Janmashtami is one of the most cherished festivals in India. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a divine figure who is revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Krishna’s life and teachings have left an everlasting impact on Indian culture, and his birth is remembered with great devotion and joy every year during Janmashtami.
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is celebrated on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar. This usually falls in August or September. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm across India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
The day is significant because it marks the arrival of Lord Krishna, who was born to rid the world of evil and spread the message of love and righteousness. Krishna is known for his playful pranks as a child, his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, and his role in the epic Mahabharata. He is a symbol of love, compassion, and wisdom, making his birth a momentous occasion in the Hindu tradition.
The Story of Lord Krishna’s Birth
The story of the birth of Lord Krishna is a tale filled with drama, miracles, and divine intervention. Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva. However, his birth was not ordinary, as his life was in danger right from the moment he was born.
Devaki was the sister of King Kamsa, a tyrant who ruled Mathura with cruelty. It was foretold that Devaki’s eighth son would be the one to kill Kamsa. This prophecy terrified Kamsa, and he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva, determined to kill all their children to protect his life. One by one, Kamsa killed Devaki’s six sons. The seventh pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, but this was due to divine intervention, as the embryo was transferred to Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva, who gave birth to Balarama.
When Devaki became pregnant for the eighth time, the atmosphere was tense. Both Devaki and Vasudeva knew the child was destined to be great, but they also feared for his life. On the night of Krishna’s birth, something miraculous happened. The chains that bound Vasudeva broke, the prison doors opened, and the guards fell into a deep sleep. Vasudeva took this opportunity to save his son.
Carrying baby Krishna in a basket, Vasudeva crossed the Yamuna River, which parted its waters to give him a safe passage. He reached the house of his friend, Nanda, in Gokul. Nanda and his wife Yashoda were unaware of Krishna’s divine origin. They gladly accepted the baby as their own, while Vasudeva returned to the prison with Yashoda’s newborn daughter.
When Kamsa came to know about the birth, he rushed to kill the child. However, the baby girl slipped out of his hands and transformed into Goddess Yogmaya, who warned him that his end was near and that the child he feared was already safe in Gokul. This incident left Kamsa terrified, but he continued his reign of terror, unaware that Krishna was growing up in a nearby village, ready to fulfill the prophecy.
Celebrations of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated with great zeal and devotion across India. The day begins with fasting, which is broken only at midnight, the time when Krishna is believed to have been born. Devotees visit temples, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and read from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures. The temples are beautifully decorated, and the idol of baby Krishna is bathed in milk, honey, and water, then dressed in new clothes and jewelry.
One of the most popular rituals during Janmashtami is the ‘Dahi Handi’ celebration, especially in Maharashtra. This event commemorates Krishna’s love for butter and curd. Groups of young men form human pyramids to reach and break an earthen pot filled with curd, which is hung high above the ground. This lively event is a highlight of the festival and draws large crowds.
In Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood, Janmashtami is celebrated with unmatched grandeur. The temples in these cities come alive with special prayers, dramas depicting Krishna’s life, and devotional singing that continues throughout the night. The energy and devotion in these places are palpable, making it a memorable experience for devotees.
The Teachings of Lord Krishna
The story of the birth of Lord Krishna is not just about the miraculous events surrounding his arrival; it is also about the profound teachings he imparted throughout his life. Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita are a guiding light for millions of people worldwide. He taught the principles of Dharma (righteousness), Karma (duty), and Bhakti (devotion).
One of Krishna’s key teachings is about the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. He emphasized the need to stay balanced in success and failure, pleasure and pain. Krishna also spoke about the imperishable soul, which neither takes birth nor dies, and the need to rise above material desires to attain true peace and happiness.
Krishna’s life is a perfect example of living with purpose and compassion. His playful childhood, his role as a friend and guide to the Pandavas, and his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita all reflect his wisdom and love for humanity. Even today, his teachings inspire people to live a life of virtue, courage, and devotion.
Conclusion
Janmashtami is not just a festival; it is a celebration of the divine presence of Lord Krishna in our lives. The story of his birth is a reminder of the victory of good over evil and the power of divine grace. As we celebrate this auspicious day, we remember the timeless teachings of Krishna and strive to live by them in our daily lives.
Curious Kasturi hopes that this Janmashtami brings you peace, joy, and a deeper connection with the divine. As you participate in the festivities, take a moment to reflect on the story of the birth of Lord Krishna and the values he stood for. May his blessings guide you on the path of righteousness and fill your life with love and happiness.
Happy Janmashtami!
