Shri Krishna Janmashtami Seva

Story of Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the divine birth of  Bhagwan Shri  Krishna, the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Bhagwan Vishnu, who appeared over 5,000 years ago in Mathura, India, to restore dharma (righteousness) and vanquish evil.

The Legend

King Kamsa of Mathura was a cruel tyrant. When his sister Devaki married Vasudeva, a divine prophecy declared that her eighth son would be the cause of Kamsa’s downfall. In fear, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and began killing their children one by one.

At midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month Bhadrapada, Bhagwan Shri Krishna was born in the prison. Miraculously, the prison guards fell asleep, and the chains and doors broke open. Vasudeva, guided by divine intervention, carried baby Krishna across the flooded Yamuna River to Gokul, to the home of Nanda and Yashoda, where he was raised in secrecy.

As Krishna grew up, he displayed divine powers and miracles, ultimately defeating Kamsa and restoring peace in the region.

Spiritual Significance of Janmashtami

• Victory of Good over Evil: Krishna’s birth symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and righteousness over tyranny.
• Divine Love: His leelas (divine play) with Radha and the gopis (cowherd girls) symbolize pure, unconditional love and devotion.
• Bhagavad Gita Wisdom: Shri Krishna is the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata and the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important spiritual texts, teaching us about karma, devotion, and self-realization.
• Birth of Hope: Just as Krishna was born in the darkest night, his birth represents the idea that divine grace appears even in our darkest moments.

Benefits of Observing Janmashtami

1. Spiritual Purification: Fasting, chanting, and meditating on Bhagwan Shri Krishna purify the mind and soul, helping devotees progress spiritually.
2. Inner Peace and Joy: Devotional activities like bhajans, kirtans, and reading the Bhagavad Gita bring peace, clarity, and emotional balance.
3. Discipline and Devotion: Fasting (upavasa) cultivates self-control, discipline, and a deeper focus on the divine.
4. Karma Cleansing: It is believed that observing Janmashtami with sincerity and devotion helps reduce negative karma and brings positive energy.
5. Family and Cultural Bonding: Participating in Janmashtami celebrations strengthens family ties, cultural values, and transmits traditions to the next generation.

How Devotees Observe Janmashtami

• Fasting till midnight (Krishna’s birth time)
• Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Krishna idols with milk, honey, and ghee
• Singing devotional songs and bhajans
• Reciting or listening to the Bhagavad Gita
• Re-enacting Krishna’s leelas through dramas (Ras Leela) and dahi-handi events
• Midnight aarti and prasad distribution