Janmashtami: Celebrating the Divine Birth of Lord Krishna

Janmashtami is a widely cherished festival celebrated with fervor by the Hindu community across India. This joyous occasion commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is a prominent figure in the Hindu trinity.

In this article, we will delve into the significance of Janmashtami, explore its historical context, and understand the rituals associated with this divine celebration.

The Significance of Janmashtami

Krishna, the adored deity, was born on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shraavana of Bhadrapad, which typically aligns with either August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

This joyous occasion is known by various names, including Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi.

A Historic Milestone: 5250th Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna

In the year 2023, we celebrate the 5250th birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The much-anticipated Krishna Janmashtami falls on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, with the traditional dahi handi festivities taking place on Thursday, September 7, 2023, according to drikpanchang.com.

Auspicious Moments to Celebrate

To ensure the most auspicious celebrations, consider the following key moments:

• Midnight Moment – 12:20 AM, Sep 07: The stroke of midnight marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna.
• Chandrodaya Moment – 10:55 PM Krishna Dashami: This moment signifies the rising of the moon on the Dashami day.
• Ashtami Tithi Begins – 03:37 PM on Sep 06, 2023: The Ashtami Tithi begins in the late afternoon, heralding the onset of Janmashtami celebrations.
• Ashtami Tithi Ends – 04:14 PM on Sep 07, 2023: Ashtami Tithi concludes on the evening of the next day, allowing devotees to extend their celebrations.
• Rohini Nakshatra Begins – 09:20 AM on Sep 06, 2023: Rohini Nakshatra, a constellation associated with Lord Krishna, begins in the morning, adding to the auspiciousness of the day.
• Rohini Nakshatra Ends – 10:25 AM on Sep 07, 2023: Rohini Nakshatra concludes on the second day, aligning with the festive spirit.

Vaishnavism Tradition

According to drikpanchang.com, the followers of Vaishnavism, a sect that venerates Lord Vishnu, give preference to Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra. It’s essential to note that the followers of Vaishnavism never observe Janmashtami on Saptami Tithi.

According to Vaishnava rules, Janmashtami day always falls on Ashtami or Navami Tithi on the Hindu calendar.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the significance and rituals associated with this divine festival.

The Divine Birth of Lord Krishna

The birth of Lord Krishna is not just a historical event but a deeply spiritual and divine phenomenon. Lord Krishna is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who took birth to protect righteousness (dharma) and vanquish evil forces (adharma). His birthplace, Mathura, is where this miraculous event took place.

Celebrating Janmashtami

Janmashtami is celebrated with immense zeal and devotion. Devotees fast throughout the day and break their fast only at the stroke of midnight, the time of Lord Krishna’s birth. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and idols of Lord Krishna are adorned with new clothes and jewelry.

The Dahi Handi Tradition

One of the most exciting aspects of Janmashtami celebrations is the Dahi Handi. This tradition involves forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with yogurt and butter, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s love for dairy products. It’s a thrilling and competitive event that captures the essence of Lord Krishna’s mischievous childhood.

Bhajans and Kirtans

Devotees gather in temples and homes to sing bhajans (devotional songs) and perform kirtans (musical recitations) in praise of Lord Krishna. These melodious hymns create a spiritually charged atmosphere, filling the air with devotion and love.

Fasting and Prayer

Fasting on Janmashtami is a way for devotees to purify their bodies and minds. It’s a day of introspection, prayer, and seeking blessings from Lord Krishna for a life filled with happiness and prosperity.

The Significance of Rohini Nakshatra

Rohini Nakshatra holds special significance during Janmashtami as it is believed to be the constellation under which Lord Krishna was born. Devotees consider this celestial alignment as a divine blessing and an auspicious time to celebrate.

Krishna Janmashtami 2022 Puja Samagri List: इस साल कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी का पर्व 6 और 7 सितंबर को है। गृहस्थ जीवन वाले 6 सितंबर को और वैष्णव संप्रदाय के लोग 7 सितंबर को भगवान कृष्ण का जन्मोत्सव मनाएंगे। यह पर्व हर साल भाद्रपद माह के कृष्ण पक्ष की अष्टमी तिथि को मनाया जाता है। इस दिन भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के बाल स्वरूप की पूजा-अर्चना की जाती है। मान्यता है कि कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी के दिन व्रत रखने से सारी मनोकामनाएं पूरी होती हैं। इस दिन लोग उपवास रखने के साथ भगवान कृष्ण की पूजा करते हैं। भगवान श्रीकृष्ण को दही-दूध और मक्खन विशेष पसंद है, इसलिए इस दिन दही का चरणामृत बनाकर लोगों को प्रसाद के रूप में दिया जाता है। वहीं यदि आप भी कृष्ण जन्मोत्सव का पर्व मनाने जा रहे हैं, तो पूजा में कुछ सामग्री को जरूर शामिल करना चाहिए। ये रही पूजा सामग्री की पूरी लिस्ट… 

श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी पूजा सामग्री

धूप बत्ती, अगरबत्ती, कपूर, केसर, चंदन, यज्ञोपवीत 5, कुमकुम, अक्षत, अबीर, गुलाल, अभ्रक, हल्दी, आभूषण, नाड़ा, रुई, रोली, सिंदूर, सुपारी, पान के पत्ते, पुष्पमाला, कमलगट्टे,  तुलसीमाला, खड़ा धनिया, सप्तमृत्तिका, सप्तधान, कुशा व दूर्वा, पंच मेवा, गंगाजल, शहद, शक्कर, तुलसी दल, शुद्ध घी, दही, दूध, ऋतुफल, नैवेद्य या मिष्ठान्न, छोटी इलायची, लौंग मौली, इत्र की शीशी, सिंहासन, बाजोट या झूला (चौकी, आसन), पंच पल्लव, पंचामृत, केले के पत्ते, औषधि, श्रीकृष्ण की प्रतिमा या तस्वीर, गणेशजी की तस्वीर, अम्बिका जी की तस्वीर, भगवान के वस्त्र, गणेशजी को अर्पित करने के लिए वस्त्र, अम्बिका को अर्पित करने के लिए वस्त्र, जल कलश, सफेद कपड़ा, लाल कपड़ा, पंच रत्न, दीपक, बड़े दीपक के लिए तेल, बन्दनवार, ताम्बूल, नारियल, चावल, गेहूं, गुलाब और लाल कमल के फूल, दूर्वा, अर्घ्य पात्र आदि।

Conclusion

Janmashtami is not just a festival; it’s a deeply spiritual experience that connects devotees with the divine. The celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth transcends borders and unites people in their love and devotion.

As we mark the 5250th birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, let us come together with reverence and joy to celebrate this auspicious occasion. May the divine blessings of Lord Krishna bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to all.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the significance of Janmashtami?Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is celebrated with great devotion by Hindus.
2. How do devotees celebrate Janmashtami?Devotees fast, decorate temples and homes, sing bhajans, and break their fast at midnight, among other rituals.
3. What is the Dahi Handi tradition in Janmashtami?The Dahi Handi tradition involves forming human pyramids to break a pot filled with yogurt and butter, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s love for dairy products.
4. Why is Rohini Nakshatra significant during Janmashtami?Rohini Nakshatra is believed to be the constellation under which Lord Krishna was born, making it an auspicious time for celebration.
5. When does Janmashtami occur in 2023?In 2023, Janmashtami falls on September 6th, with dahi handi festivities on September 7th.