Shri Krishna Janmashtami
Saturday 5th Sept. 2015
The birthday of Hinduism's preferred Lord (bhagwan) Krishna is a special day for
Hindus, who believe him their guide, hero, guard, thinker, educator plus
supporter all rolled into one.
Krishna got birth at nighttime on the ashtami or the eighth day of the
Krishnapaksha or dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan
(August-September). This propitious day known as Janmashtami. Indian along with
Western scholars have now accepted the period between 3200 and 3100 BC as the
period where Lord (bhagwan) Krishna lived on earth.
How can Hindus celebrate Janmashtami?
The devotees of Lord (bhagwan) Krishna observe fast for the entire day and
night, worshipping him and keeping vigil with the night while taking note of his
tales and exploits, recite hymns (shloka) from the Gita, sing devotional songs,
and chant the mantra Om namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Krishna's birthplace Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate this occasion with great
ceremony and show. Raslilas or religious plays are performed to recreate
incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha.
Song and dance mark the celebration of this festive occasion throughout northern
India. At midnight, the statue of infant Krishna is bathed and placed in a
cradle, that is rocked, amidst the blowing of conch shells and also the ringing
of bells.
In the south western state of Maharashtra, people enact the god's childhood
attempts to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach. The same
pot is suspended high above the ground and communities of youngsters form human
pyramids to try and reach the pot and break it and this is called Dahi-handi.
The town of Dwarka in Gujarat, Krishna's own land, comes alive with major celebrations as hordes of tourists flock to the town.
Fasting Rules on Krishna Janmashtami
No grains needs to be consumed during Janmashtami fasting until the fast is
broken on next day after Sunrise. All rules followed during Ekadashi fasting
ought to be taken throughout Janmashtami fasting also.
Parana which suggests breaking the fast ought to be done at proper time. For
Krishna Janmashtami fasting, Parana is completed on next day after Sunrise when
Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over. If Ashtami Tithi and Rohini
Nakshatra aren't getting over before Sunset then fast is usually broken
throughout day time when either Ashtami Tithi or Rohini Nakshatra is over. When
neither Ashtami Tithi nor Rohini Nakshatra is over before Sunset or just Hindu
Midnight (also referred to as Nishita Time) you need to wait to have them over
before breaking the fast.
According to end timing of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra fasting on Krishna
Janmashtami might continue for two complete days. Devotees who're unable to
follow two days fasting might break the fast on next day after Sunrise. It is
suggested by Hindu sacred book Dharmasindhu.
Perform below sadhana on Janmashtami
Vashikaran Sadhana/ Puja/Yantra