Janmashtami is a major festival of the Hindus. It is celebrated all over the world to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who was the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the principle God of the Hindus. Janmashtami is also known as ‘Gokulastami’ and is celebrated on the eighth day of Bhadrapada.
Krishna was the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Vasudeva was the king of Yadav clan. Kansa, a tyrant, and the maternal uncle of Krishna was very cruel and along with other such cruel Demon kings, was terrorizing on the earth. Kansa was the brother of Devaki, who removed his father Ugrasen from the throne of Mathura, imprisoned him and occupied the throne.
Devaki, was married to Vasudeva as Kansa wanted to take over the control on Yadav destiny. After marriage when Kansa was escorting the newly married couple, Devaki, and Vasudeva to the kingdom of the Yadav, he heard an announcement made from the Heavens, that the eighth child of Devaki will end his life. Kansa on hearing the forecast became furious and plunged to de head Devaki with his sword. Vasudeva begged his wife’s life and assured that he will hand over every child soon after their birth. Hearing this promise, Kansa did not kill his sister but imprisoned the couple, so that he could smash each of their new-born child to death in the prison.
However, all the seven children of Devaki were killed by Kansa one by one. On birth of the eighth child the prison surprisingly started glowing with bright heavenly light and at the same time Vasudeva was woken with a divine voice and was advised to shift the child to the house of Nandaraja, the king of Gopa tribe (cowherds) and a bosom friend of Vasudeva.
All the guards of the prison were made fast asleep, the doors started opening one by one, as Vasudeva proceeded with the Divine child. The night was stormy, complimented with thunder and heavy rain. Vasudeva crossed the Yamuna river with the help of Sheshnag, the giant multi headed snake of Lord Vishnu.
Vasudeva reached the house of Nandaraja who was waiting for him. They entered the room where Yashoda the wife of Nandaraja was lying with her newly born girl child. Vasudeva kept his child beside Yashoda, in exchange of her girl child and returned back to the prison .Vasudeva narrated everything to Devaki .As soon as he handed over Nandaraja’s daughter to Devaki, the little one began to cry loudly . The cry woke the guards up and they immediately informed Kansa about the birth of the eighth one.
Kansa reached the prison sharply and snatched the child. Devaki prayed Kansa not to end the life of the child as the child was a female one and in no way, she could make any harm to Kansa. Kansa did not pay heed to her request and threw the baby to smash against the wall of the prison room. The child with a smile said, “I am Goddess Durga. I can destroy you instantly but will not do the same as your time of death has not yet come.” saying this she disappeared.
Child Krishna became the center of love in Gokul as he was loved and cared by all. His foster parents Nandaraja and Yashoda, and every villager and his friends loved him for his intelligence and courage. Krishna became the hero of all residents of Gokul as he was a sweet one.
In course of time he killed his maternal uncle and saved Mathura from the terrible rule of Kansa. The festival, Janmashtami is so named as lord Krishna was born on Ashtami (the eighth day of Bhadrapada) and he was the eighth child of his mother. Lord Krishna was the icon of love and bravery. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated all over India mainly in north India especially In Mathura and Vrindavan. Krishna followers today are spread all over the world and they spread his message of love, courage, and purity of soul. On the great Janmashtami festival, the Krishna Temples across the world are decorated with colorful balloons, garlands, and festoons. The puja on Janmashtami starts at midnight as it is popularly known that Sri Krishna was born in mid night.
Devotees remain on fasting for the entire day. They offer laddu and other sweet items along with flowers, dresses, and ornaments as a part of their worship. On this day, Lord is generally worshipped in his baby form and his idol is placed on a cradle.
A special ‘Dahi Handi’ program is held as the lord was a lover of milk products, especially ‘makhana’ (butter). On the day of the festival, colorful pictures are displayed on the bravery and love of Lord Krishna.
To the Hindus and Vaishnavas, Lord Krishna is the icon of bravery. He is the closest friend and the savior God.
Hope you loved to know about Janmashtami and the story of the Lord and would like to know more about him.
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