Janmashtami: The Appearance of Lord Krishna

Janmashtami: The Appearance of Lord Krishna is one of the most beloved Hindu festivals celebrated every year across the whole Nation. In Janmashtami, we celebrate the Birth of Lord Krishna, the Eighth Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is considered to be the most humble and most loveable incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is considered to be the symbol of love, wisdom, and righteousness.

Lord Vishnu has a total of ten Avatars (Incarnation) amongst which Lord Krishna is the eighth one, it is also said that in the Seventh Avatar( Lord Rama) Lord Vishnu gave an example of a man who has always maintained the rules set by the society. Whereas in the Krishna Avatar, Lord Vishnu wanted to give the lesson of living your life to the fullest with no barriers coming in the way of your happiness. Lord Krishna gave the lesson of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta which gives out all the answers to a person’s mental problems. Let’s go ahead in the article to read more about the birth of Lord Krishna.

The Divine Birth of Lord Krishna

According to mythological studies, Lord Krishna was born on the Eighth Day(Ashtami) of the Dark Fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August/September). There are many stories about the miraculous Birth of Lord Krishna, he was born to Vasudev And Mata Devaki in Mathura, India in a Prison. His parents were detained by his uncle King Kansa because, at the time of their marriage, there was an oracle that the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudev will put an end to the cruelty of King Kansa. After this, he was brought to Gokul by his Father Vasudev amidst all the thunder and flood and thereafter he was protected by his Foster Parents Mata Yashoda and Nandbaba(dearest friend of Vasudev). after which he went to Vrindavan with all the people of the town. The stories also consist of the victory of good over evil where he punished the Cruel Kansa. 

Every year lots and lots of devotees get inspired by his mysterious tales. He is the most famous Lord amongst the children as there are many animated shows telling them about the tales of Lord Krishna, his activities in Vrindavan, and also the story of Krishna stealing Makhan(Sweet Butter) from the Houses of the town as Baleela. Krishna is famous for all of his Baleelas. The main attraction of this festival in India is his Birthplace and where he spent his life afterward. 

Janmashtami: The Rituals and Celebrations

 Every year millions of Devotees across the globe celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, as a very joyful festival. People Decorate Temples and houses with immense pleasure and joy. There are decorations with flowers and rangolis and beautiful “Jhankis” come out on the roads giving out vibrant colors and it gives immense pleasure to our souls.

On this day the infant idol of the Lord is worshiped,” Ladoo Gopal”. People worship him not as a Lord but as an infant child who is just born because that “roop” is the most special one. Couples who do not have any child due to any reason consider him to be their child and there are many couples doing the same. It’s not just about the trust in the Lord it’s also about surrendering yourself to Lord Krishna. 

Lord Krishna has put so much impact on people that not only in India but there is also an International Organization named “ISKON” that runs on the motive to provide Krishna Consciousness across the Globe. There are many “ISKON” temples that are decorated as heaven on earth on this day. 

The celebrations of the Festival begin with a fast of the whole day till midnight which is considered to mark the birth of the Lord. Everyone gathers and does Hari Bhajan and sings the Praises of lord Krishna. After midnight when the Lord takes birth his “Abhishek ” ceremonial Bath is done with milk, honey, curd, jaggery, turmeric, water, and Holy water for Purification. Then he is offered ‘Bhog’ including “Makhan”. Vrindavan, Mathura, and Barsana are decorated as Heaven on Earth, with millions of Devotees going there to get inner peace.

Dahi Handi

One of the most antique rituals of the festival is “Dahi Handi” or “Matki Phor”. On this day many Dahi Handi competitions take place in all the different states of India. The competition consists of a Matki filled with Curd(Dahi) hung at an extreme height from the Ground and the competitors make Pyramids to reach there and break the Matki. This event is celebrated because of the love for Makhan of Lord Krishna. This Lively Tradition symbolizes teamwork, camaraderie, and the spirit of overcoming challenges together.

Conclusion

On Janmashtami, we are reminded of the timeless lessons that Lord Krishna taught us in the Bhagavad Gita. His teachings on duty, righteousness, and devotion still serve as an example for people to live honorable lives and follow the path of selfless service. Krishna has always given the teachings of being spiritual and of always giving help to the needy. Many people have a special place in their hearts for Janmashtami, a divine celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. The spirit of Janmashtami inspires a sense of harmony, love, and devotion as devotees immerse themselves in prayers, sing bhajans, and enjoy festivities.

Through this auspicious occasion, people are inspired to follow Lord Krishna’s example of righteousness, compassion, and wisdom while also celebrating the divine. The festival of Janmashtami offers an opportunity for introspection, renewal, and embracing this enduring, well-loved deity’s teachings. The most important life lesson from his life is that we have to be positive in every situation of life either good or bad and have trust in the All Mighty.

This was all for the post. Hope you all enjoyed reading about Lord Krishna and must have taken some amount of inspiration from his life.

Also Read:

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• Top 14 Ganesh Temples in India
• Origin of The Kailasa Temple