The Ashtami of the Bhadrapada month (As per Hindu Calendar) is always reserved for the Happy Birthday of Lord Krishna (Aug/Sept every year).The fervour & celebrations across India which heralds the birth of the Ninth Avatar of Vishnu sweeps the country in devotion & spirituality as devotees throng temples from Mathura to Mumbai !
Though there is a debate as per some regions within India which consider Buddha or Balarama as the 8th or 9th Avatar of Vishnu, but in South India the 8th Avatar is the Elder brother of Krishna—Balarama (who many consider as the reincarnation of Ananta Sesha to support his Lord- Vishnu on earth).Balarama being the Son of Vasudeva & his other wife(the first being Devaki-Kirshna’s mother) -Rohini. He is also called Sankarshana as from Devaki’s womb in Mathura he was transferred to Rohini’s in Gokul.
Across India the celebrations commence,especially in Mathura and Vrindavan; the former being the birthplace of Lord Krishna while the latter being the place he spent his childhood years. The celebrations that happen in these places are unique and people from all over the world gather to see the rituals and events and take part in the celebrations. Most devotees spend the day in Vrindavan witnessing the events and celebrations and go to Mathura in the evening to commemorate the birth of the lord.
The Dahi-Handi celebrations of breaking a pot filled with butter/curds by a human pyramid which rises to a heights of 30 feet & above to break the matki, contests across Mumbai & Maharashtra is worth witnessing once to the dancing beats of Govinda Ala Re.
Quick-witted and jovial in nature, this notorious divinity became a favourite among devotees who fondly worship him both in his adult and childhood form. People observe fast, decorate their homes, and prepare delicacies to offer to the Lord; following all the rituals of this day.
Am sure many amongst us have been dressed as Baby Krishna in our childhood or we are now dressing up our children/grandchildren & sharing pics across whatsapp !
Infact some of the Leading Kannada Channels & newspapers organise contests & the most endearing kid wins prizes too !
The celebrations in Udupi Sri Krishna Temple,Karnataka with long queue for a glimpse of the Muddu Krishna decked in all finery competes with the equally celebrated Dwaraka Jagat Temple,Gujarat where Kanha Ji as the King of Dwaraka presides.
As per various legends &mythologies,Keshava had 8 principal queens who ere none than Goddess Lakshmi herself in various forms,thus we also have AshtaLakshmis.His eight principal queens were Rukmini of Vidarbha, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Bhadra of Kekeya, Mitravinda of Avanti, Satya of Kosala and Lakshmana of Madra& in all about 16,108 wives.He also had 80 sons, 10 from each of 8 queens too.
As we get geared up to celebrate this year, lets pray for a healthy,vaccinated & sombre festival thanks to the new age Krishna,saviour of Lives—the Health Care Professionals of Doctors & Nurses across the world
Jai Shri Krishna !
Mr.Vinay Rao has written very comprehensive and informative article about Lord Krishna which has given well blended information combining both mythological and contemporary celebrations. It is also combined with good photos especially Vikyat Rao as cute boy Krishna . Well written Mr.Vinay Rao
nice article.I like cute Krishna vikyath