Janmastami in Mathura

Janmashtami in Mathura is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is estimated to have been born 5000 years ago to destroy the evil king Kangsha the ruler of Mathura.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated during the Indian month of 'Bhadra' on the eighth day of waning. According to the English calender it falls on the eighth day after the full moon in the month of August. Janmashtami in India is celebrated with reverence and merriment to rejoice the birth of Lord Krishna.

There is an interesting story underlining Janmashtami festival. Ugrasena, an upright and loving king of Mathura was usurped of his authority and imprisoned by his vile son Kangsha. Thereafter, on the day of marriage of his sister Devaki to Basudev, Kangsha received a warning from heaven that the eighth child of Devaki would bring death to him. This enraged Kangsha, and consequently he imprisoned both his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Basudev. Subsequently. Six of Devaki's babies were mercilessly killed by Kangsha. The seventh fetus inside Devaki's womb by divine powers was transferred to Rohini's womb (consort of Basudev). This baby grew up as Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna.

Before the birth of the eighth child, Lord Vishnu appeared in Basudeva's and Devaki's dream, and instructed Bausdeva to carry the to be born child to Nandgaon, a village across the river Yamuna. Lord Vishnu further instructed Basudev to bring back a girl child born to Nandaraj and Yashoda who would be born simultaneously.

At midnight on the eventful day, Lord Krishna was born, and as per Lord Vishnu's instruction Basudev carried the infant in a basket across the river Yamuna which was in spate. Mysteriously, the prison doors opened, the sentinels went off to sleep, and Basudev walked out of his prison and the city gates unobstructed. Basudev and the baby Lord Krishna was protected from torrential rain by Basuki snake's hood. Basuki snake also guided Basudev to Nadgaon. At Nandgaon, Basudev handed over Lord Krishna to Nandaraj and brought back

This entire episode is enacted through plays, songs and drama. The prison cell where Lord Krishna was born is now become famous as 'Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir' in Matura. An idol of Lord Krishna is kept at the 'Garbh Griha' (the exact spot where Lord Krishna was born).

Devotees sing 'bhajans' and songs in praise of Lord Krishna throughout this Janmashtami festival. They maintain fast till midnight. Lord Krishna is offered 'chappan bhog' (fifty six dishes). The idol is bathed with milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter). Devotees chant hymns and dance all along.

Janmashtami in Mathura is an important religious festival of India, which is practiced with utmost respect and joy.