A-1080 Wien, Lammgasse 1
AUSTRIA
EUROPE
Introduction
Almost all of Hindu festivals of India are celebrated in reverence to some God or Goddess of Hindu mythology. Krishna Janmashtami also known simply as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami is one of such festivals celebrated to commemorate the birth of Sri Krishna. Hindus celebrate the day displaying immense joy of devotion and love to their beloved Krishna and his mate Radha. More ascetic ones wear white clothes and dance to the tune of “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna”.
When is Janmashtami celebrated
The word "janma" means birth and the word "ashtami" means eight; thus, Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of Krishna's birth on the eighth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
According to Hindu mythology Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki in Mathura, when the duo was imprisoned by Devaki’s brother Kansa. Kansa was an evil and barbarous king who was warned that Devaki’s eighth child will be born to slay him. Kansa managed to kill six of Devaki’s sons but Vasudeva somehow managed to save the eighth child, that is Krishna.
Krishna was born in an environment of complete chaos and mismanagement. Persecution was common, there was no freedom, no liberty and people were denied even the most important of their rights. Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu was born to put an end to Kansa’s evil reign.
Thus by celebrating Janmashtami people reaffirm their faith in their beloved lord Krishna as savior of the world from evil forces.
Celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami holds significant importance to Hindus around the world, and it is celebrated in diverse forms depending on their regional and cultural customs.
The Indian Hindu community celebrates Krishna Janmashtami displaying a mix of emotions – joy, fun, devotion, love and compassion. For some it is an opportunity to spiritually awaken the soul; for others it is just a day to sing bhajans and dance with compassion with reverence to Krishna.
The festival is celebrated with exceptional zeal and enthusiasm, mainly in north and north-west India. Mathura, the place of birth of Krishna, witnesses a grand celebration. Every street, crossing and Krishna temples in Mathura are decorated with coloured ribbons, balloons, flowers and colourful decorative lights. Groups of people dressed ascetically could be seen dancing and chanting bhajans
A distinct celebration takes place in Dwarka, Gujarat, where Krishna is believed to have established his kingdom. A ritualistic custom “Makhan Handi” in line with Mumbai’s “Dahi Handi” is performed there. Also, farmers in Kutch district of Gujarat decorate the bullock carts and take out processions on Krishna with several other groups dancing on the way
Some people however, prefer to celebrate the day in private, in their house, either worshiping or fasting. Those who fast, usually do it for 24 hours, some even without water. During the fasting they abstain from negative thoughts and other infatuations and try to chant the name of Krishna.
Janmashtami: Puja Vidhi
1. Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath and take a sankalp of observing strict fast with devotion.
2. Clean the house and puja room before starting puja rituals.
3. Take Ladoo gopal ji and give him a bath with plain water, gangajal and then panchamrit(Milk, Curd, Honey, Ghee, Sugar powder)
4. Then adorn him with a new beautiful dress, Mukut and set the Mor Pankh and flute.
5. Put yellow chandan tilak.
6. Devotees must take a wooden plank and place a cotton yellow colour cloth and decorate that with flower garland.
7. Place Ladoo gopal ji on that and offer him Tulsi patra, Panchamrit, Sweets and five different type of fruits.
8. Chant "Om Namoh Bhagvatey Vasudevaye".
9. During midnight, Whole country will celebrate the Lord Krishnas birthday and chant "Aarti Kunj Bihari ki".
10. Then people will offer him the bhog prasad of different types of fruits mixed with dry dhaniya powder and Panchamrit and Makhana kheer.
11. After offering prayers, Devotees can break their fast and have fruits, and bhog prasad but actually the fast will be broken on the next day.
Conclusion
Janmastmi is a festival which celebrated not only in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, Fiji and other parts of the world with devotees of Sri Krishna. Such is the glory of Krishna that his devotees cut across the lines of religion as well as region. The aura and impression of Krishna that even someone not belonging to Indian soil, gets drenched in devotion and compassion for him.
It gives a message of equanimity in the face of life's challenges, selfless service, and devotion to the divine has resonated with people from diverse backgrounds.
Mantras:
1. Shri Krishna Govinda Hare Murare, Hey Nata Narayana Vasudeva !!
श्री कृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारे | हे नाथ नारायण वासुदेव
2. Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram Ram Naraynam Janaki Vallabham !!
अच्चुतम केशवं कृष्ण दामोदरं, राम नारायणं जानकी बल्लभम ।
3. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare; Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!!
हरे राम हरे रामा, रामा राम हरे हरे,
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्णा ,कृष्णा कृष्णा हरे हरे,
4. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!!
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः
At last some pictures from Hindu Mandir Vienna(HMA) where Janamastmi was celebrated on 7th Sep 2023 with full of devotion.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the author are solely that of the author and do not reflect the views, thoughts, opinions, or policies of the HRÖ.
Share This BLOG