This year, Krishna Janmashtami falls on Thursday, September 2. (In some parts of India it is being celebrated on September 1.) Lord Krishna was born in the Rohini nakshatra on Ashtami and, incidentally, this year both fall on the same day again, making it a special year.
Shree Krishna is the eighth Avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is considered to be the most celebrated and glorious of all the Avatars of Lord Vishnu. He was born in dramatic circumstances. His parents, Vasudev and Devki were imprisoned by Kansa. Kansa had heard a prediction that the eighth child of Devki would kill him. Kansa started killing all the children that were born to Devki (his sister). However, when Krishna was born, miracles began to happen. The soldiers fell asleep. The manacles of Vasudev were unshackled and the prison door opened. Vasudev took it as a sign to save the child and took Krishna in a basket and started to Gokul. It was raining heavily and the Yamuna river was flooded. Yet, when baby Krishna’s feet touched the river, it receded and Vasudev crossed the river very easily. He reached Gokul and handed his child to his friend, Nanda, and took his girl child.
Once he returned, everything returned to the way it was. The baby girl started crying. The news of the birth was conveyed to Kansa who rushed to kill the baby. However, when he seized the baby (she was actually Yogmaya), she flew out of his grasp and told Kansa that his would-be slayer was alive and well.
Krishna eventually killed Kansa when he and Balarama went to Mathura as boys to participate in a wrestling contest.
Krishna was a mischievous child. He loved butter and would steal butter from the houses of villagers in Gokul. The Gopis would pretend to be upset and complain to his mother, Yashoda, but in reality they all loved him dearly. Lord Krishna performed many miracles even as a boy, like defeating the dreaded snake Kaaliya, killing Putana (the Raakshasi who was sent to kill him) and saving the villagers from the wrath of Indra.
When he grew up, he became the king of Dwaraka. He later joined hands with the Pandavas and helped them defeat the Kauravas in the great battle of Kurukshetra. He also gave us the Bhagvad Gita, the greatest gift to mankind. He was the embodiment of all that is important and great in life. He was a great teacher, a great friend, the protector of Dharma, the greatest romantic, the consummate politician, and a great flute-player. He represents the complete ‘Aakarshan Shakti’, a great magnetism.
His birthday is celebrated with great pomp and splendor since he lived in luxury throughout his life. Butter and sweets are offered to him and Bhajans are sung throughout the evening and night.
Rocking his cradle is considered to be of special significance, especially to those who are expecting babies or those who want babies.
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