27 S teps of Wo rshipp ing t he Lor d · Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as...

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Sri Krishna Janmashtami

27 Steps of Worshipping the

Lord


Worshipping Lord Krishna generally takes the form of the

Lord as your guest :

1. Dhyaanam Samarpayami (Think or meditate on the Lord)

2. Aawaahanam Samarpayami (Invite the Lord into your

home/heart)

3. Aasanam Samarpayami (Offer a seat)

4. Paadyam Samarpayami (Offer water to wash the feet)

5. Arghyam Samarpayami (Offer water to wash the hands)


6. Aachamaneeyam Samarpayami (Offer water to drink)

7. Snaanam Samarpayami (Give bath)

8. Maha Abhishekam Samarpayami (Main head bath)

9. Pratishtaapayaami (Make Him seated)

10. Vasthram Samarpayami (Offer clothes)


11. Yajnopaveetham Samarpayami (Offer the Holy Thread)

12. Gandham Samarpayami (Offer sandlewood paste/powder)

13. Akshatham Samarpayami (Offer Akshatha (rice))

14. Pushpam Samarpayami (Offer flowers)

15. Ashthothtra Poojam Samarpayami (Say the holy names of

the Lord)

16. Dhoopam Aaghraapayaami (Offer fragrance)

17. Deepam Darshayaami (Offer light)


18. Neivedyam Samarpayami (Offer food)

19. Phalam Samarpayami (Offer fruits)

20. Taamboolam Samarpayami (Offer betel nut and leaves )

21. Dakshinam Samarpayami (Offer wealth)

22. Maha Nirajanam Samarpayami (Perform aarti)


23. Pradakshinam Samarpayami (Continue aarti)

24. Namaskaram Samarpayami (Prostrate before Him)

25. Mantra Pushpam Samarpayami (Offer incantations and

flowers)

26. Praarthanaam Samarpayami (Offer prayers, request your

desires)

27. Xamaapanam Samarpayami (Admit wrongdoings and ask

for forgiveness)\


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When is Janmashtami?

Janmashtami is on 2nd September 2010

Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most

famous Gods of Hindu religion, Bhagwan Krishna, on the

eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana or Savana.

Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram

(star). It is generally celebrated in the month of August-

September according to the Christian Calendar. Legend

has it that Sri Krishna was born on a dark, stormy and

windy night to end the rule and atrocities of his maternal

uncle, Kansa.

Position of Stars at the time of Birth It was only on the eighth day of the second fortnight, in the month of Sravana when, the

moon entered the house of Vrishabha in Rohini Nakshatra (star) that Lord appeared.

According to Barhapatyamana, the month of Sravana corresponds to the month of

Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha. Lord was born in the year of Visvavasu, appx. 5,227 years ago.

Celebrated for over Two Days Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as “Rohini” nakshatra and Ashtami may not fall

on the same day. The first day known as Krishnashtami, as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna

falls on the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan, which generally falls in the month of August.

The second day is known as Kalashtami.

Welcome the Lord at Midnight It is only at midnight between the first and the second day that birth of Sri Krishna took

place. The actual festivities begin during midnight in this 48 hour period. The celebration

reaches its peak at midnight, with the birth of Lord Krishna, with lot of hymns, arti taking

place and blowing of the Conch (shankh), rocking the cradle of Lord. The idol of lord is

bathed with Panchamrit (A mixture of milk, ghee, oil, honey and Gangajal). The Panchamrit

is later distributed as Prasad to the devotees along with other sweets. While some Fast on the

first day and break it at midnight for others the fasting continues for both days. The period

coincides with rainy season.

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Birth of Lord Krishna

Janmashtami is celebrated to welcome and enjoy Lord

Krishna's birth. The birth of Lord Krishna took place when

the various planets were in auspicious places. It is said that

God chooses a particular time, as to when he will take

birth as a human and the planetary systems are adjusted

accordingly.

Auspicious Nakshatra (Constellation) Around the time of Bhagwan Krishna's birth, Rohini

Nakshatra was predominant as it is considered to be quite

auspicious. This is so because it is under the supervision of

Brahma, the creator of Universe. Sri Krishna was born in

the month Of Sravana more than 5000 years ago.

Born in Dwapur Yug (Iron Age) According to some scholars, Krishna was born on Wednesday,the eighth day of second

fortnight in Sravana month in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC, also known as Dwapur

Yug. July 19th 3228 BC to be more accurate. He lived for 125 years and disappeared on

February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. His death was the onset of the

current corrupt age known as Kaliyug.

Universal Happiness of all Forms of Life From the time, Devki conceived Sri Krishna, she began to glow and exude divine light. The

prison walls glowed with the aura of the new born infant. Atmosphere of peace and

happiness prevailed all over, Forests were all green and full of trees with all kinds of

beautiful flowers, rivers were all swollen due to joy, peacocks began to dance in sheer joy,

people in all villages started being happy.

Objective of Krishna's Birth The main objective of Lord Krishna's birth was to free Mother Earth from the wickedness of

demons. Playing an important part in Mahabharata (legendary battle in Kurukshetra) and

propagating the theory of bhakti and good karma were other important objectives.

Events Before The Birth of Sri Krishna The people of Mathura were extremely unhappy with the wicked king Kansa who put his

father, king Ugrasen in prison and declared himself the king of Mathura. It was to put an end

to his evil ways and other demons that Lord Vishnu decided to take birth on Earth in human

form. According to Akashvani (heavenly voice) at the wedding of his beloved sister Devki,

Kansa got to know that the eighth child of his sister will take birth to kill him. So, in turn he

rushed to kill his sister. Kansa gave up the idea of killing after being assured by Vasudev that


he will handover all his children to him. He put them in Prison. Kansa killed all the six

infants as soon as they were born. The seventh child (Balram) was saved due to divine

intervention, when he was transferred from Devki's womb to that of Rohini's (other wife of

Vasudev).

Events During the Birth of Lord Krishna Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in the captivity of King Kansa. He took birth in divine

form with lotus like eyes,his palms bearing the signs of a lotus and discus. He had a swastika

sign on his sole. Wearing a yellow colored silk cloth, adorned with precious diamond

earrings and a crown made of emeralds. Soon after the birth, a chain of events astonished

Vasudev,when he saw the gates of the cell flow open and all the guards fast asleep. He

immediately thought of Nand ,his close friend in Gokul and decided to handover his child to

him in order to save him from the clutch of Kansa.

River Yamuna Bows To The Feet of Sri Krishna The night of birth was witnessed by heavy rains which led to River Yamuna being in floods.

As soon as the feet of Lord immersed in the river, the flow became normal and Yamuna

made way for the Lord. Sheshnag, the serpent formed an umbrella to save the new born baby

from rain.

Exchange of the Babies Vasudev kept his child next to fast asleep Yashoda and took the baby girl lying with him

back to Mathura. The baby girl is believed to be the sister of Lord Vishnu.

Disappearance of The Divine Child On hearing the news of birth of the eighth child of Devki and Vasudev, Kansa rushed to the

prison-cell and lifted the baby girl to kill her despite pleadings from Devki. However, instead

of hitting the stone, the child flew up in the air and announced that the annihilator of Kansa

was born and in safe hands.

Krishna later grew in Gokul and finally killed his maternal uncle, King Kansa.

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Legend of Janmashtami

Janmashtami, one of the most popular festivals of Hindus

celebrates the birth of their beloved God, Sri Krishna.

Detailed story of Janmashtami or Lord Krishna's birth has

been narrated in Puranas. Please read on to know more

about the various fascinating aspects of the legend of

Janmashtami as stated in Puranas.

Mathura, a prominent town of Northern India and the birth

city of Sri Krishna was ruled by King Ugrasen, a

Yaduvanshi ( Belonging to the Community of Yadavs). He

was a great king loved by his subjects. He had two

children, a son Kansa and a daughter Devki. Kansa was

quite cruel by nature, his wickedness knew no bounds when he jailed his father and

forcefully became the king of Mathura.

Love for sister Devki and Brother in law Vasudev Though Kansa was hard hearted but he loved his sister immensely and married her off to

Vasudev, one the high ranking officers in his army. However on the day of wedding, as a

result of a heavenly prediction that Devki’s eighth child will be born to kill him, Kansa

decided to kill his sister. On Vasudev's pleading, he put both of them in dungeons and let

them live but with a promise that they will handover all their children to Kansa, only to be

killed by him.

Birth of Balram Kansa succeeded in killing all the six new born babies of Devki and Vasudev, however the

seventh child was saved by divine intervention as the child was transferred from Devki’s

womb to that of Rohini's, Vasudev's other wife. Thus Balram, the elder brother of Krishna

was born but Kansa thought that Devki had a miscarriage.

Birth of Krishna The birth of the eighth child of Devki, Lord Krishna was followed by a chain of dramatic

events. Soon after the birth of the child, as if by a sheer miracle, all the soldiers guarding the

couple fell asleep and the gates of the dungeon flew open themselves. Vasudev decided to

smuggle the child safely in a basket to his friend Nand in Gokul. Since it was raining heavily,

River Yamuna was all swollen and Vasudev feared that both he as well as his child will

drown if he tried to cross it, however, as soon as the feet of the infant touched the river, the

flow of water became normal and Vasudev was able to cross it easily. Sheshnag, the five


headed serpent of Lord Vishnu protected the child with its fangs. Vasudev knew that his was

not an ordinary child but a divine being. After handing his child, to his dear friend, Nand,

Vasudev returned back safely with a girl child and no one got to know about it.

Yogmaya’s prediction On hearing the news of the eighth born child, Kansa rushed to kill the girl. He paid no heed

to Devki’s plead of sparing the girl. He held the child by her legs and just as he was about to

bang her against the wall, the girl vanished into thin air and told Kansa that his slayer had

been born and was safe in Gokul. The girl child was none other than Yogmaya (divine

illusion). The eighth child grew up as Yashoda and Nand’s son in Gokul and later killed his

maternal uncle Kansa, freeing all the people of Mathura from his tyranny.

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Legend of King Kansa

Kansa was the king of Mathura city and maternal uncle of

Sri Krishna. According to legend, Janmashtami is

celebrated as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna, an avatar of

Lord Vishnu to slay the cruel king . Kansa was a self-

proclaimed King of the city of Mathura (A City in

Northern India). He overthrew his father, King Ugrasen

and forcefully became the king. He was very wicked and

evil in thinking. His subjects feared him, the cowherds of

not only Mathura but also other neighbouring villages like

Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon were the victims of his

wickedness. They had no option but to surrender to his

tyrannical ways.

Army of Demons King Kansa had an army of demons who helped him spread fear and accomplish his evil

tasks. Putana, Bakasura, Aghasura were his close aides.

Loving Brother Kansa loved his younger sister Devki and fulfilled all her wishes. He married her to Vasudev,

one of his cousins and a high-ranking officer in the army with great pomp and show.

However, during the wedding ceremony of his sister, Devki, the love for his sister turned to

hatred when a heavenly prediction warned him, that the eighth child of Devki will be the

annihilator Of Kansa. On being assured of getting all the new born children of Devki and

Vasudev, Kansa decided to imprison them under close supervision and let them live.

Killing of Infants Kansa managed to kill all the new born of his sister Devki and brother-In-Law, Vasudev. His


elder brother Balram, seventh child of the couple, was saved by being transferred to Rohini's

womb. Similarly Lord Krishna, the eighth child, born to kill evil Kansa was saved after being

miraculously shifted to Gokul on the night of his birth and replaced with a female child.

However, Kansa got to know that his destroyer had been born and was being brought up by

an unknown family in a neighboring village.

Ongoing Efforts to Kill the Child Soon, after getting to know that the eighth child of his sister was born and safely growing in

another village, Kansa ordered his soldiers to kill all the one-day old male infants in and

around Mathura. He made quite a few unsuccessful attempts to kill the child.

Episode of Putana-The Demoness King Kansa, sent one of his reliable servants to kill on the infants in the village by feeding

them poisonous milk. She killed many infants but in the end she was killed by baby Krishna

who sucked her life while being fed poisonous milk.

Killing of Demon Trinivarta On hearing the death of Putana, King Kansa, sent his another servant- demon Trinivarta to

kill Sri Krishna. Trinivarta took the form of a whirlwind, and carried the young Krishna away

with itself, in the hope of throwing him away. Lord Krishna increased his weight which made

the demon unable to move any further. After some time, the weight of Lord Krishna became

too heavy for the demon to handle, so he fell on Ground and died.

End of Bakasura At the instigation of Kansa, his friend Bakasura, changed his form to that of a crane,and went

to kill Young Krishna, He hit him with his beak but Lord caught hold of his beak and tore it

apart, killing him instantly.

Slaying of King Kansa King Kansa, tired of the killing of all his servants, invited both his nephews, Balram and

Krishna for a wrestling match in Mathura. He made use of elephant Kuvalyapeeda to kill

Krishna at the entrance of the arena, Krishna killed him followed by killings of Charuna and

Toshalaka- chosen atheletes of Kansa. Krishna went to Kansa, took him by hair and threw

him on the ground; finally killing him. The slaying Of Kansa ended his tyrannical rule and

people rejoiced and celebrated his death.

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Legend of Putana

The legend Of Janmashtami- Birth of Bhagwan Krishna,

has it that Lord Vishnu took birth as a human to annihilate

demons and rid Mother Earth of their monstrosity.

Reliable Aide of King Kansa A heavenly prediction forewarned King Kansa that the

eighth child of his sister Devki will be responsible for his

death. So he decided to get rid of the child and entrusted

the work to one of his reliable aides, Putana- A Demoness.

Demoness Disguised as Human As per the instructions of King Kansa, Demoness Putana

disguised herself as a beautiful woman. Having applied

poison on her chest she went from house to house in various towns and villages, feeding all

the one day old male infants and killing them.

Suckling Life of The Demoness Demoness Putana entered the house of Baba Nand and saw the divine child,lying in the

cradle. She took the child outside and started to feed him in the vain hope of killing him.

Lord Krishna sucked her Breast embalmed with poison. Putana was happy the child was

sucking poison and will die soon; little did she realise that God was sucking her life. The

Lord, pressed her breasts with his hands and sucked her last breath. The demoness shrieked

in pain,met her fate with her eyes popping out simultaneously.

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Rituals and Customs of Janmashtami Janmashtami festival witnesses many interesting customs

and rituals in various states and cities of India. While some

rituals are common to all, others are unique and restricted

to a particular region or city. These customs and rituals are

followed religiously by all the Lord Krishna devotees year

after year.

Rituals and Customs Observed during Janmashtami

Fasting: The most common ritual observed all over during

Janmashtami is fasting by devotees on the day of the

festival. Devotees fast for the entire day and break it after

the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. People prefer to

have only milk and milk products as they were the

favourite of Lord Krishna. Some devotees of Lord Krishna

go to the extent of keeping 'Nirjal' fast- It involves fasting without having a single drop of

water. There are other ardent followers , who keep the fast for two days in the honour of Lord

Krishna.


Chanting: Devotees indulge in continuous chanting all day long. They chant mantras and

shlokas to please the lord. Religious atmosphere prevails everywhere. Devotees highlight his

feats and his divine characteristics. Chanting of 108 names of Lord Krishna is another ritual

that takes place in various temples. Chanting of names is accompanied by showering of

flowers on the idol of Lord Krishna.

Devotional Songs and dances

Another popular ritual is singing of songs (bhajans) in the praise of Lord Krishna. Bhajans

are an important custom of the midnight celebration during the festival. Dances are also

performed by devotees depicting the various events of Lord Krishna.

Staging of Plays or Dramas of Lord Krishna

Plays depicting various events and accomplishments of Lord Krishna during his lifetime is

another important custom during the festival. Both professional artists as well as amateurs

stage plays at various places that are widely attended by devotees.

Preparation of Sweets

According to legend, Lord Krishna was very fond of milk and milk products like butter and

buttermilk. He was also fond of Sweets like Kheer, Pedhas etc. Therefore devotees all over

make sweets during the festival to please the Lord.

Rituals in South India during Janmashtami

The houses in South India are beautifully decorated by women on Janmashtami. Various

sweet meals are prepared and offered to the Lord. Butter, one of the favourite dishes of Lord

Krishna is offered to please him in almost every house. The entire house right from the door

to the temple is marked with the footprints of a child. Mixture of water and flour is used to

make footprints. This custom creates a feeling of joy among the people as they feel Lord

himself has blessed them by entering their homes. The day is marked with the ritual of

chanting of the holy Bhagavatam, accompanied by singing of devotional songs and dances.

Ritual in Gujarat

Gujarat witnesses a very peculiar as well as an interesting ritual by the womenfolk during

Janmashtami. Women give up all the household chores like cooking and cleaning etc. to play

cards. This is an age old tradition. Women doing mind placing bets during the card session.

The exact history of this peculiar tradition during Janmashtami is unknown but according to

sociologists, this custom may have begun as a pass-time for women in the joint family

system. Fasting all day long, the women played cards to kill time as well as keep them awake

the entire night. It is said that women eat cold food prepared two days in advance.

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Janmashtami Fast

The word for fasting i.e. Upavasa, means to move near to the Supreme and to overcome

helplessness. The practice of fasting, could have originated as part of the offering that one

could give God for getting a boon fulfilled. The festival of Janmashtami is characterised with

keeping fast by devotees.

Nirjal Fast or Upavasa for Lord Krishna Ardent followers of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami by keeping 'Nirjal' fasts. This kind

of fasting involves not having even a single drop of water during the entire day. People feel

keeping nirjal or waterless fasts will help them get closer to God. Devotees also keep

'Phalahar Vrat' having milk and fruits during the fast. Devotees observe strict discipline while

fasting. They refrain from having cereals and salt on the day of the festival . They also feel

keeping such fast is the only thing that they can offer God. Fasting is accompanied by


singing of devotional songs and mantra chanting.

Popular Dishes made during Janmashtami Fast Devotees make various dishes during the fast. They have milk and milk products during the

fast. This because Lord Krishna was particularly fond of milk and butter. Sweet dishes are

also made and had during janmashtami fast. Kheer, Pedhas are popular sweets that devotees

have. People do not include salt in their meals during the fast. Devotees fasting on

janmashtami break the fast at midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna. They break their fast

with Prasad of the Lord.

However with changing times, and even children keeping fasts in the current scenario, the

stringent rituals of fasting have been done away with. Sendha namak (salt of a special kind

used during fasting) is now allowed during the fast.

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Ceremony of Dahi Handi

Celebration of Janmashtami, birth of the famous Lord

Krishna includes a number of ceremonies like, Raslila,

Jhankis (tableaux) etc. Dahi Handi is a popular ceremony,

celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and glee. Dahi Handi is

an enactment of Lord Krishna's efforts to steal butter from

Matka (earthen pot) suspended from the ceiling.

The Celebrations Dahi Handi generally takes place on the second day of

Janmashtami. An earthen pot containing a mixture of milk,

dry fruits, ghee is hung around 20-30 feet high in the air

with the help of a rope. Silver coins are hung along with

the rope,which are later distributed as prize to the winners.

Enthusiastic young men, form a human pyramid by standing one on top of the other, trying to

break the pot. Onlookers throw water on the young men in order to prevent them from

breaking the pot. Breaking of the pot is followed by prize distribution. Devotees believe that

the broken pieces of earthen pot will keep away mice and negative powers from their homes.

Dahi Handi is celebrated with fervor, especially in the twin cities of Mathura - Vrindavan,

Dwarka and Mumbai. Young men in Mumbai yell 'Ala re ala, Govinda ala' during the

ceremony.


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Janmashtami Tableau

An important feature of Janmashtami is Jhanki (tableau)

and cribs depicting various stages of Lord Krishna's

childhood. Jhanki means peeping in the past life, in

relation with Janmashtami it means peeping into the life of

Lord Krishna. "Jhankis" are miniature representation of a

village made of clay, humans are represented by dolls

dressed up as kids, men and women with lehangas,

chunnis, dhotis and kurtas. Five commonly depicted

scenes in jhankis are presented in a sequence:

Birth of Lord Krishna Tableau This tableau depicts the birth of Lord Krishna in the prison

cell of Mathura. Dolls dressed up as Lord Krishna, Mother

Devki And Vasudev are used.

Vasudev carrying Baby Krishna across river Yamuna Tableau This tableau depicts Vasudev, father of Lord Krishna carrying him in a basket across swollen

River Yamuna to Gokul. An artificial snake is used in the jhanki to depict Sheshnag. Legend

has it that Sheshnag, the serpent of Lord Vishnu protected baby Krishna from rain.

Exchange of Lord Krishna with the baby girl Tableau This tableau depicts Vasudev bringing back a baby girl with him, while leaving Lord Krishna

in Gokul, in the safe hands of his friend Nand.

King Kansa killing the Baby girl Tableau This tableau depicts King Kansa killing the new born baby girl in the prison and the baby

vanishing into thin air and forewarning the king that his annihilator had been born and was in

safe hands.

Baby Krishna in a cradle in Gokul Tableau This Tableau depicts Lord Krishna in a cradle in Gokul, growing up with Mata Yashoda and

Baba Nand.

Killing of King Kansa Another popular Jhanki created during Janmashtami is the depiction of King Kansa's killing.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna caught hold of his maternal uncle Kansa by his hair and

threw him from the platform killing him with bare hands

Killing Of Kaliya Serpent Tableau An important incident associated with Lord Krishna's life is the killing of Kaliya Nag during

his childhood. The serpent was dreaded in Gokul. It lived in a lake and would kill anyone


entering or having water from the lake. Lord Krishna killed Kaliya Nag thereby giving

respite to the people from the dreaded serpent. This incident is also very well captured in

Tableau during Janmashtami.

Lifting of Govardhan Hill Tableau During Janmashtami, tableau of a very interesting incident of Lord Krishna's life is created.

Lord Krishna is said to have lifted Govardhan hill on his index finger and provided shelter to

the people of Gokul. This was done to protect them from incessant rains.

Modern Day Jhanki (Tableau) With the change in times and great technological advancement, jhankis have also adorned a

new look. Jhankis are made on large scale in big towns and cities with lot of special effects.

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Performing Rasleela

One of the most important aspects of the festival

Janmashtami is Rasleela. Rasleela is a divine sport

(Kreeda), which Sri krishna played with his gopis on the

banks of river Yamuna in Vrindavan. Radha was the most

important gopi and closest to the Lord. Her love for Lord

Krishna was complete and in its purest form. Sri Krishna

was ten years old when he performed Rasleela. Rasleelas

are particularly performed in the city of Vrindavan.

History According to Bhagavata Puran, Lord Krishna was loved

immensely by gopis. The love gopis felt for Lord was not

carnal,it was prerna (Divine love).The love for Sri Krishna

was so strong that gopis forgot all about their worldly chores. The gopis were totally merged

in the love of god through the practice of constant smaran (remembrance).

Performance of Rasleela Lord Krishna promised gopis that he will dance with all of them. So Bhagwan Krishna stood

in the centre suurounded by gopis who danced and sang in the glory of Lord. Sometimes Sri

Krishna would put his arms around the neck of gopis and all of them would dance together.

All the demigods, like Gandharva, Yakshas were witness of the divine dance, as they threw

flowers from the sky, giving their blessings. The gopis would rejoice with sheer bliss in the

company of the lord and consider themselves fortunate

Disappearance of God during Rasleela Dancing almost every full moon night during autumn made the gopis conceited. They started

considering themselves superior to other women who were not fortunate enough to be with

Lord Krishna. One night during Rasleela, lord Krishna did the disappearing act to teach them


a lesson of humility. Not finding Krishna amongst them, the gopis started feeling the agony

of desertion. Overwhelmed with grief, they started searching for God and prayed him to

come back. During their search for Lord they sang songs popularly known as Gopika Gitam.

Lord returned after many pleadings.

Rasleela in its present form In the current age, Rasleela is performed only by Brahmin boys between the age of 10-13

years. The main theme of rasleela revolves around the formative years of Lord Krishna.

There are five main raslilas performed like janamleela- details regarding the birth of Lord

Krishna, Shankarleela, Putanaleela- Killing of demoness Putana, And Nagleela- killing of the

dreaded serpent Kaliya . They are performed by professional troupes with utmost devotion

and love. The troupe captivates the audience with their performance. Rasleelas are usually

performed in the local language, Brajbhasa, which is somewhat similar to Hindi language

and therefore easy to understand. At the end of the performance, devotees throng to touch the

feet of the young boy dressed as Lord Krishna. The young boy ceases to be human for the

devotees and becomes a divine being during the festival.

Rasleelas are performed by various renowned theater groups, plays are stages with celebrities

playing the lead roles to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

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Krishna Bal Leela

Lord Krishna is one of the most loved and adored Gods of

Hindu religion. The foremost reason of the glorification

and reverence of Bhagwan Krishna is his Bal Leela. Bal

Leela depicts various episodes between the period of his

birth till the age of ten. Lord Krishna right from the time of

his birth displayed the signs of his divine being.

Episode of Killing of Demoness Putana According to legend, King Kansa wanted to kill Krishna as

it was predicted that he would grow up to kill the King. So

Demoness Putana went about killing all the male infants in

Mathura and other neighboring towns in the move to kill

the new born Lord Krishna. She took the form of a

beautiful woman and smeared her breast with poison. While roaming from one town to

another, she reached Nand baba's house, and saw Bal Krishna lying in the cradle. She then

fled with the child and fed Lord Krishna her milk in the vain hope of killing him. Lord

Krishna kept smiling and drinking the milk and after a while Putana shrieked with pain. It is

said that while sucking the milk, Lord Krishna sucked her life thus killing her.

Episode of Overturning the Cart by Lord Krishna As per a folklore, during one of the birth ceremonies of Lord Krishna, Mata Yashoda kept

fast asleep Krishna under a cart full of milk . Lord Krishna started crying for milk after

getting up, but Mata Yashoda didn't hear his cries so Lord Krishna kicked the cart with his

feet and overturned it. The pots were shattered and milk started flowing into his mouth.

When the story of overturned cart was narrated to Mata Yashoda, she could not believe it.

Episode of Displaying the Cosmos to Mother Yashoda Legend has it that one day Mata Yashoda was cuddling Lord Krishna and playing with him.

The child lying on his mother's lap yawned and opened his mouth. Mata Yashoda saw the

whole universe in his mouth, the sun, the moon and all the stars, the sky, mountains, rivers,

islands, oceans, all the continents, all living as well as non living beings.

Episode of Killing of Demon Trinivarta It is believed that King Kansa sent one of his loyal servant, Demon Trinivarta to kill Lord

Krishna. The demon took the form of a whirlwind and carried the child away. As soon as the

demon reached the sky, he found it difficult to proceed further on account of the heaviness of

the child. Unable to bear his own weight as well as the weight of the child, demon Trinivarta

fell on the ground and met his fate. His took his original form after the death and Mata

Yashoda was astonished to see her child lying on the dead demon.


Episode with the Fruit Seller According to another famous folklore, Lord Krishna went to a woman fruit seller and asked

her to give him some fruits in exchange for a handful of grains. The woman took the handful

of grains from Lord Krishna and put in her basket and left. On reaching home, the woman

was astonished to see her basket full of precious stones and gems instead of grains.

Episode of Omnipresent Lord Krishna Bal Gopal was very mischievous and found great pleasure in playing pranks on gopis. He

would steal their milk, butter, break their earthen pots to get butter. One day Lord Krishna,

broke all the earthen pots of a gopi in order to get butter. On being caught red handed, the

gopi went to mother Yashoda to inform her of her son's mischievous deeds. She was shocked

to see the Lord standing next to his mother; Feeling embarrassed she left the place.

There are many more popular Bal Leelas of God like the killing of demons Aghasura,

Bakasura, brothers of demoness Putana . Mata Yashoda tying Lord Krishna with a rope but

each time the rope would fall short by a few inches is another famous episode of Krishna Bal

Leela.

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Gita Saar

The teachings of Lord Krishna have been written down in

a book famously known as 'Bhagwad Gita'. It is the holy

book of Hindus. It is to Hindus, what Bible is to Christians

or what the holy Quran is to Muslims. Since the book is

quite big and extensive, sometimes it becomes difficult for

a person to read at a stretch. Geeta Saar is the gist of the

main teachings of Lord Krishna. It contains the crux of the

Holy Gita.

Lord questions everyone over various issues and asks them

to give up the illusionary world. Bhagwan Krishna says,

the only way to achieve life long happiness is to surrender

to him.

• Why do you worry unnecessarily? What are you afraid of? Who can kill

destroy you? A soul is never born, so it never dies.

• Whatever happened in the past, happened for the best; whatever is

happening, is happening for the best; whatever will happen in future, will

happen for the best. Do not repent the past, do not worry for future, concentrate

on your present.

• What did you own, that makes you cry on losing? What did you bring,

that you fear losing? What did you give birth to, that you fear its destruction?

You didn't bring anything. Whatever one takes, one must return it to God.

Everyone came empty handed and will therefore die, empty handed.

• Whatever belongs to you today, belonged to someone else yesterday and it

will belong to some one else tomorrow. Don't be illusioned by maya. Maya is the

root cause of all pain and misery.

• Change is the rule of nature. What one understands, as death is actually

life itself. One moment you are the owner of crores and in the very next moment

you become a pauper.

• Your body doesn't belong to you and vice versa. Body is composed of five

elements- Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Sky; one day it will perish in these

elements.

• Offer yourself to the Almighty Lord. This is the best support. One who

knows this unconditional support gains freedom from fear, worry and despair. -----------------------------------------------------------


Teachings of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna, is the one of the most loved Gods of the

Hindu religion. His teachings on various aspects of human

life to Arjuna during the epic battle of Mahabharata are

world famous. His teachings were written in form of a

book by famously known as Bhagwad Gita. Bhagwad Gita

literally means divine songs of Lord. Teachings of the

lord, are relevant even in the present age. They are being

promoted by a number of spiritual gurus. Few of his

important teachings are as follows:

• Four Kinds Of actions: According to Lord

Krishna there are four kind of Actions or karma

that a human can perform they are, Kamya

Karma- Actions performed for selfish gains,

Nishiddha Karma- Actions that are forbidden bu holy texts and scriptures, Nitya

Karma- Actions that must be performed daily and finally Naimittika Karma-

Actions that must be performed on certain special occasions. Lord Krishna clearly

forbade his devotees to perform the first two kinds of Karmas as they lead to rebirth

and laid stress on the performance of the latter two as they help in getting Moksha or

Nirvana, in other words, salvation.

• Liberation and Bondage: Lord Krishna emphasised on being free from all

kinds of negative and positive emotions like, joy, sorrow, grief, happiness, jealousy,

as they are all illusions or maya. These emotions are ephemeral. All the beings are

bonded due to lack of knowledge but they get free and achieve liberation once they

realize that the world is nothing but illusion. All the souls taking birth on the Earth

must surrender to Lord, be free form attachments to living and non living objects.

One should not be conditioned by body or the worldly things around.

• Glory Of Satsanga: Lord Krishna described, 'satsanga' as the fastest means to

be closer to him and please him. Satsanga literally means being in the company of

Sadhus or the knowledgeable one, as it helps in reducing and finally putting an end to

attachment of all kinds.

• Withdrawal from Sense-Objects: Lord Krishna preached withdrawal from

all the sensory- objects as a means to avoid delusion. All the objects of desire

ultimately lead to misery. One must control his senses and not run after the pursuit of

desires. As soon as one of the desire is fulfilled, another desire takes its place thus

creating a vicious circle. One shoul give up ahmkara or Ego and identify only with

God.

• Importance of Meditation: Lord Krishna emphasises on the benefits of

meditation. It is a means of introspection, looking inside oneself, being close to God

and removing oneself from the materialistic world. One should sit in a comfortable

position, placing both the hands on the lap and fixing th eyes on the tip of the nose,

followed by deep breathing. The mind should be free from all thoughts and chanting

only the universal sound of 'Om'.

• Path to Life Long Happiness: Lord Krishna describes, Karma(action)

Jnana(Knowledge) and Bhakti (Devotion) as the three fold way to attain Lord and

please him. This is sure shot way to achieve happiness and Moksha. Being

knowledgeable will help perform the right Karma and not worry about the fruit of the

action. Devotion to God heps introspect and remove from the worldly desires. The

three paths lead to removal of illusion or maya.

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Lord Krishna’s Disappearance

Lord Krishna, the 10th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, took

birth on earth with a purpose. The main objective of taking

human form by the divine being was to rid mother Earth

from the cruelties and increasing power of the demons.

Life Span of Lord Krishna It is believed that Bhagwan Krishna lived on Earth with

brother Balram for 125 years. The first ten years of his life

were spent in the towns of Gokul and Vrindavan, in

Northern India. The following years beginning in the 11th

year of Lord's life till the age of 28 were spent in Mathura.

Sri Krishna later established Dwarka, a city in Gujarat and

lived the rest of his life there with his wife Rukmini and

sons.

Legends of Lord Krishna's Disappearance According to researchers, Lord Krishna disappeared on 18th February 3102 BC. The period

after his disappearance marks the beginning of Kaliyug. It is said Bhagwan Krishna had

predicted that exactly seven days after the disappearance of the Lord, the Golden city of

Dwarka in Gujarat will drown in the sea. Indeed Dwarka city is said to have been merged in

sea owing to torrential rain. There are quite a few reasons assigned to Lord Krishna's leaving

his spirit for the heaven. They are as follows:

Fulfillment of Sri Krishna's Birth Objective Lord Krishna alighted on mother Earth with the primary objective of reducing the growing

power of the demons and relieving people from their cruelties. The secondary objective was

fighting the historical battle in Kurukshetra in order to deliver justice to Pandavas. Having

accomplished his missions and establishing peace , it was time for Lord to end his life

journey on Earth.

Curse of Mother Gandhari Mahabharata, the historical battle fought in Kurukshetra resulted in the death of all the

hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Lord Krishna is said to have visited

Mother Gandhari to offer his condolence. In a fit of rage and sorrow, Mata Gandhari cursed

Bhagwan Krishna that just as the Kaurava dynasty had ended fighting with each other,

similarly the Yaduvanshi dynasty would end fighting and killing each other. Mother

Gandhari felt that Sri Krishna didn't play a fair role in putting an end to the war. Lord

Krishna happily accepted the curse.

Curse of Sages Vishwamitra and Narada According to a folklore, Sage Vishwamitra and Sage Narada once visited the city of Dwarka

to meet Lord Krishna. A few children of Lord Krishna dressed up Samba (Son of Sri Krishna

and Jambavati) as a pregnant woman and asked the visiting sages to foretell what kind of a

child Samba will bear. Feeling insulted, the sages cursed that Samba will give birth to an Iron

rod which in turn will be instrumental in the fall of the Yaduvanshi Dynasty. The very next

day, Samba gave birth to an iron rod. Lord Krishna's sons crushed it into powder and threw

the bottle in the sea. However, one day the bottle was washed up the shore and the powdered

iron took form of an arrow. Lord Krishna could foresee everything and as a last resort to save

his Dynasty, prohibited liquor in the city of Dwarka. Eventually, the Yadavas became drunk

and killed each other with iron rods. None of them survived. Lord Krishna was shattered to

see the Dynasty perish.

Death of Balram On seeing the end of Yaduvanshi clan, Lord Balram the elder brother of Sri Krishna sat

under a tree and ended his life by breathing out life from his mouth in the form of a white

serpent.

Disappearance of Sri Krishna Lord Krishna was disillusioned with the fraternal killing among the Yaduvanshis. He went to


a forest near Somnath in Bhalka Tirth to meditate. Jara, a hunter mistook the lord's feet to be

a deer and accidentally shot him with the arrow. Lord Krishna's spirit left for heaven.

Bhagwan Krishna's disappearance marks the beginning of the current debauched age, also

known as Kaliyug.

The great sage Vyas then wrote the famous 'Bhagawad Puran' to save the heritage and

miracles of Lord Krishna. The story of Lord Krishna has since been passed from generation

to generation.

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Different Names of Sri Krishna

Lord Krishna, one of the most revered Gods of Hindu

religion is known by many names. It is believed that

Acharya Garga, the family priest of Yadavs named the

Lord. He was named Lord Sri Krishna because of his dark

complexion.

Names According to Special Characteristics and Feats

During days of childhood, Sri Krishna was known as Bal

Gopal meaning young Krishna. He is known as Madhav

meaning the Husband of Goddess of fortune, Sri Lakshmi.

Bhagwan Krishna is also known as Giridhari-The lifter of

Govardhan hill. Also known as Banvari - the one living in

the groves of Vrindavan.

Popular Names of Lord Krishna with their Meanings

------------------------------------

NAME MEANING

Krishna One in the transport of joy

Jagannath Lord of the whole World

Parampurush The supreme one

Dwarkadhish King of Dwarka City

Vasudev Son of Vasudev

Devki Nandan Mother Devki's son

Govinda Lord Of Cows

Gopal Protector of Cows

Parthasarthi Chariot driver of Arjuna

Muralidhar One with a flute

Mathura Naresh King of Birth city Mathura

Damodar One tied with a grinding Stone

Niranjan One who is honorable

Sanatan The eternal one

Anant The infinite

Ajay All victorious God

Murari Enemy of demon Mura

KamalNath Kamla (Goddess Lakshmi's) Husband

Punya Meritorious

Lila-Manush-Vigraha Assuming human form to perform pastimes

Shrivastav Kausthuba-

Dharya Wearing Shri Vatsa and Kausthubha Gem

Yashoda-Vatsalya Mother Yashoda's darling child

Hari Shri Hari


Chaturbuja-Chakra-gada-

Shankhadhyay Four armed one carrying weapons of Disc, Club and Conch

Shrisay Abode of Shri (Lakshmi)

Nandgopa Priyatmaj Nanda Gopa's darling child

Yamuna Vega Samhar Destroyer of speed of River yamuna

Balbhadra Pariyanuj Balram's younger brother

Putana Jivit haraya Destroyer of demoness Putana

Shakatsura Bhanjanaya Destroyer of demon Shakatasur

Nandvraja jana nandin One bringing joy to Nand and people of Braj

Sachidanand Vigraha Embodiment of existence, Awareness and bliss

Navanit Viliptanga Lord whose body is smeared with butter

Ananghaya The sinless one

Navanit navaharaya Inventor of new form of food- Butter

Muchukunda Prasadkaya Lord who blessed king Muchukund

Shodasha sthri sahasreshaya Lord of 16,000 wives

Tribhanji lalitakritaye Lord who poses bent in 3 places

Sukavag Amritabhdhindave Ocean of nectar according to Sukadev

Yogi Pataye Lord of yogis

Avyaktaya One who is difficult to comprehend

Punya-Shlokaya Lord whose praise bestows meritorious

Tirthapadaya One whose feet are holy

Vedvedayaya Souce of Vedas

Yagnabhoktre One who consumes sacrificial offerings

Paratpataya One who is highest of the highest

Gopa Gopishvaraya Lord of gopas and gopis

Yogine Greatest Yogi

Koti surya samaprabha One who is as lustrous as a million suns

Ilapataye Lord of Earth

Vanamaline One wearing a sylven garland

Parasmai jyotish One with a supreme light

Yadavendraye Lord of Yadavs

Yadudvataya Leader of Yadus

Pita vasase One wearing yellow robes

Parijatapa Harakaya One who removes Parijath Flower

Govardhanchalo Dhartreya Lifter of Govardhan Hill

Sarva palakaya Protector of all beings

Niranjan The untainted one

Kama janakaye One generating desires in worldly mind

Kancha lochanaya One with beautiful eyes

Madhughne Killer of demon Madhu

Mathuranath King of birth city Mathura

Brindavane sancarine One roaming in Brindavan city


Dwarkanayak Lord of Dwarka

Baline All powerful Lord

Syamantake maner hartre One who stole Syamantaka Gem

Nara Narayanatmakaya One who has twin form of nar and Narayan

Kubja Krishtambharadharya One who applied ointment by Kubja the hunchbacked woman

Mayine Lord of maya

Mushtikasura Chanura

mallayudha-visharadaya

One who is an expert wrestler, killed two demons

Mushtikasura and Chanura

Sansara vaitine One who is enemy of sansara

Kamsaraye Enemy of king Kansa

Narakantakaya Destroyer of demon Naraka

Anadi Brahmacharine Beginning less absolute

Krishna Vyasana

Karshakaya Remover of Draupadi's distress

Shishupala Shirascratte Remover of Shishupal's head

Duryodhana Kulantakaya Destroyer of Duryodhana's dynasty

Vidurakrura Varadaya Giver of boon to Vidur and Akrur

Vishwarupa Pradarshakaya Revealer of Vishwasrup (Universal form)

Satyavacha Speaker of truth

Satya sankalp Lord of true resolve

Satyabhama Rataya Lover of Satyabhama

Jayine The ever victorious Lord

Subhadra purvajaya Brother of Subhadra

Vishnava To Lord Vishnu

Bhishma mukti Pradayakaya One who bestowed salvation to Bhishma

Jagadguruve venunada

visharad One expert in playing of flute music

Vrishabhasura vidhvamsine Destoyer of demon Vrishbasura

Yudhishthira pratishthatre One who established Yudhisthira as a king

Sarvagraha Rupine To all-formed one

Dayanidhaye One who is treasure of compassion

Sarvabhutat makaya Soul of elements

Jalakrida samashaka gopi

vastra pararakaya

Lord who hid gopi's clothes while they were playing in river

Yamuna

Parabrahmane A supreme brahman

Barhi Barhavatamsakaye One who adorns peacock feathers

Pannagashana vahanaya Having serpent Adishesha as his seat

Danavendra Vinashak Destroyer of Lord of Asuras

Gitamrita Mahodadhaye An ocean containing nectar of Bhagwad Gita

Kaliyaphani Manikya ranjita

shri Padambhujaya Lord whose lotus feet adorn gems from hood of Kaliya serpent

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Sri Krishna's Lifetime Chart

Given here is a chronological list of Lord Krishna's lifetime achievements. Relevant aspects

of Lord Krishna's life from birth to renunciation have been presented in a tabular form.

Age of Lord Krishna Description

Birth In the month of Sravana, around July 19th 3227 BC in a prison

cell in Mathura city to Vasudev and Devki.

0 to 3 years

Lived in the neighboring town of Gokul with Nand and

Yashoda, performed bal leela, including killing of demoness

Putana, Trinivatra etc.

3 to 7 years Started living in Vrindavan, Killing of Demons Bakasura,

Aghasura and Dhanuka.

7-10 years Lifting of Govardhan hill, played rasleelas with Gopis, Invited

for a wrestling match by Kansa which results in his killing.

10 – 28 years

Lived in Mathura and protected it from many Demons. Took the

lessons in all the sixty four arts from Muni Sandeepani and

perfected all the arts.

29 – 125 years

Established kingdom in the city of Dwarka with Brother Balram.

Married Rukmini and 16000 other princesses. Helped Pandavas

win the battle of Mahabharata, explains teachings to Arjuna later

written down by Rishi Vyas as Bhagwad Gita.

125th Year Fall of Yaduvanshi dynasty due to fraternal killing.

Disappearance of Lord Krishna on 18th February 3102 BC.

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Famous Krishna Temples

There are a number of temples dedicated to Bhagwan

Krishna, spread all across India. The number of temples in

North India is far more than those in South India. The city

of Vrindavan (Northern India) alone, hosts close to 5000

temples. There are a chosen few temples which are quite

famous and significant. Lakhs of devotees visit these

temples every year for darshans of their beloved Bal

Gopal. These temples are very powerful and highly

regarded by Hindus also helping to promote and flourish

the richness of the Hindu religion, culture, and philosophy.

• Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Mathura

• Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan

• Guruvayur Temple, Kerala

• Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Karnataka

• Srinath Temple, Rajasthan

• Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat

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Janmashtami Pooja Process

The festival of Janmashtami is considered a very pious day by Hindus. Lot of bhajan singing,

hymn chanting and poojas are performed this day. Devotees queue all the major Krishna

temples to seek his blessings. People perform elaborate poojas during the festival. They keep

day long fast. Functions and prayer meetings are organised to share the glory of their

favourite God.

The general pooja process begins early in the morning with devotees giving a bath or

abhishek to Bal Gopal's idol with gangajal, ghee, water, honey and curd. The idol is then

adorned with new clothes (preferably in yellow colour), stone or other precious jewellery.

Next, the idol of lord is offered bhog, the contents of bhog may vary. Fruits, kheer, pedha,


milk, and milk products are made. There are devotees who offer chappan bhog(56 dishes) to

Bal Gopal.

Thereafter, special Krishna pooja is performed. The cradle containing the divine infant's idol

is rocked, conch is blown. Devotees sing Krishna arti, some people read out 108 names of

lord. They get totally immersed in the name and praise of Gopal.

After the entire pooja is over, devotees break their fast by having panchamrit. The time of

breaking the fast may vary, this is so, because the time of performing pooja also differs

from place to place. While some devotees choose to perform pooja at midnight and

break fast, others perform pooja in the evening and have food.

Krishna Janmasthami is the celebration of the day that Bhagwan Krishna incarnated in

human form upon the Earth. It is celebrated at midnight on the eighth day of the dark

fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

The day is celebrated by worshipping Bhagwan Krishna, fasting and chanting devotional

kirtan and bhajans until past midnight.

In 2011, it falls on the 21st/22nd of August. Krishna Janmashtami puja is now available in

multiple Indian scripts (Thanks to Aksharamukha transliterator). Please see the links below

for the PDF (Adobe Reader) file of your choice:

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – Sanskrit

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – Tamil

Krishna Janmashtami Katha – From Kamala Subramaniam’s Bhagavatham

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – Malayalam

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – Telugu

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – Kannada

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – Bengali

Krishna Janmashtami Puja – English

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Janmashtami Pooja Items

The festival of janmashtami is observed with lot of gay

and happiness all over India. Special poojas are performed

both in homes as well as temples. The entire day is

devoted to remembering and singing the praise of Lord

Krishna. Devotees welcome and celebrate the birth of their

favourite god with lot of fervor.

There are certain special items required for Krishnashtami

pooja. Important pooja items are listed below:

• Lord Krishna's idol with cradle and conch

• New clothes, flute and ornaments for Lord

Krishna

• Pooja thali containing a bell, diya, rice,

elaichi(cardamom), supari, paan leaves, roli, small container filled with water,

sindoor, incense sticks, flowers and ghee.

• For Panchamrit -milk, curd, gangajal, honey and ghee.


• A book containing shri Krishna's arti.

The list of items may vary according to pooja process performed by different people.

--------------------------------------------

Janmashtami Decorative Items

A number of popular traditional decorative items are used

by devotees during Janmashtami. It is a time to decorate

house with flowers, decorate the jhula/cradle of Lord

Krishna. Beautify your house to celebrate the birth of

Bhagwan Krishna. Listed below are a few of decorative

items used during the festival:

Krishna Idols and Sculptures Lord krishna's idols and sculptures are the most important

decorative. Devotees perform pooja with the help of the

idols. They can also be placed in living room etc.

Krishna Wall Hangings Wall Hangings adorning the image of Lord Krishna are a popular Janmashtami decorative

item. As the festival is traditionally celebrated, wall hangings with ethnic touch are preferred

over others. Embroidered cloth panels too work wonders as a popular festival decorative.

Krishna Door Hangings or Torans Door hangings with pictures of Lord Krishna pasted over them make a unique decorative

item. Attractive torans can be made by stitching or pasting other popular Janmashtami

symbols such as flute, morpankh (peacock feather), pots containing butter and butter milk.

These eye catching Janmashtami decorative symbolize Lord's activities.

-------------------------------------------------

Arti for Janmashtami

Arti is a ceremony, held to welcome Lord or a saintly

person. Auspicious articles like incense and diyas are

offered to the lord. Arti is an important ceremony held to

mark any kind of religious or spiritual celebration.

Janmashtami arti is performed every year to mark the birth

anniversary of Lord Krishna. Krishna arti is performed in

every house as well as temple during the festival.

Lord Krishna's Arti Jai shri Krishna hare, prabhu jai jai Girdhari,

Danav-dal balihari, Go dwij hitkari.

Jai Govind dayanidhi, Govardhan dhari,

Vanshidhar banvari, braj jan priyakari.

Ganika godh ajamil, gajpati bhayhari,

Arat-arti hari, jai mangalkari.

Gopalak gopeshwar, draupadi dukhdari,

Shabar suta sukhkari, Gautam tiya tari.

Jan prahlad pramodak, narhari tanu dhari,

jan man ranjankari, diti sut sanhari.

Tidwish-sut sanrakshak, rakshak manjhari,

Pandu suvan shubhkari, kaurav madhari.

Manmath-manmath mohan, murli rav kari,

Vrindavipin bihari, yamuna tat chari.


Agh bak baki udharak, trinavarta tari,

bidhi surpati madhari, kansa muktikari.

Shesh mahesh saraswati, gun gavat hari,

Kal kirti vistari, bhakt bheeti hari.

Narayan sharnagat, ati agh aghhari,

Pad-raj pawankari, chahat hitkari.

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Janmashtami Bhajans

The festivity of Janmashtami will be incomplete without

singing bhajans or hymns in praise of lord Krishna. There

are various bhajans describing the feats and

accomplishments of Lord. Few of the bhajans are listed

below to be sung during Janmashtami.

Khul Gaye Jail ke Tale Jab janmain Shri Bhagwan jail darmyan murliya wale

khul gaye jail ke tale

Dewki ne pati ko jagaya tha sapne ka hal sunaya tha

le jao putra Yashoda ke karo hawale

khul gaye.........

Vasudev ji ki bedi tuti thi takdir Kans ki phuti thi

ho gaye mast sab so gaye pahare wale

khul gaye......

Vasudev ji chale agadi ko le kar ke Krishna Murari ko

pahunche Yamuna tat yamuna bhare ubare

khul gaye.....

Vasudev ji ne bhed na paya tha prabhu ji ne pair badhaya tha

phunche Yashoda ke nikat muraliya wale

khul gaye..........

Ghar ghar main batat badhai hai ham sabne khushiyan manai hai

pad gaye Kans raja ki jan ke lale


Jab janmain Shri Bhagwan jail darmayan muraliya wale


Contributed by: Rohit Tiwari ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shyam chudi bechne aaya Manihari ka bhesh banaya,

Shyam chudi bechne aaya

Chhaliya ka bhesh banaya,


Chhaliya ka bhesh banaya


Galiyon mein shor machaya,




Radha ne suni Lalita se kahi

Mohan ko turant bulaya


Shyam chudi bechne aaya,


Chudi laal nahi pehnu

Chudi hari nahi pehnu

Mujhe Shyam rang hai bhaaya,




Radha pehnan lagi

Shyam pehnane lage

Radha ne haath badaya,




Radha kehne lagi

Tum toh chhaliya

Bade dheere se haath dabaya




Manihari ka bhesh banaya




Shyam chudi bechne aaya.

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Chadar lambi taan na so Chadar lambi taan na so, Shyam japo Shyamjapo

Jiwan ki ghariya vyartha na kho, Shyam japo Shyam japo.

Duniya mein aake kya kiya, ghari bhar na prabhu ka naam liya

Vishayan de vich jindagi na kho, Shyam japo Shyam japo.

Shyam toh sukh ka saar hai, jiwan ka aadhar hai

Uske siwa marg na koo, Shyam japo Shyam japo

Bhakti mein manua dhyan dhar, ujraa ghar aabad kar

Agyan ka bande neend na so, Shyam japo Shyam japo

Contributed By: Ruchi

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Bhajo Radhe Govinda Bhajo Radhe Govinda

Gopala Tera pyara naam hai

Gopala Tera pyara naam hai

Nandalala Tera pyara naam hai

Mor mukat maathe tilak viraje

Gale vaijanthimala Gale vaijanthimala

Koi kahe Vasudev ka Nandan

Koi kahe Nandalala Koi kahe Nandalala

Bhajo Radhe Govinda . . .

Gaj aur Grehe lade jal bitar

Jal mein chakra chalaya Jal mein chakra chalaya

Jab jab bhid padi bhagaton par

Nanggi pairin dhaya Nanggi pairin dhaya

Bhajo Radhe Govinda.


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Mere Pyare Madan Gopal Choti choti gaiyan, chote chote gawaal,

chote se mere, madan gopal

mor mukut mathe saaje, gale mein swaranmaal,

chote se mere madan gopal

Kaano mein karanphool, haathon mein ratnajadhit hath haar,


pitamber saaje tan pe, uspe sundar motiyon ki maal


pairon mein jhanjhar sohe, jab nache hari angana dwaar.

Chote se mere madan gopal

Bhaye sab ke mann ko bal gopal,Karke solah shringar,

chote se mere Madan Gopal

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Nandlal Tohri Mahima Aparampar Mere pyare nandlal, kaise karoon tohri mahima ka bakhan,

janam liya mathura nagariya, karne danavon ka sanghar

kaise karoon tohri mahima ka Bakhan.

Janam data thi Devki Mata, Yashoda ko bhi diya maa ka samman

kaise karoon tohri mahima ka bakhan

Putana ko mukt kiya, har liye Kansa ke pran

kaise karoon tohri mahima ka bakhan.

Gopiyon sang raas kiya, Radha ko diya sampurna pyar.

Kaise karoon tohri mahima ka bakhan.

Chaliyon sang chal kiya, deeno sang seedha vyavhar,


Pandavon ka saath diya, Kauravon ko diya pachhar,


Mere pyare nandlal kaise karoon tohri mahima ka bakhan

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Darsh Do Mohe Girdhari More pranpriye Krishna, more pyare Girdhari,

Darsh do mohe, More pran chhootat jat.

Main neech nirbal prani, chahta jana chhodd duniya ka sath,

Darsh do mohe, more pran chhootat jat.

moh maya ke is bhanwar se ,do mujhe ab ubhar,

Darsh do mohe, more pran chhootat jat.

Karm ki gathariya ho gayi bhari, karo mera uddhar,

Darsh do mohe , more pran chhootat jat.

Sumiran kar tera antim kshan mein, mujhe milega swarg ka dwar,

Darsh do mohe , more pran chhootat jat.

More Pyare Girdhari. Sun lo ab arz humari,

Darsh de mohe , more pran chhootat jat

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Rang le khudko, Murari ke rang Jeevan ke sab rang hain jhoote

Rang lo mohe, apne rang mein Murari.

Mrigtrishna ke is jaal se ab karo mukti humari,

Rang lo Mohe, apne rang mein Murari.

Dukh-sukh, paap-punya hain aane jane.

Rang lo mohe, apne rang mein Murari

Mayajaal ke rang hai kacche, bas tohre naam ke pukke,

Rang lo mohe, apne rang mein Murari

Tohre naam se hoga is bhav sagar ka paar

Rang lo mohe, apne rang main Murari

27 S teps of Wo rshipp ing t he Lor d · Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as...

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Transcript of 27 S teps of Wo rshipp ing t he Lor d · Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as...