Janmashtami 2023: Celebrating Janmashtami Today in the Rare 'Jayanti Yoga' – Unveiling the Muhurat, Mantras, Fasting, and Worship Rituals
Janmashtami , an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour, is dedicated to Lord Krishna , one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. This year's celebration is infused with a celestial rarity – the convergence of Janmashtami with Jayanti Yoga, Ravi Yoga, and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga. These unique astrological events occur simultaneously, creating an auspicious alignment not seen for many years.
# The Divine Birth of Lord Krishna
According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Bhadrapada month. His birth took place under the Rohini Nakshatra (constellation), on a Wednesday, when the Moon was in Taurus, and the clock struck midnight. This year, these celestial conditions reoccur during Janmashtami, making it an exceptional occurrence in the grand tapestry of Hindu festivals.
# Significance of the Jayanti Yoga
The convergence of Janmashtami with Jayanti Yoga holds immense spiritual significance. Devotees who observe a fast and worship Lord Krishna during this auspicious time are believed to reap profound benefits:
1. Liberation from Sins
Those who observe a fast during Janmashtami of Jayanti Yoga can expect the cleansing of sins accumulated over multiple lifetimes.
2. Divine Blessings
Fasting on Janmashtami of Jayanti Yog is said to attract the blessings of Lord Krishna, leading to wealth, glory, and the fulfilment of all wishes.
3. Equivalent to Yagyas
Fasting on this occasion is believed to yield results akin to the benefits of millions of yagyas (ritual sacrifices).
# Janmashtami 2023: Date and Pujas
To mark this celestial event, devotees can follow the Janmashtami rituals on the following dates:
- Start of Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami Tithi: Today, 03:37 PM
- End of Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami Tithi: Tomorrow, at 04:14 PM
- Janmashtami Puja Muhurat: 11:57 PM to 12:42 AM
- Rohini Nakshatra: Today, 09:20 AM to tomorrow 10:25 PM
# Auspicious Yoga Alignments
On Janmashtami 2023, two significant yoga alignments will grace the skies:
- Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: This auspicious alignment persists throughout the day, enhancing the power of rituals and prayers.
- Ravi Yoga: Ravi Yoga will be in effect from 06:01 AM to 09:20 PM, further amplifying the auspiciousness of the day.
# Janmashtami Fasting and Worship Guidelines
To fully participate in this divine celebration, follow these essential steps:
1. Morning Resolution: Upon waking, take a bath, and make a resolution to observe Janmashtami fast and worship Lord Krishna.
2. Kalash Setup : While chanting the mantras, "Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya" and "Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Govindaya Namo Namah," establish a Kalash by spreading a yellow cloth on a post.
3. Worship Plate: Sit facing east and arrange sandalwood, akshat, flowers, basil leaves, rakshasutra, seasonal fruits, butter, sugar candy, khoya prasad, and more on the worship plate.
4. Ghee Lamp: Light a ghee lamp on the right side of the post. Proceed to worship Devaki Mata and Vasudev ji, along with Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiya, as well as Chandra Dev.
5. Idol Placement : Around 8 o'clock in the evening, cut a cucumber and place an idol of Laddu Gopal in it to symbolize Lord Krishna in the womb of Mother Devaki.
6. Anointing Ceremony: At the auspicious time, remove Laddu Gopal's idol from the cucumber, anoint it with Panchamrit from a conch shell, and adorn it with clothing, makeup, and various offerings like Akshat, sandalwood, incense, lamps, scents, and flowers.
7. Midnight Worship: As Lord Krishna was born at midnight, worship Laddu Gopal at that exact time. Offer food, light a lamp with 11 lights, and pray for the removal of sorrows from your life. Conclude by distributing Prasad to celebrate the birth of Laddu Gopal.
# Paran and Prayers for Children
For those desiring children, Janmashtami offers a unique opportunity. To enhance the chances of fulfilling this wish, recite the Harivansh Purana and the Santan Gopal Stotra. These sacred texts are believed to please Lord Krishna and bestow His blessings, potentially blessing childless couples with the gift of a child.
On this sacred Janmashtami, as the universe aligns in rare astrological formations, devotees come together in celebration and worship, seeking the divine blessings of Lord Krishna.