Ashtami Rohini

Ashtami Rohini symbolizes the birth of Lord Krishna. In various parts of India, Ashtami Rohini is known by different names such as Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami, Krishna Janmashtami, Janmashtami, and Nandotsav. The mention of Ashtami Rohini or Janmashtami immediately fills the mind with the playful childhood stories of Lord Krishna, which are delightful and heartwarming. Lord Krishna was born at midnight during the auspicious time of the Rohini Nakshatra on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. At the time of His birth, all the stars, planets, and constellations were in favorable positions.

On this day, devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna and worship his child form. To receive the blessings of Lord Krishna, many also observe a fast. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. In some southern states of India, like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this day is celebrated as Krishna Jayanti, while in North India, it is known as Janmashtami. Temples and homes are decorated, and beautiful displays depicting the life and stories of Lord Krishna are created. Worshipping Lord Krishna’s child form on Ashtami Rohini is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and success to the household.

The Story of Krishna's Birth

In the Dwapara Yuga, King Ugrasena ruled over Mathura. His son was named Kansa, who was extremely ruthless and cruel by nature. Due to his cruelty, Kansa forcibly seized the throne from his own father Ugrasena and imprisoned him. After imprisoning his father, Kansa declared himself the king of Mathura.

Some time later, Kansa's cousin sister Devaki was married to Vasudeva. During Devaki’s departure, Kansa, in an effort to please his cousin, decided to drive the chariot himself. As Kansa was riding the chariot to see Devaki off, a divine voice (Aakashvani) proclaimed, "O Kansa! The sister whom you are lovingly sending off, her eighth child will be the cause of your death." Kansa, who was a great sinner with no limits to his wickedness, was infuriated upon hearing this prophecy.

Being both extremely sinful and shameless from his past deeds, Kansa immediately drew his sword, grabbed his sister Devaki by her hair, and prepared to kill her. Kansa thought that if he killed Devaki, she would have no child, and thus no one would be able to kill him. Seeing Kansa in extreme anger, Vasudeva wisely tried to calm him down, saying, "You have nothing to fear from Devaki, and she cannot harm you. Do not punish her. According to the divine prophecy, it is Devaki's eighth child that poses a threat to you. I promise you that I will hand over my eighth child to you." Kansa agreed to Vasudeva's words, but his fear did not subside. Therefore, he imprisoned both Vasudeva and Devaki.

Kansa mercilessly killed all the children born to Devaki. However, Lord Krishna was born as Devaki's eighth child. As soon as Lord Krishna was born, the prison cell was illuminated with a divine light. Seeing this light, Devaki and Vasudeva were filled with fear. At that moment, Lord Vishnu appeared before them in his four-armed form and gave them his divine vision. After giving his divine vision, the Lord instructed Vasudeva to immediately take him to Nanda's house in Gokul and bring back the newborn daughter of Nanda Baba to present to Kansa. Following the Lord's wish, as soon as Vasudeva set out with the child, the prison doors miraculously opened by themselves.

When Kansa found out that Devaki had given birth, he rushed to kill the child, believing that his destined end had finally arrived. He snatched the baby girl from Devaki, but as soon as he tried to kill her, the baby slipped from his hands and transformed into a goddess. The goddess spoke, "O wicked Kansa! You are a terrible sinner, and your end is certain. The one who will kill you has already been born on this earth. Stop killing innocent children."

After saying this, Yogmaya disappeared. Witnessing this scene, Kansa became overwhelmed with fear and anxietyKansa, overwhelmed with fear, began begging for forgiveness from his sister Devaki and Vasudeva. Hearing his sorrowful words and seeing his remorse, Vasudeva and Devaki forgave him. In turn, Kansa freed them from the prison.

In Gokul, as morning arrived, Nanda Baba discovered that Yashoda had given birth to a son. Excited to celebrate his birth, Nanda Baba prepared a grand celebration for the occasion. Joy spread throughout Gokul, and all the villagers were immersed in happiness. From that time onwards, the birth of Lord Krishna has been celebrated as Janmashtami in this world.

The birth festival of Lord Krishna is immensely joyful and brings peace and happiness to the devotees. This blessed festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion to experience that joy and increase love, devotion, and attachment toward Lord Krishna.

Worship Method

Ashtami Rohini is the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, and it should be celebrated as a festival. This day is meant to be filled with joy and to feel within oneself that our Lord is arriving. You can celebrate this festival in any way that resonates with Krishna's teachings. Whether you choose to recite the Gita, form a kirtan group to immerse in devotion, or observe a fast while chanting the holy names throughout the day, the choice is yours.

The worship for Krishna's birth takes place at midnight. In some parts of India, a cucumber stem is cut at midnight to symbolize the birth of Lord Krishna. This is similar to how the umbilical cord of a newborn is cut from the mother's womb. However, if you prefer, you can celebrate his arrival without this ritual.

To begin, clean the place of worship and sprinkle it with Ganga water to purify the area, then adorn it. Next, sit facing the east or north after paying homage to the sun, wind, earth, sky, and other elements. Place a clean white cloth on a small platform (chowki) and establish the idol of Laddu Gopal (made of any metal) on it. Gather items for the puja thali, such as kumkum, sandalwood, incense, an aarti lamp, water, and flowers.

For prasadam, keep a plate with Panchamrit, Panjiri, coconut sweets, fruits, or any offerings you wish to include. After the birth of Krishna, first bathe Laddu Gopal with honey, ghee, sugar, milk, yogurt, nuts, and then with Ganga water. After this, apply a tilak of sandalwood on Laddu Gopal's forehead and dress him in clean clothes, adorning him with a crown and flute. Perform the aarti and offer bhog as per your wishes, distributing it to the family members as prasadam.

If you are fasting, you can have a meal at night and offer the same as bhog to Laddu Gopal.