Janmashtami also known as Krishna Janmashtami, holds immense religious significance within the Hindu community. Lord Krishna is revered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.This auspicious day illuminates the divine and serene attributes of Lord Krishna. In 2023 we are celebrating his birth today on 6th September. Across various regions of India, Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervor, known as Shri Krishna Jayanti or Gokulashtami. This joyful festival is embraced with tremendous enthusiasm throughout the nation.
The Tale of Janmashtami
The story of Janmashtami is both captivating and profound. Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the city of Mathura. However, prior to his birth, a prediction by astrolger was made that the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva would bring an end to King Kansa, who was Devaki’s brother and a cruel ruler. Driven by fear, Kansa ruthlessly eliminated all of his sister’s newborn children and imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva. Tragically, six of Devaki’s children met a grim fate at the hands of Kansa. Remarkably, during the birth of the seventh child, the fetus miraculously transferred to the womb of Rohini, Vasudeva’s first wife. And on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, Lord Krishna was born as the eighth child of Devaki. As foretold, Lord Krishna later defeated and vanquished King Kansa, bringing an end to his cruel rule for the greater good.
Janmashtami : Observing the Puja Vidhi
For those observing Janmashtami , here are fewsuggested steps to follow in performing the Puja
- Begin the day by a bath.
- Create a sacred area by cleaning the temple or specified area in your home.
- Illuminate the space with t diyas before Lord Krishna’s idol.
- Pay homage by Jalabhishek, offering sacred water.
- Prepare Prasad, a sacred offering, which should be placed respectfully before Lord Krishna’s idol.
- Engage in a worship ceremony at midnight.
- Conclude the occasion by performing Aarti, a ritual involving the waving of a lit lamp.
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