Astro Vastu expert Tina Mumbai Planet Power
Shri Krishna Janmashtami, a vibrant and cherished Hindu festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm to mark the birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura. This auspicious occasion falls on the dark fortnight of the 8th day of the month of Bhadrapad, as per the Hindu panchang, and typically occurs in August or September each year. In 2023, it falls on September 7th. Let’s delve into the significance and customs associated with this joyous celebration.
Muhurt and Timing
– Janmashtami muhurt for 2023: Thursday, September 7th.
– Nishtha Pooja time: 12:02 a.m. to 12:48 a.m., September 7th.
– Midnight Moment: 12:25 a.m., September 7.
– Chandrodaya (moonrise) moment: 11:15 p.m.
– Rohini Nakshatra begins: at 9:20 a.m. on September 6, 2023, and ends at 10:25 a.m. on September 7, 2023.
– Ashtami tithi begins: at 3:37 p.m. on September 6, 2023, and ends at 4:14 p.m. on September 7, 2023.
Spirit of Unity and Celebration
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with unity and joy to commemorate the birth of Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Shri Krishna. It is popularly known as Gokulashtami and falls on the 8th day of the Bhadrapad month.
Pooja Vidhi (Rituals) by Astro Tina
Janmashtami’s Pooja Vidhi (rituals) is significant and carries deep meaning. Here are some key customs to follow:
- 1. Morning Rituals: Begin your day by taking a purifying bath and donning clean clothes. Offer prayers and water to Lord Krishna.
- Sattvic Food: Prepare food for Lord Krishna, which should exclude grains like wheat or rice. Opt for sattvic (pure) ingredients like sabudana khichdi, potato halwa, and potato chips. Use rock salt instead of iodized salt for seasoning.
- Decorate the Jhula: Adorn the cradle of Laddu Gopal (another name for Lord Krishna) beautifully. It symbolizes the swing on which the infant Krishna is believed to have been placed.
- Chanting Mantras: Throughout the day, chant the powerful mantra “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”.
By sitting in the east or north direction chanting ” Om Klim Krishnaaya (ॐ क्लीं कृष्णाय) “ keep a positive and holy feeling in your heart.
- Maintain Purity: Try to refrain from speaking harsh words or engaging in negative conversations on this auspicious day.
- Fasting: After 6:00 p.m., many devotees observe a fast, refraining from consuming even water. This is done to empathize with the pain that Mata Devi is believed to have endured during childbirth.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a time of deep devotion and celebration, bringing happiness and prosperity into our lives. It is a day to remember the divine birth of Lord Krishna and to immerse ourselves in devotion and purity. As we observe these rituals and embrace the spirit of unity, we connect with the divine and experience the joyous presence of Lord Krishna in our hearts.