Krishna

Janmasthami
!

Presented by,
Biplop Mishra
 Krishna
Janmasthami
!

Presented by,
Biplop Mishra
Introduction to Lord Krishna
 Introduction to Lord Krishna

•Lord Krishna is a prominent figure in Hindu

mythology and is considered one of the most
revered and widely worshipped deities in the
Hindu pantheon. He is often portrayed as the
eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, the
preserver and protector of the universe.
•. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was
born in Mathura to King Vasudeva and Queen
Devaki. His divine birth is celebrated as Krishna
Janmashtami, an important festival in Hinduism .
Objectiveof
Krishna Birth
According to Hindu mythology, the primary
objective of Lord Krishna's birth was to
restore cosmic order (dharma) and protect
the righteous. Several specific reasons and
objectives are associated with Krishna's
incarnation:

Destruction of Evil Forces

Protection of Dharma
Guidance to Arjuna
Demonstration of Divine Leela
Symbol of Divine Love
"An Exploration of the
Divine Festival"

Krishna janmasthami: Celebrating

the Birth of Lord Krishna
Introduction
● Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that joyously marks the birth of
Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Celebrated
on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in
the month of Bhadrapada (usually August or September), the festival
holds significant cultural and religious importance.
Story Behind
Krishna
Janmasthami
The story behind Krishna Janmashtami is
rooted in Hindu mythology, specifically in
the events surrounding the birth of Lord
Krishna. The narrative is primarily derived
from ancient scriptures, including the
Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita, and the
Puranas
 . Prophecy and
Imprisonment
*The tale begins with King Kansa, a tyrant who
ruled the kingdom of Mathura. A divine
prophecy foretold that Kansa would be killed by
the eighth son of his sister, Queen Devaki, and
her husband, King Vasudeva.

*Fearful of his destiny, Kansa imprisoned Devaki

and Vasudeva and systematically killed their first
six children.
Divine Birth of
Lord Krishna
❏ When Devaki was pregnant with her seventh
child, a divine intervention occurred. Lord
Vishnu himself, aware of the impending
threat to humanity, took the decision to
incarnate as Krishna.

❏ On the night of Krishna's birth, a divine

energy filled the prison cell, the guards fell
into a deep sleep, and the shackles binding
Vasudeva were miraculously loosened.
 Midnight Escape to Gokul
• Vasudeva, carrying the newborn
Krishna, braved a storm and crossed
the river Yamuna to reach the village
of Gokul. The divine voice guided
him, and the river parted to allow his
safe passage
• In Gokul, Vasudeva exchanged baby
Krishna with the newborn daughter
of Nanda and Yashoda, who were
asleep
Childhood Exploits in
Vrindavan
● Krishna, now growing up in Gokul
and later in Vrindavan, displayed
divine and playful qualities. His
childhood was filled with enchanting
episodes such as stealing butter,
playing the flute, and performing
miracles.

● The love between Krishna and the

residents of Vrindavan, especially the
gopis (cowherd girls), became central
to his divine leelas (pastimes)
 Radha and Krishna: The
symbol of love
● Radha's love for Krishna is symbolic of the highest form of
devotion (bhakti) and selfless surrender to the divine. In the
Vaishnavite tradition, Radha represents the ideal devotee, and
her love for Krishna exemplifies the deep, unbreakable connection
between the soul and the Supreme.

● The stories of Krishna and Radha's love often focus on their

childhood and youthful pastimes in the village of Vrindavan.
Krishna, as a mischievous child and later as a charming youth,
engages in playful activities with Radha and the gopis.

● The most renowned episode illustrating the love between Krishna

and Radha is the Rasa Leela, a divine dance that Krishna
performed with the gopis, including Radha, on the banks of the
Yamuna River. This dance symbolizes the pure, spiritual love
shared between the divine and the devotee.

● The love between Krishna and Radha is often characterized by

moments of separation, where Radha experiences intense longing
for Krishna. This separation and yearning are believed to
intensify the depth of their love
Return to Mathura and
Defeat of Kansa:
● As Krishna reached adolescence, he
returned to Mathura to fulfill his
destiny and confront King Kansa.

● In a dramatic turn of events, Krishna

defeated Kansa in a wrestling match,
thereby fulfilling the prophecy.
Kansa's oppressive rule came to an
end.
Celebration of Janmashtami
❏ The divine birth of Lord Krishna, marked by
miracles and divine interventions, is celebrated
annually on Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees
observe fasting, sing devotional songs, and
participate in midnight prayers to commemorate this
auspicious occasion.

❏ Krishna Janmashtami is not just a celebration of a

historical event but also a festival that symbolizes
the victory of good over evil, the importance of
divine love, and the eternal teachings of Lord
Krishna as conveyed in the Bhagavad Gita. The
stories associated with Krishna's birth continue to
inspire devotion and reverence among millions of
Hindus around the world.
 Rituals and customs observed during
Janmasthami

Fasting (Vrat):

Devotees often observe a day long fast leading up to midnight, the time
believed to mark Lord Krishna's birth. Fasting is seen as a form of
self-discipline and a way to purify the mind and body .

Midnight Puja (Aarti and Bhajans):

The main puja (worship) is conducted at midnight to celebrate the exact

moment of Krishna's birth. Devotees gather in temples or homes
to perform aarti (ritual of worship with light) and sing devotional
bhajans (hymns) praising Lord Krishna.
● Swinging the Cradle (Jhulanotsava):

A cradle with a small idol or image of the baby

Krishna is beautifully decorated. Devotees take
turns swinging the cradle, symbolizing the divine
birth and expressing joy.

● Dahi Handi Celebrations:

In some regions, especially in Maharashtra (India)

and also some parts of Nepal, the festival includes
the Dahi Handi custom. Groups of young men form
human pyramids to reach and break clay pots filled
with butter or curd, symbolizing Krishna's
childhood habit of stealing butter.
● Reading from Scriptures:

Devotees often engage in reading or listening to episodes

from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures that narrate
the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.

● Krishna Leelas (Dramas and Performances):

Cultural programs and dramas depicting scenes from

Krishna's life, especially his childhood leelas (pastimes)
in Vrindavan, are performed in temples and cultural
events.

● Offering Sweets and Prasadam:

Devotees prepare special sweets, such as 'makhan

mishri' (butter and sugar), as offerings to Lord Krishna.
These sweets are later distributed as prasadam (blessed
food).
● Breaking the Fast:
○ After the midnight puja and other rituals,
devotees break their fast by partaking in a meal
that includes the prasadam and other vegetarian
dishes.
● Devotional Singing and Dancing:
○ Devotees engage in kirtans (devotional singing)
and dance, expressing their joy and devotion to
Lord Krishna. Many popular bhajans and kirtans
are dedicated to Krishna.
● Visiting Temples:
○ Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Krishna,
seeking his blessings and participating in the
special ceremonies organized by the temples.
 Significance of Lord
Krishna Flute

The flute of Lord Krishna holds significant symbolism

in Hindu mythology and spiritual philosophy. Krishna's
divine flute, often depicted in artistic representations
and described in sacred texts, carries profound
meanings and represents various aspects of the
relationship between the divine and the devotee.
 Some significance of Lord Krishna Flutes are;

Call to Devotion:

The flute is considered a symbolic instrument that calls devotees to

the path of devotion and spiritual surrender. The enchanting music
produced by Krishna's flute is said to represent the call of the divine
to the hearts of those who are receptive to spiritual teachings.

Divine Melodies:

According to Hindu mythology, the music from Krishna's flute has a

mesmerizing and captivating quality. It is said that the celestial tunes
played by Krishna could attract not only humans but also animals and
even inanimate objects, symbolizing the universal appeal of divine love.

Expression of Emotion:

The flute is seen as an extension of Krishna's emotions and a means of

expressing his divine love. The melodies played on the flute convey
various emotions, from the joyous tunes of Vrindavan to the soul-
stirring sounds during the Rasa Leela with the gopis (cowherd girls).
 Symbol of Selfless Devotion:

In the hands of Lord Krishna, the flute is considered an instrument of selfless surrender. The hollow nature of the
flute signifies the egoless state of a true devotee who allows the divine to play through them. Krishna's ability to
produce divine music represents the harmony that results from surrendering one's self-will to the will of the
divine.

Unity of Dualities

The flute is a symbol of the unity of dualities, as the breath of the divine flows through it, creating harmonious
melodies. This unity is reflective of the concept of Advaita (non-duality), emphasizing the inseparable connection
between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme (Brahman)
.
Representation of Krishna's Presence:

The flute is often depicted as an inseparable companion of Lord Krishna. Its presence in the hands of Krishna
symbolizes his omnipresence, and the melodies played on it are considered a manifestation of his divine presence
in the hearts of devotees
.
Spiritual Awakening:

The sound of Krishna's flute is believed to have the power to awaken spiritual consciousness and lead individuals
on the path of self-realization. It is a call to the soul, reminding it of its divine origin and inviting it to return to
the ultimate source.
The peacock feather is a distinctive and
Significance of
significant attribute associated with Lord
Krishna in Hindu mythology. Each element
of Lord Krishna's iconography carries deep
Lord Krishna
symbolic meanings, and the peacock
feather is no exception.
Peacock
feathers
Victory over Kaliya:

The peacock feather is often linked to the divine incident of Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya. According to the Bhagavata
Purana, a venomous serpent named Kaliya lived in the Yamuna River. Krishna danced on the serpent's hood and subdued it. As a
token of surrender, Kaliya offered Krishna a gift, and Krishna chose a peacock feather, which later became a part of his adornment.

Symbol of Victory and Triumph:

The vibrant and iridescent colors of the peacock feather symbolize victory, triumph over negativity, and the divine conquest of the
ego. It reflects the idea that the divine, represented by Lord Krishna, is always victorious over evil forces.

Connection to Radha:

In some interpretations, the peacock feather is seen as a symbol of love. It is said that Lord Krishna wears the peacock feather
because Radha, his divine consort, adores the peacock. This adds a romantic and devotional dimension to the symbolism.

Beauty and Grace:

The peacock feather is admired for its beauty and grace. In the context of Lord Krishna, it represents the divine playfulness,
charm, and enchantment that captivates the hearts of devotees.
Associations with Nature:

Lord Krishna, being a deity associated with nature, is often depicted with natural elements. The
peacock feather is a representation of the vibrant and diverse aspects of the natural world, aligning
with Krishna's connection to the pastoral setting of Vrindavan.

Musical Symbolism:

The peacock is associated with music and dance in Hindu mythology. Krishna, known for his divine
melodies played on the flute, is often depicted with peacock feathers to symbolize the harmony and
rhythm inherent in the universe.

Spiritual Ascent:

The upward-sweeping arrangement of the peacock feather's plumes is sometimes seen as a symbol of
spiritual ascent and elevation. It represents the upward journey of the soul toward higher
consciousness and divine realization.
 “He who has let go of hatred,
who treats all beings with kindness
and compassion, who is always serene, unmoved by plain or pleasure, free
of the “I” and “Mine”, self controlled , firm and patient , his whole mind
focused on me- that’s the man I love the best”