The Spiritual Significance of Janmashtami by Gurudev Sri Sri

“Janmashtami is the day when we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna (the eighth incarnation (avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu).

Lord Krishna signifies “Ananda” (bliss or pure happiness). We express happiness through celebration. So, Janmashtami is celebrating the birth of Bliss. It is the day when that (divine) joy manifests.”

Timings

Germany – Aug 29 07:56 pm to Aug 30 10:31 pm

New Delhi – Aug 29 11:26 pm to Aug 31 2:01 am

New York – Aug 29 01:56 pm to Aug 30 4:31 pm

For local timings and personalized rituals according to your birth chart download the align27 app.

In Astro Speak…

Lord Krishna was born on the eighth lunar day known as Ashtami. So when you honor Lord Krishna as Bal Gopal (the infant/child form of Krishna), on any eighth waning lunar day, then you can remove the negative karmas that caused this rebirth.

It is said that any negative aspects of malefic planets (planets that bring bad luck and misfortune) can be removed and the blessings of natural benefic planets (planets that give auspicious results and have a positive influence on your life ) can be obtained, by honoring the deities associated with the Tithi (lunar day) ruled by the planets.

Ashtami Tithi, which starts later today on 30th August, is ruled by Rahu so this is one of the best remedies for Rahu.

Rituals and Remedies

Worship and honor Lord Krishna with the mantra – “Aum Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”. You can chant this mantra 108 times or sing it as a bhajan.
Read a few chapters from the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam.
Lord Krishna symbolizes joy and celebration. So join a Satsang or get together with friends and family and sing songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
Light a lamp facing East.
If have an idol or statue of Lord Krishna, you can give him a ritualistic bath with 5 ingredients (Milk, Jaggery, Ghee, Honey and Yoghurt). This is called Panchamrit – Pancha means 5 and Amrit means the Elixir of the Gods.
Offer some fragrance to Lord Krishna by lighting incense or by applying chandan (sandalwood) to the statue.
Offer butter, milk products, sweets and rice to Lord Krishna.
Meditate or listen to flute music.