Krishna Janmashtami - 2019

Krishna Janmashtami - 2019

Sri Krishnajanmashtami Puja:

Whenver there arose an imbalance between the Right and the Wrong, the Good and Evil and when evil gained strength over the good and right, Lord incarnated in different forms to annihilate the wrong, reinstate Dharma. Amongst all incarnations of Lord Mahavishnu, Sri Krishna avatara is considered most significant, i.e., Purnavatara, along with Ramavatara . In Krishnavatara, Lord demonstrated to the world the greatness of performance of one’s duties. Living in this world for 125 years, through His graceful actions, Lord reinstated dharma and showed modes of leading an exemplified life. Even at the time of His birth, He revealed that he was God incarnate.

Kamsa the son of Ugrasena the king of Mathura was the brother of Devaki who was married to the Yadava chieftain Vasudeva. Lord incarnated as the Eighth son born to Vasudeva and Devaki.

Kamsa was preinformed by a divine voice that this eighth child would be the cause of his death. So he had kept Devaki and Vasudeva in prison under tight vigilance of his security gaurds. But who could stop the Lord from playing his leelas. Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi corresponding to Rohini Nakshatra in the Krishnapaksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana.

Vasudeva carried Krishna under the divine protection to Gokulam and entrusted the little Krishna to his friend Nanda Gopa and his wife Yashoda.

This jubilant Ashtami Day when Krishna was born is celebrated as Krishnashtami. Because he was thought of to be born in Gokula, this day is also known as Gokulashtami.

After taking bath, drawing rangoli on clean ground , installing an idol of Krishna made of gold or silver or panchaloha (an alloy of five metals) or clay, as is within one’s capacity and decorating it, puja should be performed systematically. Drawing small footprints commencing from the entrance of the house up to the place where the idol is kept is also a part of the tradition. It is believed that Krishna is born in every home.

As a part of puja, Sri Krishana ashtottara (108 names) and Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) are recited. Puja is commemorated with singing of bhajans (group singing of devotional songs), namasankirtana etc. wherein the entire family participates.

As a part of the naivedya (offerings) puffed rice (aval) and butter are offered as special items. Sweet cheedai , salted cheedai, murukku, appam (sweets & savouries) vada, kheer, milk pongal, milk, curd, fruits, coconut, betel leaves, areca nut are also offered. It is considered very special to distribute the prasada to small children and offer gifts to Brahmins.

Decoration and archana with Parijata flower (Pavazhamalli) Nandyavarta flower and Tulsi leaves is preferable.

Recital of the Chapter relating to the birth of Krishna in Srimad Bhagavata or Narayaneeya would lead to great merits.

Generally, couple without a progeny pray and observe “Santana Gopala Krishna Vrata “on this day.

Beginning with Avahana (invocation), archana, naivedya and namasankirtana is done throughout the night. On the next day after taking bath, punahpuja is performed.

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami and Srijayanti is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated across the length and breadth of India with great enthusiasm. The birth of Lord Krishna was for the establishment of the righteous path and to restoration of the Vedic Dharma in its pristine form. Born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada month, Lord Krishna is the epitome of Right Thinking, Enterprise and Success. By worshipping the Lord with due diligence, one is assured of all these and much more. This puja is especially beneficial for those who seek progeny, as the Lord is invoked as Santanagopala.

Fasting Rules on Krishna Janmashtami:

No grains should be consumed during Janmashtami fasting until the fast is broken on next day after Sunrise. All rules followed during Ekadashi fasting should be followed during Janmashtami fasting also.

Parana which means breaking the fast should be done at an appropriate time. For Krishna Janmashtami fasting, Parana is done on next day after Sunrise when Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over. If Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra don't get over before Sunset then fast can be broken during day time when either Ashtami Tithi or Rohini Nakshatra is over. When neither Ashtami Tithi nor Rohini Nakshatra is over before Sunset or even Hindu Midnight (also known as Nishita Time) one should wait to get them over before breaking the fast.

Depending on end timing of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra fasting on Krishna Janmashtami might continue for two complete days. Devotees who are not able to follow two days fasting might break the fast on next day after Sunrise. It has been suggested by Hindu religious text Dharmasindhu.