Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana |
Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhur Ma Te Sango Stv Akarmani ||
(Meaning) On your duty only, you have right. Not on the fruits of it ever.
Never, for the desire for fruit should you perform. Never should you be attracted to inaction.
(in performance of your duties)
He is the source of happiness that brings lights to the darkness, he is the one who bestows love upon us.
The one who fought with the evil and defeating the inhumane, he is the one who created the entire universe.
The tactful leader of the guiding path of ‘Dharma’ being the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, he is the one with the notorious trait of a child. Being an enticing lover, a truly valiant warrior, and yogi of the highest order.
Today is the day Lord Krishna was born; it’s celebrated as “Krishna Janmashtami” or “Gokulashtami” as the eight days in the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad of the Hindu Calendar. On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees across the world celebrate with devotees fasting, singing devotional songs till midnight, remembering the birth of the dearly Krishna.
One of the most popular of all the heroes of Hindu mythology, Krishna’s adventures are recounted since his younger days, along with Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita, the Harivamsa, and the sacred collection of texts known as the Puranas where Krishna is described as the Supreme Being and creator of the universe. The most ancient tales of Krishna involve his adventures with the Pandava princes whilst later, stories came across events in his youthful days, when Krishna used his witty mind and proficient weapons to defeat fearsome enemies, demons, and monsters.
It is believed that on this day, the protector of the universe, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu –was born. Lord Krishna was born to Devaki – the sister of Kansa. Devaki was married to Vasudeva, Kansa’s friend and after their marriage, a prediction was made that their eighth son would kill Kansa. Following the prophecy, Kansa had imprisoned her sister Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their seven sons. But somehow, the good always wins against evil. Lord Krishna was born to kill Kansa, the ruler of Mathura, and end his evil kingdom.
To describe Nandalala, he is portrayed with dark skin (usually blue-black), carrying the Vajranabha and the club Kaumodaki, both given to him by Agni. He typically wears a yellow robe, has a peacock feather in his long black hair, and commonly plays the flute, alluring the gopis while he cowherds. In reference to his occupation as a cowherd in his youth, Krishna is often accompanied by cows. One of the most well-known Krishna’s adventures is the lifting of Mountain Govardhana, saving the lives of the villagers in Gokul.
He was a great teacher who patiently answered 574 questions on the battlefield of Kurukshetra over 18 counselling sessions. He did so to allow Arjuna to spell out and recognize his doubts, thoughts, and emotions before giving his own logical thoughts on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. “Lord Krishna never forces Arjuna to believe what he says without being convinced about it. That is the greatest quality of a teacher.”
Being an ideal friend to Sudama and showing the entire universe to his mother Yashoda, Krishna has led his teachings in the path of divinity and simplicity, as he is an ocean of knowledge. A great lover of the curd, Krishna is known as ‘Makhan chor’ and ‘Muralidhar’ or ‘Venugopala’ as he played the melancholy in his flute. He was the master of all, and the creator of destiny.
However, with the corona gloom, Janmashtami is not the same this year. Otherwise, youth gear up to make the highest human pyramids to break the earthen pots, marking the celebration. This year, the streets are wearing a deserted look. No pendals and ‘Dahi Handi’ (Mosarudike) adorn the streets as administrations across the country have given a clarion call to cancel public events.
Tinseltown of Mumbai, which celebrates Janmashtami with great fervour too has decided not to hold any public Dahi Handi events this year.
Even the markets are pale as very little people throng the shops to make their festival shopping. But, at the household levels, traditional delicacies are cooked to welcome home ‘Little Krishna’.
Whatever be the situation, one has to remember that Lord Krishna stood for balance in life-someone never affected neither by success nor by failures. Let us all celebrate the essence of Lord Krishna’s birth with great enthusiasm and joy!
