Janmashtami 2023

Janmashtami marks the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. In the city of Mathura, where the demon King Kansa ruled, Lord Krishna was born as Devaki’s eighth child in the confines of Kansa’s prison. This event occurred on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Bhadrapada month. Notably, Lord Krishna’s birth took place at midnight when the Moon ascended alongside the Rohini Nakshatra. Hence, Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, is commemorated annually to honor Lord Krishna’s birthday.

Krishna Janmashtami Timing

If Ashtami (eighth day) extends into midnight, the fast is observed on the following day.
If Ashtami falls solely within the midnight of the second day, the fast is observed on that second day.
If Ashtami spans two midnights and Rohini Nakshatra is present only during one night, the fast is kept on the day following that night.
If Ashtami spans two midnights and both nights have Rohini Nakshatra, Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the second day.
If Ashtami spans two midnights without Rohini Nakshatra on either day, Krishna Jayanthi fast is observed on the second day.
If Ashtami doesn’t span midnight on either of these days, the fast is observed on the second day.

Note: The above timings are based on the practices of Smarthas. Vaishnavas, however, celebrate Gokulashtami on the second day. These two communities have varying beliefs about the festival’s observance.

As per Hindu religious texts, Vaishnavas are individuals initiated into the Vaishnava community, recognized by their use of holy beads and a Tilak on their forehead, symbolizing Vishnu’s feet. Others, not initiated by the Vaishnava community, are referred to as Smarthas.

Janmashtami Fast & Puja Procedure

The celebration initiates with the fast and Puja on Ashtami, culminating with Parana on Navami.
Observers of the fast should consume light Sattvic food on Saptami, the day before. Physical intimacy with one’s partner is to be avoided on the subsequent night, keeping the senses restrained.
On the fasting day, rise early and pay homage to deities, facing East or North.
Make a pledge for the fast while holding holy water, fruit, and flowers.
Sprinkle water mixed with black sesame over yourself and create a birthing chamber for Devaki Ji.
Set up a crib in this room, along with a sacred Kalash.
Place an idol or image of Devaki Ji nursing Krishna.
Perform the Puja, invoking the names of Devaki, Vasudeva, Baladeva, Nand, Yashoda, and Lakshmi Ji.
The fast is broken only after midnight. Grains are abstained from, and fruits or items like fried Kuttu flour balls, condensed milk sweets, and water chestnut Halwa are consumed.

Janmashtami Legend

During the conclusion of Dwapara Yuga, King Ugrasen ruled Mathura, with his son Kansa. Kansa, driven by the prophecy that Devaki’s eighth child would be the cause of his death, imprisoned Devaki after her marriage to Vasudeva. Despite Vasudeva’s promise to hand over their eighth child, Kansa ruthlessly killed her first seven children. Lord Krishna was born in the Bhadrapada month on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, under the Rohini constellation. His divine birth illuminated the prison, and he instructed Vasudeva to transport him to Gokul and bring back a newborn girl. The baby girl, presented to Kansa, transformed into a Goddess, foretelling Kansa’s defeat at Krishna’s hands.

Janmashtami's Significance

Temples across the nation are adorned for this occasion.
Elaborate tableaus illustrating Krishna’s life are displayed.
Krishna is adorned and placed in a cradle, swung with joy.

Devotees fast until midnight, announcing Krishna’s birth with the resonant sound of conches and bells. Aarti is performed, and holy meals are distributed.

With this insightful portrayal, we hope that on this auspicious occasion, Lord Krishna’s blessings shower you with boundless joy and prosperity.