes in Lord Krishna and the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with full fervor. He never discriminated against anyone and gave love to everyone while treating each and every person equally. Thus, he occupies a special place in everyone's heart.
The Death of Kans in the hands of Krishna
When Krishna and his brother Balarama grew up to become adults, Kansa sent his treasurer Akruor to Nanda Baba and fraudulently summoned the duo to Mathura so that he could kill him but Lord Krishna killed him while fighting a duel with him there. Ultimately, he liberated the people from Kans’ atrocities and after that, he went on to free his parents Devaki and Vasudev from Kans’ prison.
Lord Krishna: The Yogiraj
Lord Krishna is also known as Yogiraj. During the Mahabharata war which was taking place between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Lord Shri Krishna preached the Gita to Arjuna in the field of Kurukshetra and that is why the Gita is most recognized holy text in the world as it is the only scripture which comes straight from the Lord's mouth. The Gita inspires everyone to do his/her Karma and teaches a person to stay on the right path.
Krishna Janmashtami Muhurat
To celebrate Janmashtami and to observe its fast are two different things. During this year, the holy festival of Janmashtami will be celebrated on 24 August 2019, which is known all over the world as the grand birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Now, let us have a look at Janmashtami 2019’s Puja Muhurat.
Note : This Muhurat is applicable for New Delhi area only. Click Here to know the auspicious Muhurat of your city.
Rites and Traditions to Follow During Janmashtami
- The most convenient way to celebrate Janmashtami is to wake up early in the morning and take a clean bath. Afterwards, cleanse the child idol of Lord Krishna with Panchamrit and make it wear new clothes.
- After this, observe the fast, consume fruits and only after the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight, perform the Aarti, offer Arghya to the Moon and then break the fast.
- Kuttu flour or water chestnut flour can also be used during this fast.
- Along with this, help the poor and the needy.
- Some small kids are also be dressed as Radha and Krishna and then they take part in processions.
- If it is possible, organize a Kirtan Katha at your home or Temple
- Celebrate this festival heartily with friends and family members.
Dahi Handi Festival
On the very next day of Jnmashtami, Dahi Handi festival is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The youth taking part in this festival are known as Govinda, who break the matkis (earthen pots) kept at a very high pedestal and celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the most grand manner in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana. Additionally, lots of devotees are seen floating in the Iskcon Temple and celebrating Krishna Janmashtami with full fervor.
Fast Kept to Get the Boon of Bright Progeny
Those who are childless should observe the Janmashtami fast because it helps them to obtain the blessing of a good progeny. On this day, Santan Gopal Mantra should be chanted, by whose grace one will definitely receive compassion from Lord Krishna and get the boon of a bright offspring. The Santan Gopal mantra is noted down below.
oṃ śrīṃ hrīṃ klīṃ glauṃ devakīsuta govinda vāsudeva jagatpate
dehi me tanayaṃ kṛṣṇa tvāmahaṃ śaraṇaṃ gataḥ ।
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ग्लौं देवकीसुत गोविन्द वासुदेव जगत्पते
देहि मे तनयं कृष्ण त्वामहं शरणं गतः ।
Chant this mantra with all your heart and after the recitation is done, perform an oblation with the same Mantra. Afterwards, offer Makhan Mishri to the Lord and distribute it amongst everyone as Prasad. Eventually, you will get the blessings of Lord Shri Krishna.
As a matter of fact, the birthday of Lord Krishna, which we celebrate as Janmashtami, gives a message to all humanity that we should do our Karma and love each other. We hope that Lord Krishna ends all the problems persisting in your life. Wish you all the very best of Shri Krishna Janmashtami!!
