1. What is Sri Krishna Janmashtami?

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

2. When is Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?

It is usually observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunar calendar, which falls in August or September of the Gregorian calendar.

3. How is Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?

Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, read stories from Krishna's life, and visit temples. Many also reenact scenes from Krishna's childhood, like the "Dahi Handi" tradition of breaking a pot of curd.

4. What is the significance of Lord Krishna's birth?

Lord Krishna's birth symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. He played a crucial role in the Mahabharata and delivered the Bhagavad Gita, imparting profound spiritual teachings.

Birth Story of Lord Krishna – Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Krishna every year. Let us read the birth story of Lord Krishna now!

Once upon a time, there lived a king by the name of Ugrasena. He has a son, Kamsa who was a crown prince of Mathura. He was a hard-hearted and cruel person.

Everyone in Mathura was scared of his cruel behavior and acts of Kamsa. But, there was one person who comes in love and was adorable, that was his cousin Devaki who is a good-natured lady. Her marriage was fixed with a nobleman Vasudev. The wedding was held really grand.

Kamsa with all his love for her sister rode a chariot in his hands to her in-law’s home. When they were on the way, Suddenly there was a great voice in the sky. “Hey, Kamsa! Why are you so happy? Beware, The Sister whom you love so much is going to give birth to a son who will destroy you. The eighth son who will be born to Devaki will kill you.”

On hearing those words, Kamsa burst into anger and said, “I will kill her before she lives for her 8th Child.”Vasudev said, “Kamsa, Do you know what are you doing? It is not good to kill your sister on the day of her marriage. If you spare Devaki’s life, then I will promise you that I will hand over every child born to us. Please trust me.”

Kamsa thought for a second and said, “Hmm! I will spare Devaki, but I will make sure that you give every child of yours.”They returned to Mathura. When they came, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki & Vasudev. One day, Kamsa was sitting in his chamber and got to know that Devaki has given birth to a child. Kamsa immediately went to prison. “Devaki, Give me the baby.”

Kamsa snatched the child from Devaki holding the legs tight and then dashed the baby to the ground and killed at that very moment. After that, Kamsa killed the next five children in the same way. In due course of time, Devaki was pregnant for the seventh time.

Miraculously, the seventh child was carried to Rohini another wife of Vasudev who lived in Gokul. He was named Balaram. “My lord, the seventh child was stillborn.” Soldiers informed. It was the 8th day of the month of Sravan. It was raining heavily, a terrible storm rose in the city and the sky was covered with thick black clouds. Devaki was pregnant for the 8th time.

Suddenly, Lord Vishnu appeared before them and said, “Devaki & Vasudev, Your wish has been fulfilled and I have taken birth as your child. Vasudev, Take this child to Gokul and switch him to the one born to Nanda Gopal.” Saying so, Lord Vishnu disappeared.

At the stroke of midnight, the baby boy was born to Devaki. “Look, the chains have fallen off. It’s a miracle. Give the child, I will take him to our friend Nanda in Gokul.” As Vasudev turned to go, the doors of the prison were opened, and they found all the soldiers in deep sleep.

Carefully holding the basket on his head, Vasudev started towards Gokul. Vasudev was followed by Aadisesha, the snake that Vishnu reclined on in Vaikunta. It spread its hood over the child in the basket that Vasudev carried on his head.

Soon, He reached the bank of the river Yamuna and to his astonishment, the river parted and gave him the way. Vasudev reached Gokul where Nandagopal’s wife has just given birth to a girl child. He placed Krishna in the baby girl’s place and took the baby girl gently with him.

Vasudev is back in prison. As soon as he was back with the baby girl. The doors closed and the baby cried waking up the guards. On hearing the cry of the infant, they informed the birth of the child to Kamsa. ” Devaki, Give me the baby! How can a baby girl do any harm to a mightier warrior like you while the whole world fears? But Kamsa didn’t hear any of his words and tried killing the baby.

The baby girl slipped out of his hands and rose up into the air and turned up into goddess Durga. “Oh! Cruel Kamsa. You have just displayed your valor by trying to kill a helpless baby. Your destroyer was born to Devaki at midnight and he was safe now at Gokul.

When the time comes, he will come in search of you and punish you for all the evil that you have committed. Saying that Goddess Durga disappeared. Kamsa was terrified and lived a life filled with fear. Vasudev & Devaki rejoiced.

FAQs

1. What is Sri Krishna Janmashtami?
Sri Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
2. When is Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
It is usually observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunar calendar, which falls in August or September of the Gregorian calendar.
3. How is Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, read stories from Krishna's life, and visit temples. Many also reenact scenes from Krishna's childhood, like the “Dahi Handi” tradition of breaking a pot of curd.
4. What is the significance of Lord Krishna's birth?
Lord Krishna's birth symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. He played a crucial role in the Mahabharata and delivered the Bhagavad Gita, imparting profound spiritual teachings.

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