Krishna Jayanti (also referred to as Gokulashtami, Janmashtami . . . and by numerous other names) is the joyful Hindu celebration of the birth of Krishna – Lord Vishu’s eighth avatar (incarnation) on earth and one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities.
Lord Vishnu is regarded as a major god in Hinduism – one of the Hindu Trinity. He is seen as the preserver of the universe. The two other major Hindu gods – Brahma and Shiva – are regarded respectively as the creator and destroyer of the universe. Lord Vishnu is said to incarnate as various avatars to protect the mortal world from the evildoers and sinners. One such incarnation was his birth as Lord Krishna. Krishna Jayanti is the celebration of the birth and life of Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark half of the month Shravan of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Krishna Jayanti usually falls between Mid-August and Mid-September on the Gregorian calendar. This year the festival will be celebrated in Northern India by the Smarta Sect on August 13th and by the Vaishnava Sect on August 14th. In the Southern and Western parts of India, it will be observed on August 13th.
Krishna Jayanti is mainly celebrated in Lord Krishna or Vishnu temples. People treat this as a very pious day and as a day of great rejoicing.
Temples are decorated for the celebration. A little before midnight, devotees pour into temples to participate in the special 'Arati' (a ritual of waving lit lamps) and to relive the birth of Krishna. Kirtans are sung, bells are rung, the conch is blown and Sanskrit hymns are recited in praise of Lord Krishna.
Little feet are drawn all over a house in Southern India to symbolize Little Krishna entering every room to bless it.
Individuals observe a 24 hour fast which is broken at midnight – the time of Krishna’s birth. The day is dedicated to remembering and singing the praise of Lord Krishna. Time is devoted to reading the Bhagavad Gita and to contemplation.
One need not indulge in complex rituals to please Lord Krishna. He is happy with anything offered to him in true devotion. The mantra, “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” rendered devotionally throughout the day is more than enough.
Traditional Greeting: Others are greeted with the holy Mantra, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. (Om Nah-Mo Bhah-Gah-Vah-Teh Vah-Soo-Day- Vah-Yah)
Most studies we’ve seen place the total number of Hindus somewhere between 850 million and one billion – making Hinduism the third largest religion in the world. It is the predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma, a Sanskrit phrase meaning “the eternal law”, by its adherents.
We ask that you join with us on August 13th and 14th in sending thoughts of love and good will to all of our Hindu brothers and sisters as they rejoice and celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna.
May the blessings of Lord Krishna and Sri Radha be upon you all!
Shalom Salaam Peace
Kay & Dave Corby, Founders Common Tables “Common Tables is a unique project to bring disparate people together across a common table to break bread and dialogue to reach an understanding. I have no hesitation in endorsing this venture wholeheartedly and wish them great success.”Dr. Arun Gandhi, President, M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
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