Why we celebrate Janmashtami?
I remeber my school days when I played Radha's role in a dance song with Krishna and was feeling so great about it as I never knew I was so good at dancing, thanks to all my teachers and principals.. but I have some connection with Krishna.. my love of my life is there as my Hubbyn in my life and he is the most caring, loving and protective to me..
here comes few other revelations .. do read till end
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Here's a brief overview of why we celebrate Janmashtami:
Significance:
1. Divine Incarnation:
- Janmashtami marks the birth of Krishna, who is believed to be the supreme God incarnated to restore dharma (righteousness) and destroy adharma (evil). Krishna's birth is considered a divine event that brought hope and liberation to the world.
2. Symbol of Goodness Over Evil:
- Krishna’s life and teachings emphasize the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and righteousness over injustice. His birth is celebrated as the arrival of a divine force that guides humanity towards ethical and spiritual living.
3. Celebration of Divine Play (Leela):
- The festival commemorates Krishna's divine pastimes and leelas, which include his childhood miracles, his role as a lover, and his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. These stories reflect his divine nature and the joy he brought to his devotees.
Celebratory Practices:
1. Fasting and Prayers:
- Devotees observe fasting and engage in prayers and devotional singing to honor Krishna. The fast is usually observed from dawn until midnight, the time believed to be Krishna's birth.
2. Dressing and Decoration:
- Temples and homes are decorated with flowers and lights, and images of Krishna are adorned with new clothes and jewelry. Many people also recreate scenes from Krishna's life in various dramas and plays.
3. Midnight Celebrations:
- The festival culminates at midnight, believed to be the exact time of Krishna’s birth. Devotees gather in temples and homes to celebrate with songs, dances, and rituals, expressing their devotion and joy.
4. Dahi Handi:
- In some regions, particularly in Maharashtra, people celebrate with a traditional event called Dahi Handi, where groups of young men form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd and butter, symbolizing Krishna's love for these foods.
Conclusion:
Janmashtami is a vibrant and joyous celebration that not only honors the birth of Lord Krishna but also embodies his teachings and divine qualities. It serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of divine grace and the importance of leading a righteous and virtuous life.
What is Krishnaleela?
Krishnaleela refers to the divine play (leela) or the collection of stories and adventures associated with Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. These stories are rich in symbolism, spirituality, and moral lessons, portraying Krishna's life from his miraculous birth to his divine acts as a child, his role as a warrior, statesman, and spiritual teacher, and his time as the charioteer and guide to Arjuna in the Mahabharata.
Key Aspects of Krishnaleela:
1. Miraculous Birth:
- Context: Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva under miraculous circumstances. His birth was foretold to bring an end to the tyranny of his uncle, King Kamsa.
- **Significance**: His birth symbolizes the divine's intervention to restore dharma (righteousness) and destroy adharma (unrighteousness).
2. Childhood Adventures:
- Bal Leela (Childhood Plays): As a child in Gokul and Vrindavan, Krishna performed many miraculous feats, such as lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from a storm and vanquishing demons like Putana and Kaliya.
- Significance: These stories highlight the themes of divine protection, the innocence of childhood, and the triumph of good over evil.
3. Raas Leela (Divine Dance with Gopis):
- Context*l: One of the most celebrated aspects of Krishnaleela is the Raas Leela, where Krishna dances with the Gopis (cowherd maidens) of Vrindavan, especially with Radha, his beloved.
- Significance: The Raas Leela is symbolic of the soul's longing for union with the divine. It represents the pure, unconditional love between the devotee and the divine, transcending worldly desires.
4. Butter Thief (Makhan Chor):
- Context: As a child, Krishna is famous for stealing butter from the homes of Gopis. This playful act is one of the most beloved episodes of Krishnaleela.
- Significance: Krishna's role as the butter thief symbolizes the idea that God steals the hearts of his devotees, purifying them and filling them with divine bliss.
5. Killing of Kamsa:
- Context*l: Krishna eventually returns to Mathura to fulfill the prophecy by slaying Kamsa, his tyrannical uncle, thereby liberating his parents and restoring dharma.
- Significance: This act demonstrates the divine mission to destroy evil and uphold righteousness.
6. Role in Mahabharata:
- Context: Krishna plays a crucial role in the Mahabharata, particularly as the charioteer and spiritual guide to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War. His teachings to Arjuna are encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita.
- Significance: The Gita, which is part of Krishnaleela, offers profound insights into duty, righteousness, and the nature of life, making it one of the most important spiritual texts in Hinduism.
7. Dwarka and His Later Life*l:
- Context: After defeating Kamsa, Krishna established the kingdom of Dwarka. His life in Dwarka is marked by his role as a wise king, a lover of peace, and a protector of dharma.
- *lSignificance: This phase of Krishnaleela represents the ideal of righteous governance, wisdom in leadership, and the ultimate return of the divine to its celestial abode after fulfilling its earthly mission.
Symbolism in Krishnaleela:
- Divine Play: The concept of "Leela" implies that the universe and all actions within it are a divine play of the Supreme Being. Krishnaleela teaches that life, with all its complexities, is ultimately a manifestation of divine will.
- Spiritual Lessons: Each episode of Krishnaleela carries deep moral and spiritual teachings, offering guidance on how to live a life of righteousness, devotion, and joy.
- Love and Devotion: Krishnaleela is often viewed as the embodiment of divine love, where Krishna's interactions with his devotees, particularly the Gopis, symbolize the soul's eternal quest for union with the divine.
Cultural Impact:
- Krishnaleela has had a profound impact on Indian culture, inspiring countless works of art, music, dance, and literature. It is central to many festivals, particularly Janmashtami, the celebration of Krishna's birth.
Krishnaleela continues to be a source of inspiration, teaching, and devotion for millions of people, reminding them of the divine presence in every aspect of life and the joy that comes from living in harmony with the divine will.
Lord Krishna is famous with his flute and mor pankh.. do you know why??
Krishna's flute (Bansuri) and peacock feather (Mor Pankh) are iconic symbols that hold deep spiritual, symbolic, and cultural significance in Hinduism. They are not just ornamental but represent profound aspects of Krishna's divine personality and teachings.
The Flute (Bansuri):
1. Symbol of Divine Attraction:
- Krishna's flute represents the irresistible, divine call that attracts all living beings. The sound of the flute is said to be so enchanting that it draws the hearts of everyone who hears it, symbolizing how the divine attracts the soul toward itself.
- The Gopis, animals, and even nature itself would be mesmerized by the melody of Krishna’s flute, symbolizing the soul’s natural inclination to be drawn toward the divine presence.
2. Expression of Love and Bliss:
- The flute symbolizes divine love and the bliss that flows from it. Krishna playing the flute represents the expression of divine love in the universe, spreading joy, harmony, and peace.
- In the Bhakti tradition, the flute’s music is seen as the divine sound that connects the devotee to God, symbolizing the joy and bliss of spiritual awakening.
3. Symbol of Emptiness and Surrender:
- A flute is an empty reed, which only produces sound when the divine breath of Krishna flows through it. This emptiness symbolizes the ideal state of surrender for a devotee, where one becomes an instrument in the hands of the divine.
- It teaches the importance of emptying oneself of ego and desires to allow the divine will to flow through and create divine music in one’s life.
4. Representation of Simplicity:
- The flute, a simple instrument made from a hollow reed, symbolizes simplicity and humility. It teaches that profound and beautiful things can emerge from simple beginnings, and one does not need elaborate means to connect with the divine.
- This also reflects Krishna’s own life, where he, despite being a prince, chose to live a simple life as a cowherd, teaching the value of simplicity and purity.
The Peacock Feather (Mor Pankh):
1. Symbol of Beauty and Grace:
- The peacock feather is known for its extraordinary beauty and grace. When worn by Krishna, it symbolizes the beauty, grace, and majesty of the divine.
- It also represents how Krishna adorns himself with the simplest yet most beautiful elements of nature, showing his connection with the natural world.
2. Symbol of the Crown:
- Krishna’s peacock feather, often worn in his crown, represents his status as the supreme ruler and the king of hearts. It symbolizes his divine authority and his role as the protector of dharma (righteousness).
- The feather is a symbol of Krishna's playful and loving nature, combining his majesty with his role as a beloved, approachable deity.
3. Connection with Nature and Harmony:
- The peacock feather symbolizes harmony with nature. Peacocks are considered sacred in Indian culture and are often associated with beauty, immortality, and divine protection.
- Krishna's use of the peacock feather illustrates his harmonious relationship with nature and all living beings, symbolizing his role as the preserver of the universe.
4. Representation of Transcendence:
- The peacock is often associated with rain and fertility, and its feather represents the cyclical nature of life and the universe. Krishna wearing it shows his transcendence over worldly cycles and his ability to bring about renewal and transformation.
- The many eyes on the peacock feather also symbolize omniscience, suggesting Krishna’s all-seeing and all-knowing nature.
Cultural and Spiritual Impact:
1. Art and Literature:
- Krishna’s flute and peacock feather are central themes in Indian art, literature, and devotional songs. They inspire countless depictions of Krishna as the eternal lover, the divine child, and the supreme deity.
- Poets and saints have often used these symbols to convey the deeper spiritual meanings of Krishna’s teachings and his divine love.
2. Festivals and Rituals:
- During festivals like Janmashtami, depictions of Krishna with his flute and peacock feather are widespread, symbolizing his divine presence and the joy he brings to his devotees.
- The flute and feather are also used in rituals and are considered auspicious, bringing the blessings of Krishna to homes and temples.
Conclusion:
Krishna’s flute and peacock feather are much more than mere accessories; they are profound symbols of his divine love, beauty, simplicity, and majesty. The flute represents the call of the divine to the soul, the bliss of surrender, and the power of divine music to transcend worldly concerns. The peacock feather symbolizes Krishna’s connection to nature, his regal authority, and his playful, loving nature. Together, they encapsulate the essence of Krishna as the beloved deity who draws all souls toward the ultimate reality of love and divine joy.
Do you know lord Krishna had many girl friends??
Krishna’s relationships with the Gopis (cowherd maidens) of Vrindavan, particularly with Radha, are deeply symbolic and have profound spiritual meanings in Hinduism. The numerous stories of Krishna's playful interactions with the Gopis, often depicted as his "girlfriends," are not merely romantic or earthly in nature but represent a higher spiritual truth.
Symbolic and Spiritual Significance:
1. Divine Love (Prema Bhakti):
- The relationship between Krishna and the Gopis symbolizes the pure, selfless, and unconditional love (Prema Bhakti) that the soul has for the Divine. The Gopis' love for Krishna transcends the physical realm and represents the soul's deep yearning for union with God.
- Their love is not driven by desire or attachment but by a profound spiritual longing to be close to Krishna, who represents the supreme, all-encompassing divine presence.
2. Radha and Krishna - The Eternal Union:
- Radha, among all the Gopis, holds a special place as the embodiment of the highest form of devotion and love for Krishna. She represents the soul that is most intimately connected with the Divine, experiencing the highest bliss in the presence of Krishna.
- The Radha-Krishna relationship is symbolic of the ultimate spiritual union between the individual soul (Jivatma) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). Their love is celebrated as the epitome of spiritual love, beyond the physical or worldly realm.
3. Leela (Divine Play):
- Krishna's interactions with the Gopis are often referred to as Leela, or divine play. These stories are meant to convey spiritual teachings through metaphorical and allegorical narratives.
- The playful nature of Krishna’s relationships with the Gopis teaches that divine love is joyful, spontaneous, and free from the constraints of social norms or material concerns.
4. Madhurya Bhava (Sweet Love):
- In the Bhakti tradition, there are different ways in which devotees relate to the Divine, known as Bhavas. Madhurya Bhava, or sweet love, is one of the highest forms of devotion where the devotee sees God as their beloved.
- The Gopis’ love for Krishna represents this Madhurya Bhava, where they see him not just as a divine figure but as their eternal beloved, with whom they share a deep, personal, and loving relationship.
5. Krishna as the Supreme Attractor (Rasaraj):
- Krishna is often referred to as "Rasaraj," the king of all rasas (flavors or essences of relationships). His relationships with the Gopis highlight his role as the ultimate attractor, who draws all beings toward him with his divine charm and love.
- The many Gopis represent the various souls who are irresistibly drawn to Krishna, seeking the divine love and joy that only he can provide.
Cultural Context:
1. Symbolism in Art and Literature:
- The stories of Krishna and the Gopis have inspired a vast body of Indian art, literature, and music, celebrating the themes of divine love and devotion.
- The Raas Leela, the divine dance where Krishna multiplies himself to dance with each Gopi individually, symbolizes the idea that God is present with each soul personally, offering them his complete love and attention.
2. Celebration in Festivals:
- Festivals like Janmashtami and Holi celebrate Krishna's playful interactions with the Gopis, highlighting the joy, love, and unity that these stories inspire in devotees.
Conclusion:
Krishna's relationships with the Gopis should be understood not as earthly romantic relationships, but as expressions of the deepest spiritual truths. They illustrate the soul’s longing for union with the Divine, the joy of divine love, and the bliss that comes from being in the presence of God. The stories of Krishna and the Gopis continue to inspire and guide devotees on their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of love, devotion, and surrender to the divine.