BhaktiLoopKrishna Janmashtami Puja
Krishna Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shraavana or Bhadrapada (depending on the calendar system) in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Devotees often observe a day-long fast, which is broken only at midnight – the exact time of Krishna's birth. The puja involves elaborate decorations, bathing and adorning the idol of baby Krishna, swinging his cradle, and offering a variety of food items, particularly butter and sweets, which are his favorites.
Purpose
To celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, seek his divine blessings for prosperity, happiness, peace, and spiritual growth, and commemorate his incarnation on Earth.
Key Rituals
- Nirjala Vrat/Phalahari Vrat**: Many devotees observe a strict fast (Nirjala Vrat - no food or water) or a partial fast (Phalahari Vrat - consuming only fruits, milk, and water) throughout the day.
- Decoration of Puja Altar**: The puja area is beautifully decorated with flowers, torans (door hangings), lights, and sometimes a miniature 'prison cell' depicting Krishna's birth.
- Jhulan Seva (Swinging the Cradle)**: A small cradle is prepared, and the idol of Bal Gopal is placed in it. Devotees gently swing the cradle, symbolizing the joy of welcoming the newborn Lord.
- Abhishekam**: The idol of Laddu Gopal is ritually bathed with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) followed by water. This is a very sacred part of the puja.
- Shringar**: After the bath, the idol is meticulously dried, dressed in new clothes, adorned with ornaments, flowers, and a crown.
- Bhog Offering**: A variety of dishes are prepared without onion or garlic, including Krishna's favorites like Makhan-Mishri (butter and rock sugar), Panjiri, Peda, Kheer, and various fruits. Tulsi leaves are essential in all offerings.
- Aarti**: A devotional lamp is waved in circular motions before the deity while singing devotional songs (bhajans) and prayers.
- Sankalpa and Puja Vows**: Taking a vow to observe the fast and perform the puja with devotion.
- Midnight Celebration**: At midnight, the exact time of Krishna's birth, the main puja is performed, the cradle is swung, and the fast is broken after offering the bhog to the Lord.
Common Offerings
- Panchamrit**: Milk, Curd (Dahi), Ghee (Clarified Butter), Honey, Sugar (Sakkar/Bura)
- Makhan-Mishri**: Fresh white butter mixed with rock sugar (Krishna's favorite)
- Panjiri**: A dry sweet mixture of whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits (especially Dhaniya Panjiri - coriander powder panjiri)
- Fruits**: Apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, etc.
- Sweets**: Kheer (rice pudding), Laddoos, Peda, Barfi, Halwa
- Tulsi Leaves**: Essential for all offerings to Lord Krishna
- Flowers**: Especially blue, yellow, and white flowers like Lotus, Marigold, Roses, Jasmine
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)**
- Oil Lamp (Diya)**
- Camphor (Kapur)**
- Vastra (New clothes)** for the idol
- Ornaments** for the idol
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Meaning
I bow to Lord Vasudeva (Lord Krishna)
Benefits
This is the Dwadasakshari Mantra, a primary mantra of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, used for peace, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. Chanting it brings inner peace and connects one to the divine consciousness.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
Meaning
O energy of the Lord, O Lord Himself, please engage me in Your service.
Benefits
Known as the Maha-Mantra, it is chanted for spiritual purification, transcending material existence, and attaining self-realization and love for God. It is especially prominent in the ISKCON tradition.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Vasudeva Sutam Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardanam | Devaki Paramanandam Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum ||
Meaning
I bow to Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, the killer of Kamsa and Chanoora, who is the supreme bliss of Devaki, and the spiritual master of the universe.
Benefits
This mantra is often chanted during the birth celebration, invoking the presence of Lord Krishna and expressing devotion to Him as the divine teacher and protector.
Auspicious Days
Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (as per Purnimanta calendar) or Shraavana (as per Amavasyanta calendar).
The festival usually falls in August or September of the Gregorian calendar.
The midnight (Rohini Nakshatra) on this day is considered the most auspicious time for the birth celebration.
Regional Variations
Janmashtami is celebrated with immense fervor across India and by Hindus worldwide. * **Mathura and Vrindavan**: The birthplace and childhood home of Krishna celebrate with grand processions, Raas Leela performances, temple decorations, and devotional singing for several days. * **Dwarka**: In Gujarat, Dwarka, the kingdom of Lord Krishna, celebrates with immense devotion, particularly with darshan and puja at the Dwarkadhish Temple. * **ISKCON Temples**: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temples worldwide celebrate Janmashtami with elaborate Abhishekams, kirtans, lectures, and feasting. * **Maharashtra**: Known for 'Dahi Handi' celebrations where human pyramids are formed to break an earthen pot filled with curd/butter hung at a height, symbolizing Krishna's playful butter-stealing. * **South India (e.g., Tamil Nadu)**: Known as 'Gokulashtami' or 'Sri Krishna Jayanthi'. Kolams (rangoli patterns) are drawn outside homes, symbolizing Krishna's tiny footprints entering the house. Special savories like 'Seedai' and 'Murukku' are prepared.
Related Pujas
Govardhan Puja (Diwali)
Radha Ashtami (Birth anniversary of Radha, observed 15 days after Janmashtami)