Lalita Saptami 2023 : Date, Time and Rituals

Lalita Saptami is a festival that honors Lalita Devi, the closest friend of Krishna and Goddess Radha Rani, on her birth anniversary. It is on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha, or the waxing lunar phase, in Bhadrapad month (Aug-Sept). Lalita Saptami 2023 date is on September 22. The festival is observed mainly by members of the Vaishnava community, who are Krishna devotees.

Lalita Devi was the most devoted of the Gopis. Lalita Saptami is on the day before Radha Ashtami (Radha’s birthday) and 14 days after the festival of Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday).

In some places, Shasti, instead of Saptami, is seen as auspicious. Shasti is the sixth day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadra month.

Lalita Sashti Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Lalita Devi, and this vrat is believed to have been recommended by Krishna himself. Married couples who observe this vrat can be blessed with healthy progeny. Those who have children observe the vrat so that their children will have good health, intelligence, and long life.

Lalita personifies Khandita Bhava (a Nayika or romantic heroine who is enraged with her lover, one of the 8 Ashta Nayikas, classified by Bharata in Natya Shastra). The 8 Nayikas represent 8 different states or avastha in relationship to her Nayaka or hero. These are archetypal states of the romantic heroine, used as themes in Indian literature, painting, sculpture, and Indian classical dance and music.

Lalita Devi is also the leader of the parama-prema sakis. She gives instructions to the sakis and has expertise in the tactics of union and separation among lovers. She has a contradictory and hot-tempered nature. Her complexion is yellow, and she wears garments in the brilliant colors of peacock tail feathers. Lalita’s mother is Saradi, and her father, Vishoka. Her husband is Krishna

She always takes Radharani’s side during disputes between the latter and Krishna. She is famous for her "mana", or pure loving anger. Lalita devi had 68 tirthas (holy places) to free people from the 6 types of hatya/murder: bhroona-hatya (abortion), go-hatya (cow slaughter), krimi-hatya (killing of worms and insects), svana-hatya (killing of dogs), brahma-hatya (killing of brahmans), and atma-hatya (suicide).

After Krishna killed the demon Arista (who had the form of a bull), he visited Lalita Kunda (temple tank) to wash away the sin of go-hatya.

Radharani told him that as he killed a bull, he had to bathe in all the holy places to become pure. As Krishna had bathed in Lalita's kunda, he was purified.

Facts about Lalita Devi

· She was the leader of the Ashtasakhis of Srimati Radharani

· She was magnanimous like her father

· She instigated most of the lilas or pastimes

· Her suggestions are always contrary to Krishna's

· She often becomes angry and utters very insolent retorts to boost the intensity of Radha’s and Krishna’s love.

· She can compose and understand riddles

· She is good at making things with flowers, like couches, awnings, umbrellas, dancing arenas, and bowers

· She can perform magic tricks and juggling

Significance of Lalita Saptami

Lalita Saptami has great significance for Vaishnavas, and it is very auspicious to worship Lalita Devi on this holy day.

Lalita Devi was very devoted to Krishna and Radharani, and adored them immensely. She was a Gopi and one of the 8 friends or Ashtasakhis of the couple. She was the foremost of the Ashtasakhis. The Ashtasakhis worked under Lalita Devi’s guidance only. They considered Lalita Devi as their guardian.

The other Ashtasakhis were Vishakha, Tungavidya, Chitralekha, Indulekha, Champakalata, Sudevi and Rangadevi. The AshtaSakhis represent the spiritual love for Krishna and Radharani. No one can match the love they had for Radha and Krishna. She was the oldest of the Gopis. Lalita Devi was a loyal and constant companion of Radharani. Lalita would often rebuke Radha for giving in easily to Krishna’s pranks.

Lalita was born in the village of Karehla. Her father brought her to Uccagaon. One can find a rock here, which contains the imprints of Lalita Devi’s feet as well as the utensils which she used to feed Krishna. There is a temple for Lalita Devi at Braj in Mathura.

How to Observe Lalita Saptami Vrat?

After taking a bath early in the morning, meditate on Ganesha.

Offer prayers to Ganesha, Lalitha Devi, Parvati, Goddess Sashti, Kartik, Shiva, and Shaligram.

The offerings to the deities include coconut, turmeric, rice, sandalwood paste, milk, gulal, and flowers. (Most people offer only flowers). In some places, a copper vessel is placed in the Pooja room.

Keep a red thread or mauli in the Pooja area. After offering prayers, wear it on the right hand.

Observe fast from sunrise to the next day's sunrise. Eat only a single meal on this day. Pregnant women and sick people should not fast. They can offer prayers.

Break the fast the next morning after offering prayers. For Prasad, distribute a fruit that was offered to the deities.

There are some temples in Vrindavan and Braj Bhoomi, where one can see idols of Krishna and Radharani flanked by two Sakhis - Vishakha and Lalita. Lalita is the most loyal companion and devoted follower of Radharani and always takes her side. She lived to serve Krishna and Radha. The holy Lalita Kund in Vrindavan is believed to grant Moksha to devotees.