Change your destiny as we mark the birthday of Lord Krishna
JANMASHTAMI, the birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees across the world, is on Tuesday, August 15.
Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (ashtmi) of the Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapad, between (August and September) on the Hindu calendar.
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura approximately 5 000 years ago in the Dwapara Yug.
Astrologically, Janmashtami occurs when the moon is in transit in the “Rohini Star” and in the Taurus zodiac sign. The moon is exalted and the strongest in this position.
According to Hinduism, some nights are extremely powerful to tap directly into the cosmic divine energy. Janmashtami is one of the Maharatri’s extremely powerful nights and performing Japa, worshipping God (in any form) during this period carries innumerable blessings, much more than other days of worship.
Scriptures say the other powerful Maharatris nights include “Shiv- Ratri”, Holy, Diwali, Hanuman Jayanti, Sharad- Purnima and Navrathri’s.
Rituals and astrological recommendationson
these days, the main tradition is to fast and follow any of these practices:
Most people keep a general spiritual fast, ie grainless, saltless and consuming only fruit, salad, milk and water.
Especially for Janmashtami, people keep this fast for an entire after sunrise, when Ashtmi is over.
It is ideal to offer sweet dishes, made with milk, to the deity. If possible, offer Mishri (Indian sugar candy)
Offer Tulsi leaves to the deity because Lord Krishna considers them to be most precious and dearest.
Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" at least 108 times.
If you are unable to be at a temple at midnight, then ensure you perform arthi and the bell ringing ritual at home.
Recite what is considered the most powerful mantra of this age: “Hare Krishna Maha Mantra”, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, it contains 16 syllables. The benefits of this mantra are beyond measure. When people chant this mantra sincerely, they feel spiritually uplifted and it reduces the negativity of life. It is believed that Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was an incarnation of Lord Krishna and chanted this mantra daily. Once, he chanted while going through a forest, that swarmed with wild animals. The animals were drawn to him and were of a calm demeanour – an example of the power generated by chanting the mantra.
Regarding ancient remedy, there is belief that if chanted twice in the mind, before eating food, the meal becomes easily digestable and satisfying. We have 32 teeth; chanting this 16 syllable mantra twice adds up to 32. This ritual, chanted before meals, will ensure optimum nourishment.
Ensure you read a few pages of the Bhagvada Gita on these days – to strengthen the mind, improving karma and increase Bhakti.
The worship of Krishna is a known astrological remedy for difficulty with child bearing.
Lord Krishna directs people to numerous life opportunities but leaves the decision to the individual.
It is beneficial to perform bhajans, kirtans, meditation, chanting, visiting temples and chanting the 108 names of Lord Krishna.
Whatever your religious standing, the worship of the Almighty will cause greater astrological benefit, as the sanctity of this holy day is immense because of the favourable moon position. Fasting on Janmashtami carries a huge amount of rewards (a 1 000 times). • If you have difficulty finding a saintly guru, then pray to Lord Krishna – Jagatguru; the teacher of all teachers.
One can attract prosperity, power and peace by doing the above on this night and the destiny of life could change.
Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@inl.co.za or call him at: 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888