Krishna, the charioteer and guide

Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most significant Gods of Hinduism. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan saw Lord Krishna not merely as a historical figure but also as a symbol of love and devotion. Krishna’s life and teaching reflect profound philosophical and ethical truths. The wisdom of Srimad Bhagavad Gita teaches us humanism, harmony, equanimity, tolerance, detachment and adherence to dharma, said Prof. Kumool Abbi.

Janmashtami falls on the Ashtami tithi of Krishnapaksha in the month of Bhadrapad on the Rohini nakshatra. Krishna is regarded as the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The birth of Balgopal took place with miraculous celestial intervention. Kamsa, the king of Mathura, was the brother of Devaki. It had been prophesied that the eighth child of Devaki would lead to the death of the evil Kamsa. So Devaki and her husband Vasudev were imprisoned with orders to kill all their newborns. When Devaki was about to give birth to Krishna on a stormy night, divine intervention put Mathura to sleep, and Vasudev saved baby Krishna from Kamsa by handing him over to Yashoda and Nanda, thereby paving the way for Kamsa’s destruction and of evil.

The life of Lord Krishna is characterised by many divine leelas and miracles. This day is marked by fasting and keeping a vigil till midnight. Enchanting tales from Krishna’s childhood are narrated to children. His childhood play with cowherd boys is enacted as in the idyllic pastoral land of Braj. This day is spent being absorbed in Lord Krishna, recalling his teachings, thoughtfully reflecting on his wisdom, reciting from the Bhagavad Gita, singing Krishna Bhajans and performing kirtans. Temples and homes are decorated with images of Krishna. Flowers and small idols are placed in cradles.

Janmashtami is celebrated across the country and the diaspora. However, the festival has a close association with Mathura, known for its Banke Bihari, Radha Raman and Govind Dev temples. Other popular temples are the Puri Jagannath temple and the Govind Dev temple in Jaipur. The day next to Janmashtami is celebrated as the Dahi Handi festival.

Krishna’s compassionate counsel to Arjun is crystallised as the Bhagavad Gita, and the wisdom of the divine charioteer (Krishna) is a guide to navigating the complexities of existence in the contemporary world.