Why and how Krishna Janmashtami celebrated

The Divine Midnight Hour: Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami - Birth, Escape, and Eternal Love Janmashtami isn't just a festival; it's a cosmic celebration echoing through millennia. It marks the descent of divinity into the darkest hour, a beacon of hope born in chains, destined to shatter tyranny. This is the story of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, whose birth (Janma) on Ashtami (the eighth day) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August/September) is commemorated with unparalleled devotion and fervor across the globe. Let's delve deep into the timeless tale, the profound significance, and the vibrant celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami.

Who is Lord Krishna? The Supreme Personality

To understand Janmashtami, we must first grasp the essence of Krishna. He is not merely a historical figure or a mythological hero. In Hindu Dharma, Krishna is revered as:

1. Purna Avatar (The Complete Incarnation): While Lord Vishnu takes avatars to restore cosmic balance (Dharma), Krishna is considered the most complete manifestation – embodying the divine in its fullest glory: wisdom, power, love, playfulness, and supreme consciousness.

2. The Supreme Personality of Godhead (Bhagavan): Scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam present Krishna as the ultimate source of all existence, the supreme controller, and the object of ultimate devotion (Bhakti).

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4. The Divine Teacher: His timeless discourse to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the Bhagavad Gita, forms the philosophical bedrock for millions, addressing duty (Dharma), righteousness, detachment, and the path to liberation (Moksha).

5. The Enchanting Cowherd (Makhan Chor): His childhood and youth in Vrindavan, filled with divine pastimes – stealing butter (Makhan), playing the flute, performing miraculous feats, and sharing unconditional love with the Gopis (cowherd maidens) and his devotees – showcase the accessible, loving aspect of the divine.

6. The Protector of Dharma: Throughout his life, Krishna actively intervened to destroy evil forces like Kamsa, Jarasandha, and ultimately, the adharmic Kauravas in the Mahabharata war, establishing the supremacy of righteousness.

Krishna embodies the paradox of the divine: simultaneously transcendent and immanent, the mighty cosmic lord and the intimate friend, the strict teacher and the playful child. Janmashtami celebrates this multifaceted divinity entering our world.

The Prophecy and the Tyrant: Setting the Stage for a Divine Birth

The story of Krishna's birth is inextricably linked to the reign of terror inflicted by his maternal uncle, Kamsa, the king of Mathura.

• The Ominous Prophecy: During the grand wedding procession of his beloved sister, Devaki, to the noble Yadava prince, Vasudeva, Kamsa himself chose to drive their chariot. Suddenly, a celestial voice (Akashvani) thundered a chilling prophecy: "O Foolish Kamsa! The eighth child born to Devaki will be your destroyer!"

• Descent into Darkness: Consumed by fear and paranoia, the once-possibly-decent Kamsa transformed into a monstrous tyrant. His immediate instinct was to kill Devaki on the spot. Vasudeva intervened desperately, promising to hand over every newborn child to Kamsa, hoping to appease him and spare Devaki's life. Kamsa agreed but imprisoned them both in the dungeons of Mathura, shackling them with heavy chains.

• A Reign of Terror: True to his word, but driven by escalating madness, Kamsa systematically murdered each of Devaki's first six newborns the moment they were born. The atmosphere in Mathura grew thick with fear and despair. The seventh child, miraculously transferred by divine intervention from Devaki's womb to that of Rohini (Vasudeva's first wife) in Vrindavan, was Balarama – Krishna's elder brother and eternal companion.

The Divine Midnight: Krishna's Birth in Chains

The stage was set for the most extraordinary birth in cosmic history. Devaki conceived her eighth child. The air crackled with divine energy and palpable dread.

• The Auspicious Night: It was a dark, stormy night – the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada. Thunder roared, lightning illuminated the grim prison cell, and torrential rain lashed Mathura. The divine moment approached midnight.

• The Descent of the Supreme: As the clock struck midnight, amidst this celestial symphony, the prison cell was suddenly bathed in an unearthly, brilliant light. The divine consciousness of Lord Vishnu descended into the heart of Devaki. In that instant, Lord Krishna manifested in his divine infant form. He was not born in the ordinary way; he revealed himself.

• Four-Armed Vishnu: Scriptures describe the newborn infant initially appearing in his majestic four-armed Vishnu form, adorned with the divine symbols – the conch (Shankha), discus (Sudarshana Chakra), mace (Gada), and lotus (Padma) – radiating supreme power and benevolence. He reassured his awestruck parents, Devaki and Vasudeva.

• The Command: The divine infant instructed Vasudeva: "Father, fear not. Take me across the Yamuna to Gokul. There, in the house of Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda Maiya, a baby girl has just been born. Bring her here and leave me safely with them. I will protect you."

The Miraculous Escape: A Father's Perilous Journey

What followed is a tale of divine orchestration, unwavering faith, and a father's desperate love.

1. Chains of Iron, Will of God: As Krishna commanded, the heavy iron shackles binding Vasudeva miraculously fell away. The prison doors, locked and guarded, swung open silently of their own accord. The guards, overcome by a divine slumber (Yoga Nidra), lay in deep sleep.

2. Vasudeva's Resolve: Cradling the divine infant in a small basket, Vasudeva stepped out into the tempestuous night. His heart pounded with fear for his child and the weight of his mission.

3. Yamuna's Submission: The raging Yamuna river, swollen by the torrential rains, blocked his path. As Vasudeva, knee-deep in water and despair, prayed for guidance, Krishna revealed his divinity. The infant touched the turbulent waters with his tiny foot. Miraculously, the river parted, creating a dry path for Vasudeva to walk across safely. Some traditions also speak of Sheshnag, the divine serpent serving as Vishnu's couch, rising to provide shelter with his hoods, protecting the infant from the relentless rain.

4. Arrival in Gokul: Guided by divine grace, Vasudeva navigated the storm and reached Gokul. The entire village was asleep. He found Nanda and Yashoda's house and silently entered the room where Yashoda lay exhausted after giving birth to a baby girl. She was in deep sleep.

5. The Heart-Wrenching Swap: With trembling hands and a heart heavy with the agony of imminent separation, Vasudeva placed his divine son, Krishna, gently beside the sleeping Yashoda. He picked up her newborn daughter, placed her in his basket, and stole one last, longing look at his infant son. This act, swapping the children, was a sacrifice born of profound love and obedience to the divine will.

6. Return to the Dungeon: Vasudeva retraced his perilous journey. The Yamuna parted again, the prison doors opened silently, he placed the baby girl beside the sleeping Devaki, and the shackles reattached themselves. The guards awoke, oblivious to the divine drama that had unfolded.

Kamsa's Final Blunder and the Divine Protection

• The Illusion Shattered: As dawn broke, the cry of the baby girl (who was none other than the divine goddess Yogamaya) echoed in the prison. The guards rushed to inform Kamsa. The tyrant stormed into the cell, snatched the infant from Devaki's arms, and prepared to dash her against the stone walls.

• The Goddess Revealed: The baby girl slipped from Kamsa's grasp, ascended into the air, and revealed her true form as the radiant Goddess Durga. She laughed scornfully and declared: "O Fool! Your destroyer is already born and safe elsewhere. He lives and will fulfill the prophecy!" With this, she vanished.

• Kamsa's Panic: Consumed by terror and rage, Kamsa ordered the slaughter of all newborn infants across his kingdom. He sent demons like Putana, Trinavarta, Bakasura, and Aghasura to Vrindavan to kill Krishna. But each met their end at the hands (or rather, the divine play) of the infant and young Krishna, showcasing his supreme power even as a child.

• Safe Haven in Vrindavan: Under the loving care of Nanda and Yashoda, Krishna grew up in the idyllic pastures of Vrindavan, surrounded by the unconditional love of the Gopas and Gopis. His divine leelas (pastimes) – stealing butter, subduing serpents, lifting mountains, and enchanting all with his flute – became the foundation of countless devotional traditions.

Celebrating Janmashtami: Joy, Devotion, and Tradition

Janmashtami is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, reflecting different facets of Krishna's life:

1. Fasting (Upavasa): Devotees observe a strict or partial fast until midnight, the moment of Krishna's birth, breaking it with festive Prasad.

2. Midnight Puja (Janmotsav): The pinnacle of celebration. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated. At exactly midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna (Balagopala) is bathed (Abhishek), adorned with new clothes and jewels, placed in a cradle (Jhula), and worshipped amidst the chanting of mantras, bhajans, and the ringing of bells. The sound of "Nand Ghar Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki!" (Joy has come to Nanda's house, Victory to Kanhaiya Lal!) fills the air.

3. Jhulanotsav: In the days leading up to Janmashtami, swings (Jhula) decorated with flowers are set up, and idols of Radha-Krishna are gently swung while devotees sing devotional songs.

4. Dahi Handi (Govinda Aala Re!): Predominantly in Maharashtra, this recreates Krishna's love for butter (Makhan). Young men form human pyramids to reach and break an earthen pot (Handi) filled with curd, butter, and money, suspended high in the air. It symbolizes teamwork, perseverance, and youthful exuberance.

5. Rasa Lila & Bhajan Sandhya: Dramatic performances depicting Krishna's divine pastimes, especially the Rasa Lila (cosmic dance with the Gopis), are staged. Nights are filled with soul-stirring bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (congregational chanting).

6. Feasting (Prasad): Homes prepare a grand feast of Krishna's favorite foods – milk sweets like Peda, Laddoo, Shrikhand, butter (Makhan), curd (Dahi), and savory snacks like Chakli, Murukku, and Poha. Offering these with love is central.

7. Temple Visits & Decorations: Temples dedicated to Krishna are thronged by devotees. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli (floor art), mango leaves (torans), and miniature footprints symbolizing Krishna's entry.

Why Janmashtami Resonates Today: Timeless Lessons

Krishna's birth story and life offer profound, enduring wisdom:

• Hope in Darkness: Born in a prison at midnight, Krishna signifies that divine grace and hope emerge even in the bleakest circumstances. No situation is beyond redemption.

• Triumph of Dharma over Adharma: Krishna's life mission was the destruction of evil like Kamsa and the establishment of righteousness, reminding us to uphold truth and justice.

• Divine Protection: The miraculous escape underscores that the divine protects the sincere devotee. Faith can move mountains (or part rivers!).

• The Power of Selfless Love: The unconditional love of Yashoda and the devotion of the Gopis exemplify the path of Bhakti (devotion) as a means to connect with the divine.

• Detached Action (Karma Yoga): The Bhagavad Gita, given by Krishna, remains the ultimate guide to performing one's duty with dedication but without attachment to results.

• Joy and Celebration of Life: Krishna's playful nature teaches us to embrace life's joys, find wonder in simplicity, and cultivate a light heart.

Beyond Myth: A Historical and Spiritual Beacon

While the divine elements are central to faith, scholars often place Krishna's lifetime around 3200 BCE, coinciding with the late Vedic period and the events leading to the Mahabharata. Places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, and Kurukshetra remain powerful pilgrimage sites, tangible links to his story. Whether viewed through faith or history, Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the eternal principles he embodied.

Celebrate the Divine Within

Krishna Janmashtami is more than commemorating a birth; it's an invitation to awaken the divine consciousness within ourselves – the Krishna consciousness. It's a call to cultivate love, practice righteousness, perform our duties selflessly, find joy in the present, and trust in the divine plan, even amidst life's storms.

FAQs about Krishna Janmashtami

1. When exactly is Janmashtami celebrated?

   • It falls on the Ashtami (8th day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The Gregorian date varies yearly (usually August/September). The exact timing depends on the lunar calendar and regional traditions (Smarta or ISKCON).

2. Why is Krishna called Makhan Chor?

   • "Makhan Chor" means "Butter Thief." It lovingly refers to Krishna's childhood pastime of playfully stealing butter (Makhan) that the Gopis of Vrindavan hung out of his reach. It symbolizes the divine stealing the hearts of devotees.

3. What is the significance of Dahi Handi?

   • Dahi Handi recreates young Krishna and his friends stealing butter. It promotes teamwork, physical fitness, perseverance, and community spirit. The breaking of the pot symbolizes breaking through ego and material obstacles to reach the divine sweetness within.

4. Why do we fast on Janmashtami?

   • Fasting is a form of purification and discipline, helping devotees focus their minds and hearts entirely on Krishna. It signifies detachment from worldly pleasures and offering the discomfort as a sacrifice to the Lord.

5. What is the best way to celebrate Janmashtami at home?

   • Clean and decorate your home/puja area. Fast (as per capacity). Chant Krishna mantras (Hare Krishna, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya). Sing bhajans. Read the Bhagavad Gita or stories from the Bhagavatam. Prepare Krishna's favorite Prasad. Perform a simple midnight puja with an idol or picture, offering flowers, incense, lamp, and food. Gently swing a cradle with the deity. Share Prasad with family and neighbors.

Embrace the Spirit of Janmashtami!

This Krishna Janmashtami, let the sound of the conch and the chanting of "Hare Krishna" fill your heart. Remember the divine child born in darkness to dispel all darkness. Reflect on his teachings. Sing his glories. Share the joy. And strive to embody a fraction of the boundless love, wisdom, and righteousness that Lord Krishna represents. Jai Shri Krishna! Happy Janmashtami!