Krishna Janmashtami 2024 - Date, Puja Muhurat and Significance

Krishna is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, the Hindu deity who preserves the Universe. His birthday is celebrated as Krishna Jayanti or Krishna Janmashtami.

Krishna Jayanti 2024  is on August 26, 2024. Hindus celebrate it with great fanfare in India and other parts of the world. Krishna is a popular god in Hinduism, and his birthday includes several rituals and events.

Devotees observe fast, pray, chant Krishna Mantras, and sing devotional hymns on this auspicious day. They gather at Krishna temples and take part in the special celebrations. They also recite sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, which contain stories about Krishna's life.

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 Date and Time

As per the Hindu calendar, in 2024, the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada will commence on Monday, 26 August, at 3:39 am. It will end on Tuesday, 27 August, at 2:19 am.

Krishna’s birth occurred on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September).

Astrological Significance

Krishna Janmashtami has an astrological significance as well. Krishna was born under the Rohini Nakshatra. This star is associated with prosperity and growth. On this occasion, the alignment of planets and stars gives rise to a divine energy on Earth. Hence, this day is ideal for spiritual activities.

Krishna Janmashtami is also a power time to seek divine blessings for prosperity, happiness, and protection from negativity. Many people fast and offer prayers to tap into the positive energies of this day. The planetary alignments at this time are supportive of spiritual growth and protect people from negative energies.

 

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Legends About Krishna Janmashtami

There are many legends about Krishna Janmashtami in Hindu mythology. They feature Krishna’s feats and teachings. Let us know more about some of them:

1. Birth of Lord Krishna

Krishna was born in a prison in the city of Mathura. His parents were Devaki and Vasudeva. Devaki was the sister of the tyrant Kamsa, who ruled Mathura after imprisoning his parents. There were many divine omens around Krishna’s birth.  Krishna was born to kill his evil uncle, Kamsa. To save Krishna from Kamsa, Vasudeva carried the newborn across the flooded Yamuna River to Gokul. Here, he was raised by Vasudeva’s friend, Nanda, and his wife, Yashoda.

2. Death of Kamsa

As per a divine prophecy, when Krishna grew older, he went to Mathura and killed Kamsa. Kamsa had sent many demons, including Putana, a demoness, to kill Krishna, but he failed. Finally, Krishna slew Kamsa, freeing Mathura from his evil rule.

3. Lifting Mt. Govardhan 

Once, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger and held it aloft like a giant umbrella to shelter the people of Vrindavan from the anger of Lord Indra, who sent heavy rains and floods to punish them. This act revealed Krishna's might and his readiness to protect his devotees.

4. Raas Leela

Raas Leela refers to Krishna's dance with the Gopis (milkmaids) in Vrindavan. Krishna would take multiple forms to cavort with each of the Gopis. Raas Leela is a metaphor for the pure and selfless love between Atman or the soul (the Gopis) and Brahman or the Supreme (Krishna).

5. Stealing Butter

As a child, Krishna loved to steal butter from his neighbors’ homes as well as his own. Due to this, he got the name "Makhan Chor" (butter thief). However, despite his mischievous ways, everyone adored Krishna.

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Deeper Meaning of Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations

Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu who descended to Earth to destroy Adharma (unrighteousness) and restore Dharma. His birth signifies divine intervention in human affairs.

Krishna’s birth took place under trying circumstances. Kamsa, his uncle, tried to kill him as a divine prophecy had predicted that Krishna would kill him. Krishna's killing of Kamsa reminds us that good will overcome evil.

Krishna's life is described in texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. His teachings can be found in the Bhagavad Gita. They offer valuble insights into morality, duty, and the meaning of life. During Janmashtami, people revisit his teachings for guidance.

Krishna's relationships with the Gopis and Radha represent the highest kind of love. It is the love between the individual soul (Atman) and God (Paramatman). Janmashtami is a celebration of this pure and divine love.

Janmashtami Rituals

Clean and decorate your home and the Pooja area. Use flowers, rangolis, and other decorations to create a joyous feel.

Clean and decorate an idol of the child Krishna with new garments, jewelry, and flowers. Keep it in a clean place.

Pooja Vidhi

∙ Perform a purification ceremony by sprinkling holy water in the Pooja area.

∙ Light incense sticks and offer them to the deity.

∙ Light a lamp or candle.

∙ Offer flowers, fruits, and other items to Krishna.

∙ Recite or listen to Krishna's devotional hymns, songs, Bhajans, or prayers.

∙ Read sections from the Bhagavad Gita or other texts on Krishna's life and teachings.

∙ Chant the "Hare Krishna" Mantra or other Krishna Mantras.

∙ Remain awake until midnight, when Krishna was born.

∙ Engage in prayers, meditation, etc., and listen to devotional music.