Janamashtami [also known as Krishna ashtami or Gokul ashtami] is a festival dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and commemorates his birth.
Krishna's birthday falls on the eight day [Ashtami of Krishna Paksh] of a lunar fortnight i.e. 8th day after Raksha Bandhan; hence it is named as [Krishna + Ashtami] which comes sometime in August- Sept and is celebrated over two days.
The first day is Krishna ashtami or Gokul ashtami. The second day is called Kaal ashtami or more popularly Janam ashtami.
At midnight between the first and second days the birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. Delicacies are prepared from milk and curds that Krishna loved. The temples all over the world witness an extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle, amidst the blowing of the Shankh [conch shell] and the ringing of bells. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion.
Shri Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the most popular avatar and all other deities are regarded as his manifestation. His story and his exploits [leela] are numerous and very well known. To the Hindu, he is the supreme statesman, warrior, hero, philosopher, teacher and God himself.
No comments:
Post a Comment