Janmashtami Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the supreme deity in Hinduism. This festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which falls in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar. The word Janmashtami is derived from two Sanskrit words – 'Janma' means birth, and 'Ashtami' means the eighth day.
The Janmashtami Puja is typically performed by devotees in temples and homes, where they decorate the place with flowers, lights, and colorful decorations. The puja involves the worship of Lord Krishna with the offering of fruits, sweets, and other delicacies, along with the chanting of mantras and hymns. The devotees also sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna and perform aarti to seek his blessings.
The Janmashtami Puja has several significances, including the following:
- It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be a symbol of love, compassion, and righteousness.
- It is believed that Lord Krishna took birth to rid the world of evil and to establish righteousness.
- It is said that Lord Krishna's life teaches us the importance of moral values, righteousness, and devotion to God.
- It is believed that performing the Janmashtami Puja helps to purify the mind and soul and brings peace and happiness into one's life.
- It is also believed that observing fasts and performing puja on Janmashtami helps to attain the blessings of Lord Krishna and to overcome one's sins and weaknesses.
"हे नन्द के लाला, कृष्ण कन्हैया,
जय श्री कृष्णा, जय गोपाला।"