Amidst tremendous excitement and fervour, over 25 lakh devotees gathered at Shri Krishna Janmasthan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura to offer prayers on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. The celebrations began with the midnight "abhishek" and "Maha Aarti" at the Bhagwat Bhavan temple, with no untoward incidents reported according to officials. This year, devotees from all over India and from abroad have come to Brijbhumi to pay their obeisance to the deity, showcasing the wide-spread eminence of the festival.
Krishna Janmashtami: A Divine Celebration of Lord Krishna's Birth
Krishna Janmashtami, an auspicious Hindu festival, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadra, the festival holds immense significance for devotees worldwide.
Shri Krishna Janmasthan: The Birthplace of Lord Krishna
Shri Krishna Janmasthan, located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is the sacred birthplace of Lord Krishna. According to mythology, Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva, who were imprisoned by his evil uncle, King Kamsa.
On Krishna Janmashtami, devotees gather in large numbers at Shri Krishna Janmasthan to offer prayers and seek blessings. The celebrations begin with a grand "abhishek" (bathing ritual) of Lord Krishna's idol, followed by the "Maha Aarti" (grand lamp offering).
Celebrations across India and Abroad
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout India and by Hindu communities worldwide. Devotees participate in a variety of rituals, including fasting, prayers, and offering of prasad (offerings).
In the Brij region of Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood, the festival takes on a special significance. Devotees visit the numerous temples dedicated to Krishna and participate in colorful processions and cultural performances.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. When is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated? Answer: Krishna Janmashtami is typically celebrated in August or September, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadra.
2. What are the main rituals performed during Krishna Janmashtami? Answer: The main rituals include fasting, prayers, "abhishek" (bathing ritual), "Maha Aarti" (grand lamp offering), and offering of prasad.
3. Where is Shri Krishna Janmasthan located? Answer: Shri Krishna Janmasthan is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
4. What is the significance of the midnight "abhishek"? Answer: The midnight "abhishek" represents the bathing of Lord Krishna after his birth, believed to purify and sanctify the devotees.
5. How many devotees typically gather at Shri Krishna Janmasthan for Krishna Janmashtami? Answer: In recent years, over 25 lakh devotees have gathered at Shri Krishna Janmasthan on Krishna Janmashtami, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in India.
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