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Monday 18 August 2014

Janamashtmi

Today is Janamashtmi.   All Krishna temples in the country are decorated. There is an unending crowd of people  for the darshan of their favourite God. Many people observe fast till midnight.When we were small we used to make small swings and sing lullabies to put baby Krishna to sleep.


Baby Krishna Sleeping Beauty.jpg Janamastami,is one the most important festivals of India. This festival  marks the birth  of Sri Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated  all over India,with great devotion for Krishna.  There is  a popular legend related to the birth of Krishna. He was the son of Devaki and Vasudeva. King Kansa was Devaki's brother.He put his father King Ugrasain, behind the bars and himself became the king. The legend goes that after Devaki's marriage, Kansa was going in his carriage to leave his beloved sister Devaki to her in-laws  home, when there was a prophesy that his sister's eighth son will kill him. Immediately he sent Vasudeva and Devaki in prison.He ordered that all the children borne by Devaki must be brought to him. One by one, when Devaki delivered a baby ,he was killed by Kansa. When she was expecting her eighth child, the security was increased. No body was allowed even near the prison. When labour pains started, there was a prophesy that Vasudeva must  take the new born baby to Gokul, to the house of Nand and Yashoda.  He was directed to leave the baby  by the side of Yashoda and bring back the baby girl , delivered by Yashoda. When the time for the birth  came all chains and shackles opened.All security guards fell asleep. Vasudeva could easily escape with the baby. Every thing went as prophesied. The baby girl was placed by the side of Devaki. All the security guards woke up. Kansa got the news and was surprised to know a baby girl was born. Out of great anger, he hit the baby girl on a stone. The girl  flew up and  said ,"The baby who has to kill you is safe and sound" Kansa, full of rage left the prison.
   All Krishna temples, are decorated tastefully. The crowd starts from morning . There are pujas, recitation of Bhagwat Gita  and bhajans the whole day.
                                                
Lord KrishnaLord Krishna                           Krishna and Cow               
Jai Sri Krishna                    
This is written in response to Write Tribe Pro  Bloggers  Week 4  Day 17
 Pics courtesy google





12 comments:

  1. Happy Janmasthami, Usha Ma'am. I remember watching Krishna on DD that was aired at home and once I cried when Krishna father took his away to protect him from evil Kansa.

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    1. Thank you Vishal. Yes the portion you have referred to, is very emotional.

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  2. Happy Janam Ashtami.
    we are in Mumbai and will be watching dahi Handi after quite sometime

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    1. Did you watch the Dahi Handi? How long you will be there?

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  3. Happy Janmashtami Ushaji.... but the irony this time is we have holidays for eid but not for janmashtami :(

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  4. Happy Janmashtami, Usha Ji. Lovely description of Krishna's birth there :)

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  5. Every time I hear the story of the birth of Krishna I get teary eyed and have goosebumps. Happy Janmashtami!

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    1. Thank you Uma. The story of Krishna's birth is very awe inspiring.

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