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Krishna Janmashtami : Krishna Janmashtami is one of the major festivals of Sanatan Dharma. This festival is celebrated in memory of the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. In the year 2024, the festival of Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on 26 August. On this occasion, the life of Lord Krishna, his teachings, and the religious principles established by him are remembered. Shri Krishna enriched Sanatan Dharma with every aspect of his life and made it even more relevant and vibrant.
Let us know in detail why Lord Krishna is considered so important in Sanatan Dharma and how he is considered ahead of Ramji in many ways.
Lord Krishna: Unique Personality and Qualities
Shri Krishna’s personality was multifaceted. He became a source of inspiration in every form, be it childhood leela, sweet love stories of youth, or as a protector of religion in a serious war like Mahabharata. His qualities make him different and distinct from other incarnations.
1. Philosophy and preaching of Gita
Lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. The Gita is not just a religious text, but a guide book on the art of living. It has such a confluence of karma, bhakti, and gyan yoga, which is relevant in every era.
- Essence of Gita: “Do your work, don’t worry about the fruit.” This principle is inspiring in every situation of life.
- Through the Gita: he also taught what is the difference between dharma and adharma and how to maintain neutrality in life.
2. Message of love and devotion
The story of Shri Krishna and Radha is a symbol of love and devotion. Their life teaches that the relationship of true love and devotion with God can free a human being from all bondages.
- Rasleela and Gopis: He showed that true love is only spiritual, in which there is no selfishness.
- His childhood pastimes, like stealing butter, are not just stories, but teach the lesson of living life happily.
3. Diplomacy and Leadership
Krishna is considered a master of diplomacy. His role in the Mahabharata showed how a good leader makes the right decisions in every situation.
- Peacemaker: Before the Mahabharata, he made every possible effort to avoid war.
- Expert in strategy: His advice and strategies in the war were decisive in defeating the Kauravas.
3. Child Leela and Sweetness
Sri Krishna’s childhood is full of his wonderful Leelas. Stories of his childhood attract people from all sections.
- Stealing butter and fame as Makhanchor: This shows his simplicity and innocence.
- Destruction of Kaliya Naag: Symbolizes his unparalleled courage.
Rama and Krishna: Comparison and Superiority
Both Lord Rama and Krishna are incarnations of Vishnu and have a special place in Sanatan Dharma. However, there are some aspects in which Krishna is considered superior to Rama.
1. Maryada Purushottam vs Leela Purushottam
- Ram: Ram is called Maryada Purushottam. He followed Dharma in every situation and became an ideal king, son, and husband.
- Krishna: Krishna is called Leela Purushottam. He made every aspect of life simple and joyful with his Leelas. His approach was practical and modern.
2. Philosophical depth
Ram followed Dharma, but Krishna explained the essence of Dharma. He explained the real meaning of Karma and Dharma through Gita.
3. Diplomacy and practicality
Ram followed the straight and traditional path, while Krishna resorted to diplomacy according to the circumstances. For example:
- Ram’s exile: He happily accepted 14 years of exile.
- Krishna’s approach: He ended Kansa and other adharmis with diplomacy and strategy.
4. Path of devotion
To worship Ram, it is necessary to follow decorum, but devotion to Krishna is simple and loving.
Krishna Janmashtami: Religious and Cultural Significance
Krishna Janmashtami is important not only from religious but also from cultural point of view. On this day, fasting, worship, and Krishna Janmotsav are organized at night.
Special rituals on Janmashtami
- Decoration of tableau: Tableau of child form of Shri Krishna is decorated.
- Organization of Dahi-Handi: Dahi-Handi is broken to display the leela of Lord’s butter theft.
- Night worship: Krishna’s birth is specially worshiped at 12 o’clock in the night.
- Katha and Kirtan: On this day, stories of Krishna are narrated and bhajans are organized.
Spiritual significance
- This day gives us the message of victory of Dharma over Adharma.
- Sri Krishna’s life teaches how to maintain a balance of joy and action in life.
Life Lessons from Krishna
- Always be active: Lord Sri Krishna gave priority to action in every situation.
- Maintain balance in life: Every aspect of his life teaches how to balance Dharma, diplomacy, and love.
- Have patience and courage: One should act with patience and courage even in difficult situations.
- Have true love: His life teaches that love should have sacrifice and selflessness.
Lord Sri Krishna is not just a deity, but a way of life. His life, his teachings, and his pastimes are a source of inspiration for every era. It is not fair to compare Rama and Krishna, but it is certain that Sri Krishna’s practical approach and multifaceted personality take Sanatan Dharma to a new height.
The festival of Krishna Janmashtami gives us the message of Dharma, love, and joy.
