Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (Purnimanta)/Shravan (Amanta), Janmashtami holds a deep spiritual significance as it marks the arrival of divine wisdom and joy into the world through Lord Krishna, who is often associated with divine playfulness and profound philosophical insights and who is celebrated as a symbol of love, joy, and divine ecstasy.
Astrologically….
Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth lunar day, and honoring him in his infant/child form, Bal Gopal, on any Ashtami during the waning phase of the moon cleanses negative karmas tied to rebirth.
It is said that by honoring deities associated with specific Tithis (lunar days), influenced by certain planets, one can mitigate the adverse effects of malefic planets, which are known to bring misfortune, and enhance the beneficial impacts of auspicious planets that positively influence life.
The Ashtami Tithi, beginning on the evening of August 26th is governed by Rahu, making it an opportune time to engage in practices that appease Rahu, offering a potent remedy for overcoming its challenges.
Timings
Germany – Aug 26, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 12:09 AM on Aug 26, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 10:49 PM on Aug 26, 2024
New Delhi, India – Aug 26, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 03:39 AM on Aug 26, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 02:19 AM on Aug 27, 2024
New York, USA – Aug 26, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 06:09 PM on Aug 25, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 04:49 PM on Aug 26, 2024
For local timings and personalized rituals according to your birth chart download the align27 app.
Rituals and Personal Practices
- Mantra Chanting: Begin the day by chanting the mantra “Aum Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.” This powerful invocation can be chanted 108 times or sung as a bhajan to connect with the divine energy of Lord Krishna.
- Scriptural Reading: Reading from the sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam can deepen your understanding and connection to Lord Krishna’s teachings.
- Satsang and Musical Celebration: Since Lord Krishna epitomizes joy and celebration, engaging in a Satsang or getting together with friends and family to sing devotional songs is highly encouraged.
- Light a Lamp: Traditionally, a lamp is lit facing the east. This signifies wisdom, driving away the darkness of ignorance.
- Panchamrit: If you have an idol of Lord Krishna, you can perform a ritualistic bath using Panchamrit, a mixture of five sacred ingredients: Milk, Butter, Ghee, Honey, and Yoghurt. “Pancha” means five and “Amrit” means the Elixir of Gods.
- Offering Fragrance: Light an incense stick or apply chandan (sandalwood) to the idol to offer fragrance as a form of respect to Lord Krishna.
- Food Offerings: Krishna had a fondness for dairy products and sweets. Offer butter, milk products, sweets, and rice as a mark of devotion.
- Meditate or Listen to Flute Music: Close the rituals by meditating or listening to flute music, which was Lord Krishna’s favored instrument, to center your mind and connect with inner peace.
The Spiritual Significance of Janmashtami by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“Janmashtami is the day when we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna (the eighth incarnation (avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu).
Lord Krishna signifies “Ananda” (bliss or pure happiness). We express happiness through celebration. So, Janmashtami is celebrating the birth of Bliss. It is the day when that (divine) joy manifests.
Devaki (Lord Krishna’s mother) represents the physical body, while Vasudeva (Lord Krishna’s father) represents the Prana (the vital life-force). So when the Prana flows through the body, then Ananda (bliss, represented by Lord Krishna) is born. But at that time, the ego (represented by Kamsa, Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle and an evil King) wants to destroy the bliss. Where there is joy, there cannot be ego. Lord Krishna is the symbol of love and joy. Love, happiness and naturalness are the greatest enemies of the ego. And what does Lord Krishna represent? He is the symbol of happiness, joy and being natural. He is the very source of bliss. This is why there is a war between ego and love, because ego melts and disappears when love dawns within.
Kamsa represents the ego, and ego is born along with the birth of the body. Devaki (the body) is Kamsa’s sister. When Lord Krishna was born in the prison cell, all the prison guards fell asleep. When there is no happiness and joy (Lord Krishna), the body feels like a prison. So when love (Lord Krishna) was born in this prison (body), all the senses (symbolized by the prison guards) fell asleep.
The five senses – the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin – are the guards of the body, and they always look outwards for joy. They are actually the guards of Kamsa (ego). So they fall asleep when one turns inwards towards the source of joy, the bliss that is born within (Lord Krishna). Now after being born, Lord Krishna had to be taken to another place for the sake of protection and safety (from Kamsa). So Lord Krishna went to Vrindavana after being born, to the house of Nanda and Devi Yashoda. So when you look deeper into these stories, you will be able to understand their greater spiritual meanings and values.”
– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
As you immerse in the divine melody of flute music or meditate, embrace the peace and joy that Janmashtami brings into your life.
Ready to celebrate? Let the joy of Krishna fill your heart and home!
🌼 Happy Janmashtami! 🌼
