Janmastami
Appearance Day of Lord Sri Krishna
Sri Krishna Janmashtami – The Divine Appearance of the Supreme Lord
Sri Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most celebrated and spiritually uplifting festivals for devotees around the world. It marks the transcendental appearance of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the holy city of Mathura over 5,000 years ago. This auspicious day is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August/September)
The Divine Advent
The story of Janmashtami begins in Mathura, ruled by the cruel and tyrannical King Kamsa. The citizens lived in constant fear under his oppressive regime. Kamsa’s noble sister, Devaki, was married to Vasudeva. On their wedding day, a divine prophecy announced that Devaki’s eighth son would be the cause of Kamsa’s downfall. Consumed by fear and anger, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and mercilessly killed their first six children. By the Lord’s mystical arrangement, the seventh child, Balarama, was transferred to the womb of Rohini
Bound in the darkness of prison, Devaki and Vasudeva offered heartfelt prayers to the Lord. Unlike fleeting worldly personalities, the Supreme Lord is eternally glorious, possessing all six opulences—beauty, strength, fame, wealth, knowledge, and renunciation—in full and forever. The Lord is known by many names—Krishna, Christ, Allah—all indicating the same all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead.
On the night of Janmashtami, amidst an atmosphere filled with divine auspiciousness—fragrant breezes, blossoming trees, singing birds, and rejoicing demigods—Lord Krishna appeared as the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva, bringing boundless joy and hope to the world
The Midnight Miracle
By the Lord’s arrangement, Vasudeva was able to carry baby Krishna across the Yamuna River to the safety of Gokul, where Krishna was lovingly raised by Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda. This miraculous pastime is a reminder that the Lord always protects His devotees and fulfills His promises.
Janmashtami is celebrated in ISKCON temples worldwide with great devotion, grandeur, and spiritual enthusiasm. The celebrations typically include:
Fasting and Vigil: Devotees observe a fast throughout the day, breaking it at midnight, the exact time of Lord Krishna’s appearance.
Abhishekam and Deity Worship: The Deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishna are beautifully adorned with fresh clothes, jewels, and flowers. Special abhishekam (bathing ceremony), aarti, and offerings are performed with devotion.
Kirtan and Bhajans: The temple resounds with ecstatic kirtans and bhajans, as devotees chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and sing glories of the Lord throughout the day and night.
Krishna Katha: Senior devotees narrate Krishna’s divine pastimes and teachings from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita, inspiring everyone to deepen their devotion.
Dramas and Cultural Programs: The festival is enlivened by dramas, dances, and skits depicting Krishna’s childhood pastimes, engaging devotees of all ages.
Midnight Arati: At the stroke of midnight, the moment of Krishna’s appearance, a grand arati is offered, and devotees joyfully break their fast with prasadam.
Prasadam Distribution: A variety of delicious vegetarian offerings, lovingly prepared and offered to Krishna, are distributed as prasadam to all visitors and devotees.
Deeper Significance
For ISKCON devotees, Janmashtami is not just a festival—it is a time to reflect on Krishna’s teachings as revealed in the Bhagavad-gita. The real Janmashtami occurs in our hearts when, by sincere chanting of the holy names and devotional service, we invite the Lord to manifest within us and dispel the darkness of ignorance and suffering.