The Story of Krishna’s Birth and His Journey to Gokul
Krishna Story - Birth of Krishna
There are thousands of stories that come to us from the legends and traditions of Hinduism. But the story of the birth of Krishna continues to remain a source of joy and inspiration for millions of people around the world. It is not only about the birth of divine child but also this is a story of hope, bravery, faith and a victory of good over evil. Devotees celebrate this inspiring tale every year during the Janmashtami Festival also known as Gokulashtami or Krishna Jayanti. The festival is dedicated to the birth of Krishna who is worshipped as one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Krishna was born in Mathura at a time when his maternal uncle, King Kamsa had become a tyrant ruler. According to a divine prophecy, the eighth child of Devaki would bring Kamsa's death. Terrified with this prophecy, Kamsa put Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva in prison. He began killing their kids one by one.
But fate had different plans. When Krishna was born as the eighth child of Devaki, the prison was filled with a divine light. Vasudeva realised that this baby was not just an ordinary child. He had to take this baby from Mathura and deliver it safely to the home of Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul. Thus started one of the most loved chapters in Krishna Story.
Krishna Birth: Birth of Lord Krishna
Krishna was born in midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada depending on the regional calendars. This is why devotees celebrate the event of Krishna birth staying awake till midnight during Janmashtami. During the celebrations, temples are decorated, devotional songs are being sung and Krishna puja is being held.
According to the legends, Krishna appeared before Vasudeva and Devaki in his divine form and then took the form of a baby. Knowing that baby could not live in Mathura in such conditions, Vasudeva decided to follow the divine wishes and carefully placed the baby Krishna in a basket and went to Gokul.
It was a dark rainy night. Yamuna River was flooding at that time. Still, Vasudeva walked holding the baby in his hands. According to the legends, Shesha Naga spread its hood to protect baby Krishna from rain. Then when Vasudeva reached the river, the waters of the Yamuna parted. This episode of Krishna Story becomes a powerful example of faith and divine protection.
Krishna's Journey from Mathura to Gokul
Vasudeva reached Gokul, where lived Nanda and Yashoda, and there he left the baby near Nanda and Yashoda. At the same time Yashoda gave birth to her baby girl. Returning to Mathura, Vasudeva came back with baby girl.
Kamsa was scared with this news and rushed to kill the baby. But the baby transformed into a divine Goddess who told Kamsa that the one who would defeat him was already alive elsewhere. Shocked with these words, Kamsa could not stop the prophecy.
Growing in Gokul with full of love, laughter and joys of village life, Nanda and Yashoda brought up baby Krishna as their own kid. These were the days of the most popular stories from the Krishna Childhood.
Krishna Childhood in Gokul
Childhood stories of Krishna are some of the most popular parts of Hindu traditions. Baby Krishna was often called Makhan Chor because of his love to freshly made butter. Baby Krishna entered the houses of the villagers with his friends and enjoyed the butter kept in the pots. Despite playful activities of baby Krishna, villagers could not stay angry with him for too long.
Baby Krishna also spent a lot of time with the cows and cowherds. This is one of the reasons why Krishna is called Govinda. Also, in South India, baby Krishna is often called Kannan. These are some of the names through which devotees connect themselves with the Hindu God Krishna.
In the tales of Krishna childhood we see the courage and divine power of this kid. From the protection of the people of Gokul to the battle with various demons who were sent by Kamsa, Krishna slowly revealed his divinity. The childhood of Krishna becomes an important part of the spiritual tradition of Brindavanam and its surroundings.
Why Do We Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna and the message which came with his arrival. Krishna descended in our world at the time when evil and injustice reigned here. Krishna birth symbolises the hope that goodness will prevail over darkness.
During Janmashtami devotees observe fasting, perform prayers and decorations of homes and Krishna Temple. Many devotees bake various sweets and traditional food dishes. Some people make small footprints from the entrance of the house till the room where puja is being held. This footprints symbolise baby Krishna's entry to the home.
During midnight, devotees celebrate Krishna Janmashtami performing chants, ringing of bells, singing bhajans and making special puja. Often children dress up like Krishna and Radha. Some communities also organise the Dahi Handi events. In different parts of India, the festival is known as Gokulashtami or Krishna Jayanti.
Krishna's Eternal Presence in Our Homes
Krishna Story does not finish with Krishna childhood in Gokul. Teaching and life of Krishna inspire millions of people. From playful days as Kannan to becoming Arjuna's guide in Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is the symbol of wisdom, love, bravery and devotion.
Bringing a Krishna Statue or Krishna Murti into the home becomes the way to keep Krishna's divine presence nearby. Krishna Murti can be placed in the puja room, meditation area or home altar. Images of Krishna blowing the flute, Krishna with Radha or baby Krishna with butter are especially popular.
The journey from Mathura to Gokul becomes one of the most beautiful chapters in Krishna Story reminding us that even in the difficult moments faith gives us the necessary strength to walk further. The birth of Krishna brings the message of hope while Krishna childhood teaches us to find the joy in simple things. That is why Krishna Janmashtami becomes more than the festival.