Introduction

Krishna Janmashtami is a significant festival for Hindus worldwide, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.  On this auspicious day, people worship Lord with great devotion and dedication. We will discuss the benefits of Krishna Janmashtami puja and the vidhis to perform it.

History of Krishna Janmashtami:

The story of Krishna Janmashtami dates back to ancient times, to the era of Lord Krishna’s birth. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in the prison of Mathura to Devaki and Vasudev.

It was prophesized that Devaki’s eighth child would kill her brother, Kansa, who was the tyrant ruler of Mathura. To prevent this prophecy from coming true, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev and killed their seven children.

However, when Lord Krishna was born, a series of miracles occurred. The prison doors opened on their own, and Vasudev was able to take Lord Krishna to Gokul, where Yashoda and Nanda raised him.

Lord Krishna grew up to be a divine personality who preached love, peace, and righteousness. He is considered one of the most significant deities in Hinduism and is revered by millions of people worldwide.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna and the miracles that happened during his birth. It is a time to celebrate his teachings and the joy he brought to the world.

Significance of Krishna Janmashtami:

The festival of Krishna Janmashtami holds great significance for the followers of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm all over the country. Here are some of the significant reasons why Krishna Janmashtami is important:

1. Celebration of Lord Krishna’s Birth: Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. It is a time to rejoice in the birth of a deity who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
2. Display of Devotion: Krishna Janmashtami is a display of devotion and love towards Lord Krishna. It is an opportunity for devotees to show gratitude and devotion towards their beloved deity.
3. Teachings of Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna’s teachings of love, peace, and righteousness are still relevant today. Janmashtami is a time to remember and reflect on his teachings and apply them to our lives.
4. Unity and Harmony: Krishna Janmashtami brings people of all communities and backgrounds together. It promotes unity, harmony, and a sense of brotherhood among people.
5. Rituals and Puja: Krishna Janmashtami is a time to perform rituals and puja to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna. The puja is performed with various vidhis and mantras to attain inner peace and prosperity.

Benefits of Krishna Janmashtami Puja:

Krishna Janmashtami puja has numerous benefits, some of which are as follows:

1. Blessings of Lord Krishna: Krishna Janmashtami puja helps to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna. It is believed that by performing the puja with devotion and dedication, one can get the blessings of Lord Krishna, which can help in leading a happy and prosperous life.
2. Removal of Obstacles: Worshipping Lord Krishna on Janmashtami can help in removing the obstacles from the life of the devotees. It is believed that Lord Krishna can remove all the hurdles and difficulties from the life of his devotees.
3. Inner Peace and Happiness: Krishna Janmashtami puja can help in attaining inner peace and happiness. It is believed that by performing the puja with devotion and dedication, one can attain the peace of mind and happiness that can help in leading a fulfilled life.
4. Protection from Evil: Worshipping Lord Krishna on Janmashtami can help in protecting oneself from evil forces. It is believed that Lord Krishna can protect his devotees from all negative energies and evil forces.
5. Good Health and Longevity: Krishna Janmashtami puja can also help in attaining good health and longevity. It is believed that by performing the puja with devotion and dedication, one can attain good health and long life.

Astronomical Significance of Krishna Janmashtami:

Krishna Janmashtami also has astronomical significance, and it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, which is the beginning of the Rohini Nakshatra.

The Rohini Nakshatra is one of the twenty-seven nakshatras in Vedic astrology, and it is associated with growth, prosperity, and abundance.

According to Vedic astrology, the position of the stars and planets at the time of birth has a significant influence on one’s life. As Lord Krishna was born during the Rohini Nakshatra, it is believed that those born under this Nakshatra will be blessed with prosperity and good fortune.

In addition to the Rohini Nakshatra, the position of the moon on Janmashtami also holds significance. The moon is believed to be in its full glory on the day of Janmashtami, and it is said that the moon’s energy enhances the spiritual significance of the day.

Furthermore, Janmashtami also marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Bhadrapada, which is considered to be a highly auspicious month for spiritual growth and progress.

Time and Tithi of Krishna Janmashtami 2023:

Krishna Janmashtami falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in August or September.

The celebration of Janmashtami is centred around the midnight birth of Lord Krishna, and therefore, the festivities start late in the evening and continue into the early hours of the morning. In 2023, the auspicious time for puja will start at 11:56 pm on August 30th and will continue until 12:46 am on August 31st.

The devotees typically observe a fast on Janmashtami, and the fast-breaking, or ‘Parana,’ happens only after the puja at midnight. The fast-breaking time or ‘Parana’ is between 6:28 am to 9:05 am on August 31st.

It is essential to note that the timing of Janmashtami may vary slightly depending on the location and the lunar cycle. However, the core of the celebration remains the same – the worship of Lord Krishna and the celebration of his birth with utmost devotion and enthusiasm.

Things to keep in mind for Krishna Janmashtami:

Here are some things to keep in mind before the auspicious day of Krishna Janmashtami arrives:

Vrat Vidhi :

The vrat vidhi begins early in the morning, with the devotee taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. They then perform puja and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The puja involves the recitation of mantras and hymns, and the offering of flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.

During the fast, devotees can consume fruits, milk, and other light items. However, they must abstain from grains and lentils. Some people also opt for a complete fast, where they do not consume anything, not even water.

Puja Vidhi:

The puja vidhi for Janmashtami involves several rituals, and it is important to follow them with devotion and dedication. It is advisable to consult a priest or an expert in Vedic rituals to perform the puja correctly.

Decorating the House:

Decorating the house with flowers, rangolis, and lights is an important part of Janmashtami celebrations.

Keeping the House Clean:

It is important to keep the house clean and free from clutter on Janmashtami. A clean and organized house attracts positive energy and creates a peaceful environment for puja and meditation.

Dahi Handi on Krishna Janmashtami :

The pyramid can go as high as 40 feet, and the participants of the pyramid, also known as Govindas, climb on top of each other to reach the pot. The tradition of breaking the curd-filled pot symbolizes the playful nature of Lord Krishna.

Samagri and the cost to perform the Krishna Janmashtami Puja:

The cost of these items may vary based on the quality and availability of the products.

It is essential to note that the most important aspect of Janmashtami puja is devotion and not the cost of the items used during the puja. One can perform puja with whatever items are available to them.