Shrikrushna Jayanti

1. Introduction

Shrikrushna was born at midnight, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan. On this day the star, Rohini, was prominent on the horizon and the moon was in the constellation, Taurus.

This day is known as Shrikrushna Jayanti, Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krushnashtami or Gopalkala and the birth of Shrikrushna is celebrated at midnight.

2. Importance

On this day, also known as Janmashtami, Shrikrushna Principle is a thousand times more active when compared with other days. On this day, chanting ''|| Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya ||'' and worshipping Shrikrushna with bhav (Spiritual emotion) helps in obtaining maximum benefit of his principle.

Shrikrushna Namjap !

3. Shrikrushna Janmashtami Vrat

This vrat (Vowed religious observance) is observed on Shravan Krushna 8 and concluded on Shravan Krushna 9 with a vow. The fruits of this vrat are - elimination of demerits, enhancement in happiness, children, wealth and attaining Vaikuntha.

Resolve during Shrikrushna Janmashtami vrat : On the morning of Shravan Krushna 8, after completing the ablutions, the following resolve is made sitting facing the east or north, taking water, flowers and sandalwood paste in the hands.

ममाखिलपापप्रशमनपूर्वक सर्वभीष्टदिद्धये
श्रीकृष्णजन्माष्टमीव्रतमहं करिष्ये |

Meaning : I observe this Shrikrushna Janmashtami vrat for the elimination of all my sins, so that everything is auspicious.

4. Method of celebrating Shrikrushna Jayanti

A fast is observed throughout the day on Shrikrushna Jayanti (Gokulaashtami). After celebrating the birth of Shrikrushna at midnight, the fast is concluded by eating holy sacrament (prasad); or it may be concluded by eating the prasad of dahikaalaa the following morning.

6. Rangoli which attracts Shrikrushna Principle

5. The significance of preparing dahikaalaa

Kaalaa is the mixture of various things like curd, milk and homemade butter. When Shrikrushna and His friends were out looking after their cows, Shrikrushna used to mix together the snacks they had brought along and make kaalaa. It was consumed by all, happily. This story became the basis of the ritual of making a kaalaa, on the day following Shrikrushna Jayanti (Gokulaashtami).

6. The main ingredients of the dahikaalaa

Flattened rice (pohe), yogurt, milk, buttermilk and homemade butter are the main ingredients of the kaalaa. All of these represent devotion at different levels.

Flattened rice (pohe) : They represent the playmates of Shrikrushna who stayed loyal to Him irrespective of the situation

Yogurt : It represents motherly devotion which sometimes gives punishment due to motherly love.

Milk : It is the representation of the natural manifest love and devotion of the milkmaids (gopis)

Buttermilk : It is the representation of the devotion with opposition (virodhi bhakti) of the gopis.

Homemade butter : It is the symbol of everyone's unmanifest devotion (Nirgun bhakti) and undying love for Shrikrushna.

Source : Hindujagruti.org