Krishna-Jayanthi

The Greatness of Krishna and His Teachings

Krishna is one of the most popular and beloved deities in Hinduism. He is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and protector of the universe. He was born in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva, who were persecuted by the tyrant King Kamsa. He was secretly taken to Gokula, where he was raised by his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda. He grew up as a charming and mischievous cowherd boy who played with his friends and gopis (cowherd girls) in Vrindavan. He performed many miraculous deeds, such as killing demons, lifting the Govardhan hill, stealing butter, and playing the flute. He also revealed his cosmic form to his devotee Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he delivered the Bhagavad Gita, the essence of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

Krishna's life and teachings inspire millions of people across the world to follow the path of dharma (righteousness), bhakti (devotion), karma (action), and jnana (knowledge). He taught us how to live harmoniously with ourselves, others, and nature. He taught us to love unconditionally, serve selflessly, act skillfully, and surrender completely to God. He taught us to be free from attachment, fear, anger, greed, and ego. He taught us how to be happy and peaceful in any situation. He taught us how to be a true friends, a loyal partner, a compassionate leader, and a humble servant. He taught us how to be human and divine at the same time.

How Krishna Jayanthi is Celebrated in Various Ways

Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus worldwide. The festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada (August-September) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival coincides with the Rohini Nakshatra (star), considered auspicious for Krishna's birth. The festival lasts two days, with different rituals and customs followed each day. 

On the first day, devotees observe a fast from sunrise to midnight, when Krishna is believed to have been born. They perform puja (worship) at their homes or temples, offering flowers, fruits, sweets, clothes, and jewelry to the idol or picture of baby Krishna. They also chant mantras, sing bhajans (devotional songs), read scriptures, listen to stories, and watch dance dramas based on Krishna's life. They decorate their houses with rangoli (colored patterns), lamps, flags, and balloons. They also draw footprints of baby Krishna from the entrance to the puja room or cradle, symbolizing his arrival. They also rock the cradle gently and ring bells at midnight to welcome him.

On the second day, devotees break their fast after offering prayers and food to Krishna. They also celebrate Dahi Handi (pot of yogurt), a fun-filled event where young men form human pyramids to reach a pot filled with yogurt or butter hung high from a rope or pole. This is done to recreate Krishna's childhood prank of stealing butter from the gopis' houses. The person who breaks the pot on top of the pyramid is called Govinda or Krishna himself. The contents are spilled over the participants and spectators as a sign of joy and blessing. The event is accompanied by music, dance, cheering, and laughter.

The Benefits of Observing Krishna Jayanthi with Devotion and Faith

Krishna Jayanthi is not only a festival of celebration but also a festival of transformation. By observing Krishna Jayanthi with devotion and faith, we can experience many benefits in our lives, such as:

Spiritual growth: By fasting, praying, chanting, singing, and meditating on Krishna’s name and form, we can purify our minds and hearts from all impurities and distractions. We can also awaken our love and devotion for Krishna, the source of all bliss and knowledge. We can also receive his grace and guidance in our spiritual journey. 

Material prosperity: By offering flowers, fruits, sweets, clothes, and jewelry to Krishna, we can express our gratitude and generosity to him, the owner and provider of everything. We can also attract his blessings and abundance in our material life. We can also learn to use our wealth and resources for good causes and service to others.

Physical health: By fasting from sunrise to midnight, we can detoxify our body and improve our digestion and metabolism. We can also boost our immunity and vitality by eating healthy food after breaking the fast. We can also enhance physical fitness by dancing and playing during the Garba and Dandiya events.

Mental peace: By listening to the stories and teachings of Krishna, we can gain wisdom and insight into the mysteries of life. Following his examples and advice, we can also learn to cope with stress, anxiety, fear, anger, and other negative emotions. We can also experience joy and happiness by sharing our feelings and experiences with family and friends. 

Social harmony: By participating in Garba and Dandiya events with people from different backgrounds and regions, we can foster a sense of unity, diversity, and tolerance among ourselves. We can also respect and appreciate each other’s culture and traditions. We can also spread goodwill and friendship among ourselves.

These are some benefits of observing Krishna Jayanthi with devotion and faith. By doing so, we can transform ourselves into better human beings and divine beings at the same time. 

Krishna Jayanti Date 2023 and Pooja Timings

The 2023 Krishna Jayanti date is Monday, September 6th, and Tuesday, September 7th, per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada (August-September) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival coincides with the Rohini Nakshatra (star), considered auspicious for Krishna’s birth.

The pooja timings for Krishna Jayanti 2023 are as follows:

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 10:37 AM on September 6th
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:48 PM on September 7th
• Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 5:27 AM on September 7th
• Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 8:06 AM on September 8th
• Nishita Puja Time: 11:57 PM to 12:48 AM on September 7th
• Midnight Moment: 12:23 AM on September 7th

The Nishita Puja Time is the most auspicious time to perform the pooja for Krishna Jayanti, as Krishna was believed to be born at midnight on this day. According to legend, the Midnight Moment is the exact time when Krishna was born.

Krishna Jayanthi Pooja Procedure

You can perform the pooja at your home or temple by following these steps:

• Clean your house and decorate it with rangoli (colored patterns), lamps, flags, and balloons.
• Prepare a cradle or a basket for baby Krishna and place an idol or a picture of him in it.
• Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, clothes, jewelry, butter, milk, curd, honey, and water to Krishna.
• Chant mantras, sing bhajans (devotional songs), read scriptures, listen to stories, and watch dance dramas based on Krishna’s life.
• Draw baby Krishna's footprints from the puja room entrance or cradle, symbolizing his arrival.
• Rock the cradle gently and ring bells at midnight to welcome him.

Contact Sulekha Astro Services for More Guidance on Krishna Jayanthi

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