Message from Krishna leelas
When Krishna's father Vasudeva carried Him from prison to Gokulam, all the chains automatically disjoined. Likewise, He would detach us from the worldly tethers. Acharya Vedanta Desika says in 'Yadavabhyudayam' that like how a jnani or yogi crosses the sea of samsara, Vasudeva crossed the river Yamuna.
There is no antecedent of God's divine feet causing harm. They will only shower blessings and grant moksha. The Lord kicked Sakatasura, who came to kill, and ultimately granted him Moksha. 'Sakatam' denotes a wheel rotating by going up and down. We are also rotating in this world up and down by repeated births and deaths. Clinging onto His feet through surrender will stop the wheel of our rotation.
Antaryami Brahmanam of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent and resides in every being as a micro form. As a macro form, He holds all the universe's beings in Him. When Yasodha asked Krishna to open His mouth, He showed her the universe.
A snake does not travel straight; it only zigzags. The serpent Kaliya, with five hoods, emitted poison, and Krishna controlled it by dancing on its hood. Our mind is like Kaliya veering from one end to another. We have five faculties like the five hoods. We are pushed into the poison-like worldly pleasures. If we hold the divine feet of God, we can get liberation.
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Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Date, auspicious puja time, city-wise schedules and rituals for devotees
Synopsis Get ready to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami on August 15, 2025. This festival marks Lord Krishna's birth. Devotees will observe fasts and perform pujas. The Nishita Puja Muhurat is from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16. Dahi Handi and ISKCON celebrations are on August 16. Various cities will have different timings for the Nishita Puja. Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Krishna Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated with devotion and joy on Friday, 15 August 2025 across India. According to the Hindu Panchang, this sacred festival marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura. This year will mark the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Krishna Janmashtami – Friday, 15 August 2025 ISKCON Janmashtami – Saturday, 16 August 2025 Dahi Handi – Saturday, 16 August 2025 Nishita Puja Muhurat – 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on 16 August (43 minutes) Midnight Moment (Krishna's Birth Time) – 12:26 AM, 16 August Moonrise (Chandrodaya) – 10:46 PM on Krishna Dashami Krishna Ashtami Tithi Begins – 11:49 PM, 15 August Krishna Ashtami Tithi Ends – 9:34 PM, 16 August Parana (Breaking the Fast) – After 5:51 AM, 16 August, post Deva Puja and Visarjan For devotees in different parts of the country, the auspicious Nishita Puja hours vary slightly: Pune – 12:17 AM to 1:02 AM New Delhi – 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM Chennai – 11:51 PM (15 Aug) to 12:36 AM (16 Aug) Jaipur – 12:10 AM to 12:53 AM Hyderabad – 11:58 PM to 12:43 AM Gurgaon – 12:05 AM to 12:48 AM Chandigarh – 12:06 AM to 12:49 AM Kolkata – 11:19 PM (16 Aug) to 12:03 AM (17 Aug) Mumbai – 12:20 AM to 1:05 AM Bengaluru – 12:01 AM to 12:47 AM Ahmedabad – 12:22 AM to 1:06 AM Noida – 12:03 AM to 12:47 AM The Nishita Puja is believed to be the precise moment of Krishna's divine birth, making it the most sacred time to perform Janmashtami mark the occasion with unwavering devotion, often observing a day-long fast and performing elaborate rituals: Purification of the Puja Area – The day begins with cleaning the house and decorating the puja space with flowers, rangoli, and a cradle for baby Krishna. Bathing the Idol – An idol or image of Bal Gopal is bathed in panchamrit, a sacred mix of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. Adorning the Deity – The idol is dressed in fresh clothes, adorned with jewellery, and placed in the cradle. Offering to Krishna – Devotees present tulsi leaves, butter, fruits, and sweets such as panjiri and laddoos. Lighting Lamps and Incense – The fragrance of incense and the glow of diyas create a divine atmosphere. Midnight Celebrations – The Nishita Puja at midnight is accompanied by melodious bhajans and kirtans, marking Krishna's birth moment with the swinging of the decorated cradle. On Saturday, 16 August 2025, streets will come alive with Dahi Handi festivities. Groups of participants form towering human pyramids to break pots filled with curd, recreating Krishna's playful childhood temples across the country will also celebrate Janmashtami on the same day, with devotional songs, dance dramas, and cultural programmes, attracting thousands of devotees. Inputs from agencies
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami with these 7 sacred bhog offering recipes
Krishna Janmashtami , celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is a festival full of devotion, joy, and special rituals. A key part of this celebration is preparing bhog, sacred food offerings made with pure, traditional ingredients to honour Krishna. These dishes are not only delicious but also carry deep spiritual meaning, symbolising love and gratitude. From creamy butter treats to sweet rice puddings and refreshing snacks, each recipe reflects Krishna's favourite flavours and customs. Making and offering these divine recipes during Janmashtami is believed to invite blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity for devotees and their families. Divine Krishna Janmashtami bhog ideas: 7 recipes to honour Lord Krishna Makhan Mishri Butter, known as makhan, was Lord Krishna's favourite food, which earned him the nickname 'Makhan-Chor' (Butter Thief). The combination of fresh butter and rock sugar (mishri) is a classic offering that symbolizes purity and sweetness. On Janmashtami, devotees prepare this simple yet divine dish to honor Krishna's love for butter. Ingredients: Full-fat milk or fresh cream Rock sugar (mishri) How to prepare : Churn full-fat milk or fresh cream to extract fresh butter. Once the butter is ready, mix in the rock sugar gently. This creamy and sweet mixture is then offered to Lord Krishna as bhog, and after the offering, it is shared as prasad with family and friends. Panchamrit Panchamrit is a sacred concoction made by blending five pure ingredients: milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. This mixture is considered holy and is commonly used in Hindu rituals. The five elements combine to create a nourishing and auspicious drink that is perfect for Janmashtami celebrations. Ingredients: Milk – 1 cup Curd (yogurt) – 1 cup Honey – 2 tablespoons Ghee – 1 tablespoon Sugar – 1 tablespoon How to prepare : In a bowl, combine milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. Stir well until all ingredients blend smoothly. This sweet, creamy nectar is then offered to Krishna during the prayers. Sabudana Khichdi (Sago Pearl Delight) Sabudana khichdi is a light, nutritious dish made from sago pearls. It is widely enjoyed during fasts, including those observed on Janmashtami. This dish provides energy without feeling heavy, making it an ideal offering and festive meal. Ingredients: Sabudana (sago pearls) – 1 cup Peanuts – 2 tablespoons Boiled and cubed potatoes – 2 medium Green chilies (finely chopped) – 2 Cumin seeds – 1 tablespoon Ghee – for frying Salt – to taste How to prepare : Rinse sabudana thoroughly and soak it for 4-5 hours or overnight to soften. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and peanuts, and fry until golden. Add the boiled potatoes and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the soaked sabudana and cook until the pearls turn translucent. Season with salt, and the dish is ready to be offered to Krishna. Malpua (Sweet Pancakes) Malpua is a delicious dessert made of deep-fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup. The combination of crispy edges and soft interiors soaked in sweetness makes it a favourite during festivals like Janmashtami. Ingredients: All-purpose flour – 1 cup Semolina – ½ cup Milk – ½ cup Sugar – ¼ cup Fennel seeds – ¼ teaspoon Ghee – for frying Sugar syrup (prepared by boiling sugar and water) How to prepare : Mix the flour, semolina, milk, sugar, and fennel seeds into a smooth batter. Heat ghee in a pan and pour ladlefuls of batter to make small pancakes. Fry them until golden brown on both sides. Soak the fried malpuas in warm sugar syrup for a few minutes, then offer them to Krishna. Gopalkala (Krishna's Favourite) Gopalkala is a refreshing and wholesome dish made with beaten rice (poha), yogurt, cucumber, and spices. It is traditionally offered to Krishna as bhog and is known for its light yet satisfying taste. Ingredients: Poha (beaten rice) – 1 cup Yogurt – ½ cup Cucumber (finely chopped) – 1 Grated coconut – 1 tablespoon Green chili (finely chopped) – 1 Cumin seeds – 1 tablespoon Ghee – 1 tablespoon Salt – to taste How to prepare : Rinse the poha and drain excess water. Mix it with yogurt, chopped cucumber, green chili, and grated coconut. Heat ghee in a pan and fry cumin seeds until they splutter, then pour this over the poha mixture. Add salt and mix well before offering the dish. Kheer (Rice Pudding) Kheer is a traditional, creamy rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts and raisins. It is a staple during many Indian festivals and is loved for its rich, comforting taste. Ingredients : Basmati rice – 1 cup Full-fat milk – 1 litre Sugar – ½ cup Cardamom powder – ¼ teaspoon Chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins for garnish How to prepare : Soak the rice for 30 minutes. Boil the milk in a pan, then add the soaked rice. Simmer gently on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture thickens. Stir in sugar and cardamom powder until dissolved. Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins before offering. Mohan bhog (Sweetened Semolina) Mohan Bhog is a traditional semolina-based sweet that's named after Lord Krishna (Mohan). It's a rich dessert that perfectly fits the festive spirit of Janmashtami. Ingredients: Semolina (sooji) – 1 cup Ghee – ½ cup Sugar – 1 cup Water – 2 cups Saffron strands – a pinch Chopped nuts for garnish How to prepare : Roast the semolina in ghee until golden brown. In a separate pan, boil water with sugar and saffron until the sugar dissolves. Slowly add this syrup to the roasted semolina while stirring to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and the ghee separates. Garnish with chopped nuts before offering to Krishna. The cultural significance of bhog offering on Krishna Janmashtami The cultural essence of bhog offering during Krishna Janmashtami goes beyond just preparing food; it is a profound expression of devotion and reverence towards Lord Krishna. Bhog represents the purest form of love and gratitude, symbolising the devotee's surrender and connection to the divine. Traditionally made with ingredients considered sacred and wholesome, these offerings reflect the values of purity, simplicity, and spiritual abundance in Hindu culture. The ritual of preparing and presenting bhog fosters a sense of community, mindfulness, and celebration, uniting families and devotees in a shared act of worship that honours Krishna's life and teachings. These recipes are more than just food; they are an expression of love and devotion to Lord Krishna. Each dish combines simplicity with traditional flavours, making your Janmashtami celebrations truly special. Offering these bhogs is believed to bring blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity to your home. If you wish to master these recipes and many more, consider learning from professional chefs at reputed cooking institutes. May your Krishna Janmashtami be filled with joy, devotion, and the divine grace of Lord Krishna! Also Read: Dairy foods that support heart health and reduce the risk of 6 cancers: Study
NDTV
8 hours ago
- NDTV
Why Is Cucumber Cut On Janmashtami? A Ritual You Probably Didn't Know About
Janmashtami 2025: Every year, as the monsoon clouds gather and breeze sweeps through the country, India prepares to celebrate one of its most popular festivals - Janmashtami. This vibrant occasion marks the birth of Lord Krishna. From midnight pujas to Dahi Handi celebrations, the festival is a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and joy. But amidst the grand rituals and 56-bhog platters, there is one humble ingredient that quietly holds deep spiritual meaning - it is the cucumber. Yes, the everyday kheera becomes a sacred symbol on this night. Curious? Let us dive into the story behind this unique tradition. When Is Janmashtami 2025? This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 16. According to the Hindu calendar, this aligns with the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Ashtami Tithi Begins - 11:49 PM on August 15, 2025 Ashtami Tithi Ends - 09:34 PM on August 16, 2025 Nishita Puja Time - 11:39 PM to 12:24 AM, August 16 Dahi Handi on Saturday, August 16, 2025 (Source: Significance Of Janmashtami And Its Rituals: Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan. Devotees fast, sing bhajans, decorate cradles, and prepare a grand chappan bhog - a platter of 56 delicacies offered to the deity. The rituals begin early in the morning with cleaning and decorating the puja space. Devotees bathe the Krishna idol in panchamrit, dress it in yellow or peacock blue, and place it in a beautifully adorned cradle. Throughout the day, bhajans and keertans fill the air, and scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are read aloud. But the most awaited moment is the midnight puja, when Krishna is believed to have taken birth. Bells ring, conches blow, and the idol is revealed and worshipped with full devotion. And right at this moment, a cucumber is cut, marking one of the most symbolic acts of the night. The Cucumber Ritual Of Janmashtami 2025: A Sacred Symbol of Birth At first glance, the cucumber ritual may seem unusual. Why cut a vegetable at midnight? But this act is deeply rooted in symbolism and spiritual belief. In Hindu tradition, cucumber is associated with the womb. Its shape and seed-filled interior make it a metaphor for fertility and life. On Janmashtami, the cucumber represents the womb of Mother Devaki, who gave birth to Krishna in captivity. The stem of the cucumber is seen as the umbilical cord, and cutting it at midnight symbolises the moment of birth, the divine separation of Krishna from his mother. As per experts, it is performed with devotion, often using a coin instead of a knife, to maintain purity. The cucumber is placed in water, marked with kumkum, and cut vertically at the exact moment of Krishna's birth. In some traditions, a small Krishna idol is placed inside the hollowed cucumber and revealed at midnight. Photo Credit: iStock The cucumber ritual is rich in spiritual meaning. It represents: 1. Purification: Just as cucumber cools and cleanses the body, it symbolises the cleansing of the soul. Cutting it is seen as cutting away ego, desires, and sins. 2. Renewal: The act marks a fresh start, a rebirth of divine consciousness within the devotee. 3. Blessings Of Fertility: Offering a cucumber to Krishna is believed to bring blessings of progeny. Couples praying for children often perform this ritual with deep faith. 4. Protection For Pregnant Women: Cucumber is considered auspicious and protective for expectant mothers. How Is The Cucumber Ritual Performed On Janmashtami? Here is a step-by-step guide to the cucumber ritual: Choose a fresh cucumber with its stem intact. Wash it and mark it with kumkum or haldi. Place it in a bowl of water or on a puja thali. As the clock strikes twelve, perform the puja with bhajans, bells, and conch sounds. Use a coin to cut the cucumber vertically. Offer the cucumber to Krishna along with other bhog items. Later, distribute it as prasad. In some homes, the cucumber is used as a cradle for a small Krishna idol. It is covered until midnight and then revealed, bathed in charanamrit, and worshipped with flowers and incense. So, this Janmashtami, as you light the diyas and sing the bhajans, do not forget the cucumber. It may be simple, but it holds the essence of the night when the divine was born. Happy Janmashtami 2025!
