We all have heard about the ‘Makhan Chor’ the little naughty Bal Gopal and Janshtami is the day of his birth. Also the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Krishna has always been associated with mischief and compassion. He has been a very integral part of shaping Hindu mythology whose life is Mahabharata in action. Hence the day of Janmashtami is dedicated to him and his birth is celebrated as one of the many important festivals in India. People celebrate this festival with a lot of vim and vigor. Those who have a Bal Gopal which is to say a little Krishna idol in their homes prepare an elaborate ceremony and treat little Krishna with all the treats and chocolates just like a little child. Temples hold an exaggerated puja ceremony and worship Lord Krishna with flowers and his favorite sweets, and his favorite food Makhan which is butter. All family members around the world connect with each other, exchange sweets, and send Janmashtami gift to celebrate this day. Many people also dress up the little ones in their family as little Krishna for recreation. People decorate their houses with flowers and garlands to welcome and celebrate Krishna’s birth.
Every God or Godesses’ birth is marked with some special attributes. Just like so Krishna’s birth also has a significant and mysterious attribute to it. The ruler Kansa the King of Mathura, actually usurped the throne of his just father. Sins were committed in Kansa’s kingdom and he was the reason for it. When Mother Earth could not bear it any longer she took the form of a cow and went to Lord Brahma the god of wisdom and creation to seek help. Lord Brahma then summoned Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu promised Mother Earth that he would reincarnate as Krishna to end this tyranny. Soon there was a prophecy from the sky that Devaki’s eighth son will end the rule of the evil King Kansa by killing him. Kansa held his sister captive and killed all of her sons one by one.
It is believed that Krishna was born on a dark and stormy night. When he was born everybody including the guards of the dungeon fell into a deep mysterious slumber. Except for his father Vasudeva and mother Devaki as led by divine intervention Vasudeva took Krishna and went to Gokul crossing the river of Yamuna. There he changed the child with Nanda’s child and came back with his daughter. When Kansa tried to slaughter this child as well it turned out to be a reincarnation of a Goddess who warned him and told him that his slayer was somewhere else. This followed a series of trials of Kansa trying to kill Krishna throughout his childhood. These are the feats Krishna performed when he was just a child and killed all the demons who tried to kill him. Like this Krishna grew to be a mischievous child but he was loved by all.
The relationship between Devaki and Krishna is also very symbolic. Lord Krishna with his reincarnation expressed how love and friendship exceed any class caste and creed, being the son of the Village Chief he was always seen playing with the village kids. He also showed how the one who gives life is not always a mother but the one who loves and raises a child with complete devotion is also a mother. Lord Krishna was able to redeem Mathura from its evil King and peace was restored. Lord Krishna has always been described as pure and graceful hence the peacock is often associated with him.
Just like all of us like some attention on our birthday, little Krishna also likes some attention. He has always been playful and cheerful and loved to play the flute. Hence, on the day of Janmashtami, many people like to dress up their little ones as Krishna and his playmates and recreate their pastimes. If you have a loved one who has a little Krishna in their home don’t forget to send him your wishes and treats. Send some Janmashtami gifts to your loved ones and include yourself in the Janmashtami celebrations.
