Lord Krishna Janmashtami – Story about Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated by the Hindu community worldwide. The festivities bring in the significance of the glory of good over evil and the romantic hues of the stories that have been told for several thousand years about Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. Lord Krishna is also the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have taken birth on Earth in human form to end evil in Dwapar Yug.

Likewise, on Lord Krishna’s birthday, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in Shrawan (August-September). Two thousand twenty-threeIn, it was celebrated for two consecutive days, and in 2024, it was celebrated once. The celebration depends on the constellations during the date. Besides, the festival also represents the implementation of Krishna’s teachings, as said in the Bhagavad Gita.

In this article, we’ve mentioned everything you might be interested in knowing about Lord Krishna and Krishna Janmashtami. Make sure to read till the end to know more!

Why is Lord Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated?

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated for many reasons. And, it has more than just significance. Lord Krishna is one of the most cherished figures in Hinduism. Devotees of God are always looking to admire him in any way or form as they can. Krishna was born in a prison and spent a life as a cow herder. He had nothing princely about him, and he grew up with every other cow herder in Vrindavan playing his flute. Still, he had devotees and followers when he was a young child. All recognized his divinity, even in the most innocent and standard form.

Krishna Janmashtami’s birthday is more than just a celebration of his birth; it is a celebration of the teachings, values, and traits that Lord Krishna possessed in his life. The festival contains colors, music, dances, delicious delicacies, and other joyous practices. Lord Krishna was best known for his naughty ways and for finding a way to celebrate even the smallest joys in life. This is all that the festival is about.

Since ancient times and for the years to come, Krishna Janmashtami has been a celebration beyond the birth anniversary. Further, for those who have followed Hindu folktales, especially the epic Mahabharata, it is also a day that celebrates wit, bravery, resilience, and righteousness. Moreover, this day is also celebrated when goodness wins over evil and injustice. That is, after all, what Krishna’s teachings are about. Much of his teachings and values are also put forward in Bhagavad Gita.

How is Lord Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated?

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in numerous ways. Furthermore, one of the best qualities of this celebration is that everyone can celebrate this festival. Every year, in locations where Lord Krishna is worshiped, hundreds and thousands of pilgrims make their way to offer their prayers to Lord Krishna. Unlike many festivals that justify violence and sacrifices, Krishna Janmashtami preaches kindness and tenderness in ways of life and spreads love towards animals, especially cows, who have accompanied Krishna since childhood in Vrindavan.

The following are some ways Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated:

Fasting

Though not very common, many worshipers tend to go on a fast. Until they finish Lord Krishna’s pooja, they will likely stay on a fast and break it after sunset. Fasting is said to have several health benefits, and in this day’s case, it comes with another significance, one that will keep devotees invested in their Lord with purest hearts. Fasting also makes it possible for devotees to pay respect to their god, who they want to feed and pay respect to, before having food themselves.

 Swing Ceremony

An idol of Baal Krishna (associated with the infant form of Krishna) is swung in a Jhula or a swing. This brings peace to the hearts of those swinging him on his tiny swing. The look of the baby Krishna idol and the swing is similar. This idol is also called “Ladoo Gopal.” This ceremony signifies swinging baby Krishna turn by turn as his adoptive parents did. It is about nurturing, caring, and simply singing lullabies to his baby form.

Pot Breaking Ceremony

The pot-breaking ceremony during Krishna Janmashtami is most common in India’s capital, Mumbai. Here, people crowd up and place a pot full of yogurt through a rope. A bunch of men, who play the role of Lord Krishna’s friends accompanying him in his mischief, climb on each other until the one playing the role of Krishna himself reaches up and breaks the pot himself. Among the different acts of Krishna, this shows the signs of innocence and playfulness. This tradition, too, has been carried down by generations through centuries.

 Midnight Festivities

Krishna Janmashtami is not only celebrated during the daytime but also at midnight. Krishna was born at midnight. Hence, the time of the celebration. The people who start the festival of Janmashtami prepare tiny decorative clothes and delicacies, including sweets and Panchamrita, along with singing Bhajans and lullabies to welcome baby Krishna to their houses. This is purely done as a sign of devotion and love for Krishna’s infant form. In addition, the sooner the devotees start this ceremony, the more fun they’re likely to have as they get the entirety of the essence of this day.

Raas Leela

Raas Leela refers to dramatic acts and dances performed in different locations where Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated. Raas Leela is also a reference to an event believed to have occurred in Vrindavan. Krishna had always been divine. However, his love and devotion towards Radha were not cherished as much by Gopis, who longed to be with Krishna as much as Radha did. But, nothing was impossible for Krishna. He was known to spread in his forms in separate bodies simultaneously. That’s how he remained with his beloved Radha while not disappointing the Gopis.

Raas Leela is majorly depicted as a dance performance where Radha stays with Krishna, listening to his heartwarming flute sound, and every Gopi gets a version of Krishna’s Raas to dance with. This shows that Krishna, though he had a singular love interest, did not want to disappoint the Gopis, who were just as in love with him as his beloved.

During Raas Leela’s celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, actors wear costumes and use props to refer to incidents in Lord Krishna’s life. Most of the time, this is an ending program for the auspicious day of Krishna Janmashtami in different mandirs.

How is Shri Lord Krishna Janmashtami Puja Conducted?

Shri Krishna Janmashtami Puja is conducted in several steps. While there are no set standards for how a devotee should perform the puja, there are standard ways one can adhere to its religious steps. This puja is more than just making offerings to the good; it’s also about personal healing and finding oneself spiritually.

The following are some ways to conduct Shri Krishna Janmashtami Puja:

Day Before Puja

Preparation for Shri Krishna Janmashtami Puja starts a day before the actual date of Janmashtami. The temples and locations where the puja will be conducted are cleaned and purified. Devotees also start their fast early to give their best to the celebration. Additionally, the altar for puja is set beforehand so that the ceremonies can occur earlier.

Holy Bath

Bathing is considered a way of removing impurities from the outer body. Before proceeding towards Shri Krishna Janmashtami Puja, the devotees take a bath. Many devotees go to holy rivers, including Yamuna, to remove their sins before they start their worship the following day or a nearing morning. This is followed by drinking Panchamrita and dressing the idol. When a devotee is ready to start preparing for the puja, getting the beloved Lord Krishna’s idol ready is just as mandatory.

Offerings

Lord Krishna’s idol is offered with food offerings, including sweets, fruits, etc. (also known as Bhog). Likewise, his idol is also decorated with flowers and Tulsi leaves. This is a way of making the infant god happy. Not only is the infant idol worshiped, but so are the idols of Krishna’s adult form.

Religious Bhajans and Harmonies

Lord Krishna is best known for his flute mastery. His devotees tend to play flute and chime into the musical sound while indulging in religious bhajans to make him happy. They tend to chant a mantra repetitively, “Hare Krishna, Radhey Radhey.” Wherever the celebration takes place, you will hear chants of Bhajans in every other alley, especially in temples devoted to Lord Krishna. Overall, the vibe of the locations is endearing and healing.

Aarati

Offering Aarati to Lord Krishna means offering light and worship in the same form. Candles and butter lamps are lit in front of the Krishna idol. During Aarati, the worship plate is rounded clockwise several times to spread a good aura and vibes to the idol. Further, bells are rung, and the idol is again given some offerings, which will soon be used as Prasad.

Prasad Distribution

Prasad refers to the offerings offered to the idol of Lord Krishna. Once the Aarati ceremony has been completed, the worshippers will get a bit of Prasad in their palms, whether sweets, flowers, or fruits. The offered Prasad must never be denied, as it is considered disrespectful to the Lord. Devotees tend to line up to receive Prasad after the worship. Many tend to take Prasad home to share it with their family. Overall, the puja is completed once this is done.

Central Locations Where Lord Krishna is Worshiped

More than one country celebrates Shri Krishna Janmashtami every year. Countries celebrating Krishna Janmashtami include India, Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. Likewise, with the spread of natives from these countries worldwide, devotees can celebrate Krishna Janmashtami even in Western countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, the UK, etc.

Hinduism is not bound to a specific culture or ethnicity. Hence, devotees from all over the world of different ethnic backgrounds line up to worship Lord Krishna in his temples. A society called the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is located in several locations worldwide.

Since Krishna Janmashtami originated in India, the locations with the most devotees during this time are Vrindavan, Mathura, and Dwarka. These places hold the history of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan is perceived as the place where Lord Krishna was raised as a shepherd, Mathura is the location where Krishna’s parents were kept captive by his maternal uncle Kans, and Dwarka is the kingdom Lord Krishna established and ruled after leaving Mathura.

Krishna Mandir is one of the most popular sites in Nepal, but it remains hectic during Krishna Janmashtami. This location was set when the King of Patan in Lalitpur dreamed about Lord Krishna dancing with his consort, Radha, in the palace yard. In no time, the king had the finest architects build Krishna Mandir out of a single rigid stone.

These locations are best known as pilgrimage sites. You’ll see people from all ethnicities, not just those from India. From the West to different Asian countries, you’ll see a presence of all ethnicities.

Stories of  Lord Krishna Janmashtami And Their Significance

Several stories about Lord Krishna have been passed down through generations for centuries. From his birth to his marriage with 16108 wives, from defeating the most powerful demons to guiding the Pandavas during the war of Mahabharata, every story holds its significance in Hinduism. While he was born and famously raised in different locations around India, it is not just the Indians who celebrate Krishna Janmashtami.

The following are a few stories to keep in mind before you dive deeper into the significance of the Krishna Janmashtami celebration:

 Birth of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna was born to Princess Devaki and Vasudeva, the sister of King Kans of Mathura. While extremely fond of his sister, Kans made sure to give his sister away for marriage in the most celebratory manner.

However, in a nightmare, he was guided by a voice to kill his sister’s 8th child, who was, as said by the voice, deemed to be the death and eventually the reason for his death. This compelled him to save his life in ways his sister and brother-in-law had never thought. He put them both in prison. He made sure to kill every child that was born from Devaki’s womb.

Lord Vishnu took his human form as Krishna and was born from Devaki’s womb. Soon after the divine child’s birth, Vasudeva was freed from the chains and bounds of the four-walled prison. The night was rainy, and he was guarded against the rain by an umbrella set by Naag (multiple-headed snakes) across the Yamuna River.

Vasudeva then pleaded with his friend, Nanda from Vrindavan, to keep his child and save him from the wrath of the ruthless king. The day of his birth, during Shravan (monsoon), is still celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami. Krishna was raised by Nanda and his wife, Yashoda, as their own. The Lord’s birth was instead a depiction of rough pathways crossed by his parents to keep him safe and alive, but it is also how even his birth was a win of good over evil.

Krishna’s Win Against Evil Demons

Lord Krishna is known to have defeated the most dangerous demons at a very young age. When he was a baby, Kans learned that his nephew, his prospective force of end, was still alive. Hence, he sent many demons to kill him, all to no avail.

One such famous story includes the time when Putana (demoness) was sent to kill Krishna by feeding him off her poisonous bosom. While the villagers and even Krishna’s adoptive mother, Yashoda, failed to recognize the masked appearance of the demoness, baby Krishna recognized who she was and bit her bosom till she fell to death. That’s when everyone in the village knew that Krishna saved his own life by killing the demoness.

Some other demons that Lord Krishna famously defeated, as told in several of his stories, include Narakasura, Keshin, Dantavakra, Narakasura, Pancajana, Shishupala, Sancakuda, Sakatasura, Trinavarta, Vatsasura, Bakasura, Aghasura, Aristasura, Vyomasura, Canura, and Kans (considered an asura).

Kans’ death has to have been most popularized in the Hindu writings. Though he was highly ferocious, trained in several forms of martial arts, and extremely knowledgeable about tactics to make one fall to their death bed, the king of Mathura could not save himself from the divine strength of Lord Krishna. On his journey to Mathura, young Krishna was accompanied by his elder brother Balram, who defeated a mad elephant that was sent to step on and kill both brothers.

Despite several attempts by Kans to have Krishna killed, it was his fear of death and cruelty that put his life to an end. It was, after all, true that his end came from Devaki’s womb and all for the reasons that he pushed himself into. When Krishna won the fight against his maternal uncle, he freed Vasudev and Devaki from the chains of the Asura king. This is also said to be the first time, after his birth, that Lord Krishna met his parents.

The tales of Lord Krishna and the Asuras have been told and narrated to people of all ages through books, TV shows, and even cartoons. His defeat against the Asuras quickly establishes the narrative that good always wins over evil.

Description of Krishna in Stories

Although Krishna is known as one of the strongest Gods in Hindu mythology, it is indisputable that his charm stole the hearts of Gopis (shepherdesses of Vrindavan). Even today, Hindus consider Lord Krishna the most beautiful divine figure ever to have come into existence. Krishna is described as one with dark skin, also shown as blue in paintings and sculptures. Besides Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu and his other human form, Lord Rama, are also shown as blue.

Likewise, it is said that he has lotus feet, feet shaped like a lotus with just as much purity in appearance. There are different depictions of his appearance, from his infant form to his older form in Mahabharata. He is often known for his curly dark hair, big, beautiful eyes, rosy cheeks, and lips that are perfectly shaped and ever-smiling. In all his paintings and depictions, you will always see a slight smile on his face.

As often as he has been shown as a strong fighter who slays evil asuras, he is also known for his gentle ways, calm nature, and a character with a great sense of humor, a love for mischief, and an aura of positivity. There is hardly a picture or a reference to Lord Krishna where he has been shown as angry, even during times of war.

Krishna is said to have been the most beautiful human in Vrindavan, after Radha, his consort. Everyone who looked at him was taken aback by his beauty, so much so that he could amusingly get away with his mischievous ways.

On the other hand, his appearance in the Mahabharata is described as fierce yet with an aura of calmness. Lord Krishna’s strength and character were powerful enough to intimidate those with wrong intentions, which has nothing to do with his physical appearance. Unlike his childhood and teenage self, Krishna leaves his playful smile back in his youth and carries a firm face in several depictions of the biggest war of Dwapar Yuga.

Krishna’s Characteristics in Stories

Lord Krishna has varied characteristics, as told in his stories. From the naughty youngest son of Nanda, a cow herd with an inborn talent for playing the most melodious flute, to being a resilient leader who led the most popular and prominent wars in Hindu mythology, many know Krishna through nuanced characteristics.

As a child, Lord Krishna is said to have stolen yogurt and butter from Gopis’s pots so that they would complain to Yashoda about his misbehavior. Folklore also popularly tells that Krishna stole Gopis’s clothes while they were bathing in Yamuna. They had to cry to him and plead with the child god to return their clothes in exchange for not letting his mother know about his mischief.

Krishna is also a devoted friend who goes above and beyond for his friends. From protecting them from demons to simply being a loyal friend, he is an excellent symbol of true friendship and devotion. It is said that once his best friend from Vrindavan visited his kingdom, he was so emotional that he offered Sudama a good appearance with the freshest, most luxurious clothes and shoes and gave him the luxuries that one could think of.

When he was almost about to lose his entire kingdom, wealth, and identity over his devotion to his friend, his wife Rukmini held him back from doing so. Moreover, Lord Krishna also bent down to wash his friend’s feet and treated him with utmost respect. This moment has also been captured in Bhajans, paintings, and religious texts.

Lord Krishna guided the Pandavas during the Mahabharata war against Kauravas and Pandavas to win the war. The Lord directly guided Arjun in his chariot while he fought the most dangerous battle in history. Not only did Lord Krishna participate as an instructor for the Pandavas, but he also gave them words of encouragement so they did not lose hope in war. Lord Krishna did everything from teaching them moral values to giving them life lessons, either through words or actions. Known for his softer side, the beloved Hindu god also never held back from offering violence as a reciprocation for the same.

Govardhan Parvat Story

Govardhan Parvat is the hill that helped cows herd and feed on. The locals of Vrindavan had a distinct attachment to this hill that aided in their day-to-day lives. All Hindus, the locals, used to have a day celebration for Lord Indra, the rain god. Lord Krishna asked the villagers in Vrindavan to start worshiping Govardhan Parvat as it had been helping the villagers rear the cattle and get their food. To this, everyone agreed and started worshiping the hill instead.

Lord Indra had been waiting for the villagers to start his worship in his heavenly abode. To his dismay, he realized the villagers were entirely invested in something else. This did not make him happy. He was extremely frustrated at how a hill was treated the way he used to until the past year. His rage made him shower heavy rainfall in Vrindavan, causing damage to farms, houses, and cowsheds. With no place to go, the villagers came to Krishna, pleading with him to show them a way out of the trouble.

Lord Krishna then guided the villagers to Govardhan Parvat. An adolescent Krishna lifted the hill with his tiny finger and shielded the entire village beneath. This shocked not only the villagers but Lord Indra himself.

The rainfall did not stop for a while until Indra realized that Krishna’s strength and wit were more significant than his and that it was, in fact, a divine child that he had underestimated. Lord Indra later stopped the rain and admitted being beyond proud of his strength. This story pictures the power of love and selflessness over selfishness and pride.

Lord Krishna and Draupadi

The friendship between Lord Krishna and Draupadi is also famous in Hindu mythology. While Krishna worked closely with the five Pandavas during Mahabharata, Draupadi befriended him. The two had been close and led a pure and platonic relationship, and he defended her against cruel Kauravas when her husbands felt weak and helpless.

The Kauravas had invited the Pandavas to a game of Chess. Whoever lost was made to give the opponent an element that belonged to them. The Pandavas agreed. It was the mastermind of the evil maternal uncle of the Kauravas, Shakuni, to misuse the naivety of the Pandava brothers against them and win with corruption.

The Pandavas lost their wealth, palace, and jewelry they had been wearing at the time. When they lost everything in the game, they were finally asked to have their wife, Draupadi, who was married to Arjuna but asked to be shared by all five brothers, unclothed in front of the Kauravas. She was dragged to their palace by hair when she was menstruating. Her husbands could not protect her as they had promised the Kauravas to put anything they asked for at stake.

Lord Krishna’s hands were tied. He knew he could not stop the mishappening against Draupadi as her husbands had already promised what they did to the evil Kauravas. But he did all he could do. When Draupadi was being forcefully unclothed in front of all, Lord Krishna came to her protection and made the cloth she was wearing as long as he could. The more it was being pulled, the more the fabric kept growing. While she cried and pleaded for her dignity, her husbands could not do anything but look away in terror.

It did not become apparent to the evil Kauravas as to how the victimized Draupadi had been getting never-ending fabric while they made most attempts to have her unclothed. Krishna stayed hidden to protect his friend Draupadi from the further wrath of the cruel rulers.

Lord Krishna and His 16108 Wives

Lord Krishna was married to 16108 wives. This, however, cannot be taken as a way of him not being devoted to a sole partner. He fought against injustice. When thousands of women were trapped under King Narakasura, a demon king, he had to save them from his capture. The only way for him to have the helpless women out was by marrying them all. Without hesitance and a second thought, Lord Krishna married them all. It is said that upon returning to his palace in Dwarka, Krishna brought home all his wives and kept them there.

Similarly, Lord Krishna was also married to Rukmini. Like his famous consort, Radha, she is considered the incarnation of Goddess Laxmi. Rukmini always had a high place in Krishna’s heart, and he respected her as his wife. Though Radha’s name gets romantically associated with Krishna, Rukmini has a significant role as a partner of the Lord in the Hindu scriptures. She is also known to be devoted to her husband and admires his divinity, as is everyone who knows the Lord.

Even today, widows are allowed to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, in Vrindavan, Lord Krishna’s hometown. Most Hindu women are forbidden from celebrating Holi after their husbands have passed. A devotee of Krishna is never to miss out on such colorful joys of life, regardless of whether her husband has passed.

Lord Krishna and Radha’s Story

Lord Krishna and Radha’s story has always been brilliant and pure. Krishna was a devoted lover of Radha. It is said that Yashoda had visited her friend, who had given birth to a daughter who had not opened her eyes. When Krishna went to look at her, she opened her eyes for the first time, and it was him that she had seen first. The mothers were delighted at this since Radha and Krishna remained together as playmates and eventually as lovers.

They grew up together around Vrindavan’s cattle. Krishna’s love for Radha had been so deep that he had sought her name to be called before him every time someone mentioned him. Since devotees only chanted “Radhey Krishna” to respect the Lord’s plea of expression for her beloved. Furthermore, Radha is also known to be one of the most beautiful women in Hindu history. In addition, just like Krishna is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Radha is also known as Goddess Laxmi’s incarnation, Lord Vishnu’s consort.

Radha and Krishna had to remain separate due to a curse. And they never got married. However, though married to several wives, Radha remained the one in Krishna’s heart, and her name is associated with his consort. Shree Radha is known for her fair skin, bright smile, big, delightful eyes, and beauty that no ordinary woman can match. Her aura and femininity have become an epitome of beauty in mythology and are still sung about in Bhajans, folklores, etc.

Meera’s Devotion Towards Lord Krishna

Another famous tale of Lord Krishna dates back a thousand years ago when a princess, Meera, fell in love with an idol of Lord Krishna and kept herself unmarried with devotion to her Lord. Her story sticks to the devotees of Krishna even today. When she was a young girl, Meera’s parents would take her devotion rather seriously. However, as she grew up, her dedication to Krishna only grew. She refused to marry anyone else and considered it disrespectful to leave Krishna’s idol to be with another person.

Her love for Krishna was entirely spiritual and of the purest form. Even today, anyone who has devoted their lives to the preachings and teachings of Krishna tends to remain unmarried. By sparing themselves from the materialistic world of lust and other greed, those who follow the pathway of Meera find true happiness in simplicity, minimalism, and religion.

What Can You Learn As a Devotee From Krishna and Lord Krishna Janmashtami?

There is more to Lord Krishna Janmashtami than rejoicing it like any other festival. Lord Krishna’s teachings have been preached through the Bhagavad Gita. One way people can reach eternal happiness is through selflessness, leaving behind lust and greed, and embracing knowledge and wisdom along the way. This is one of the most essential parts of the teachings passed down by Lord Krishna.

Not only the recitations of the Bhagavad Gita but also the stories of Lord Krishna have a significant impact on listeners, highlighting the importance of kindness, gentleness, resilience, strength, and even defense when necessary. The first path that Lord Krishna always chose, even over injustice and sins, was nonviolence and kindness. However, he did not hold back from defeating evil when his first tactic of nonviolence did not work. All these lessons can be applied in real life, even today.

Conclusion

As a devotee of Lord Krishna, an individual can apply the knowledge passed down by the Lord to live a spiritual life without selfishness, greed, and evil intent. Lord Krishna Janmashtami is a celebration that has been widespread worldwide, and it is about time that everyone embraces not only the joy that comes with the celebration but also acknowledges the beauty of the significance behind every story and value associated with Lord Krishna and Krishna Janmashtami.