परमानन्द मुरारी मोहन गिरधारी
जय रस रास बिहारी जय जय गिरधारी || ॐ जय ||
Krishna, Gopal is considered the saviour of humanity. The Lord whose magical & charming stories are most popular not only within the borders but also far & beyond. Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Lord. Thereby with great spirit and devotion the day is celebrated across India especially in his birth town Vrindavan and Mathura.
Alongside cities like Dwarka, Udupi and Guruvayur, get all beamed up to celebrate this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. The town of Vrindavan is significant in the history of Janmashtami, because Lord Krishna performed the rasleelas with his beloved Gopis in this place. On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, Vrindavan is filled with devotees who visit the place from nook and corner of India & the world to offer prayers to their beloved Lord.
The air above these cities echoes that of bhajans, mantras. The cities are decorated, ghats are all lit up with lights and diyas, appearing like a piece of paradise in the earth. The celebration continues for ten to fifteen days till Radhashtami, day when Lord Krishna’s beloved consort Radharani was born. These days are marked by Pujas, Fastings, Holy bathing in the ghats, distribution of Prasadams & various plays are staged at different places in the town. Naming artists and celebrities are called upon to give their best performance on the festive season. Excerpts from the story of Janmashtami are depicted in the dramas which are also called Krishna leela, which are conducted all through the festive days.
Some temples of Vrindavan and Mathura, which see huge footfall during Janmashtami & Radhashtami are Banke Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple and ISCKON Temple. One of the important rituals of the temples is Abhishek (holy bath) during which darshans are open for the devotees.
In Udipi, chakkulis and laddoos were offered to Lord Krishna. In Guruvayur, Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Rohini Ashtami, the temples had arranged a grand feast for the devotees in the days following Janmashtami. Satsangs and sloka readings are a part of the celebrations.
On these days of celebration the Lord is dressed in beautiful costumes and. Dwarkadheesh Temple in Dwarka, is mainly famous for its way of dressing up the Lord.
With ‘ Jai Shri Radhe Krishna’ echoing and dominating the atmosphere the entire world unites & brightens the glory of the celebration more, celebration of the the birth of One Lord.
