Radhashtami
| Radhashtami | |
|---|---|
 Radhashtami celebration at Krishna Balaram Mandir | |
| Also called | Radha Ashtami, Radha Jayanti |
| Observed by | Hindus |
| Type | Religious, Cultural |
| Celebrations | Noontime Sringara in temples, Aarti, Manimahesh Yatra[1] |
| 2023 date | 23 September (Sat)[2] |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
|---|
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Radhashtami ("Radha's eighth")[3] is a Hindu religious day commemorating the birth anniversary of the goddess Radha, the chief consort of the god Krishna.[4] It is celebrated in her birthplace Barsana and the entire Braj region on the eighth day (ashtami) of the bright (waxing) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August - September).[3][5][6] In many Vaishnava communities, Radha is viewed as the perfect devotee (bhakta) of Krishna for her unwavering devotion.[3] This relationship serves as a model for devotees and thus she is also worshipped to guide them to attain Krishna, who is believed to be God.[4] The festival suggests that goddess Radha is very much an aspect of the cultural-religious faith system governing social life of people.[7]
History
In the Viṣṇu Khaṇḍa of the Skanda Purana, it is mentioned that God Krishna had 16,000 gopis out of which Goddess Radha was the most prominent one.[8] Goddess Radha was found on the golden lotus in the pond by king Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirtida. As per folktales, Radha did not open her eyes to see the world until Krishna himself appeared in front of her.[9]
Fasting and celebration
Traditionally, followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism (which includes ISKCON devotees) and devotees of goddess Radha observe the Radha Ashtami Vrat (fast). Devotees usually follow a half-day fast on this day. But, like Ekadashi, some devotees observe this fast for full day and some even without water. In ISKCON temples Mahabhishek of Radharani is done on this day.[10][11][12]
Radhashtami is ceremoniously celebrated in the Braj area. On Radhashtami, Radha Krishna idols are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Additionally, Radhashtami is the only day on which devotees may receive darshan of Radha's feet. On all other days, they remain covered.[13]
Radhashtami begins with a ritual bath. In homes and temples, idol of goddess Radha is bathed with panchamitra - a combination of five different foodmixes of milk, ghee, honey, sugar and yogurt and then she is dressed in new attire. She is then offered bhog, food made especially for her. On this day, devotees sing devotional songs in praise of the divine couple Radha Krishna and their pastimes. Later, feast is served as prasada to celebrate this day.[14]
The mantras which are chanted on Radhashtami are: Aum Vrashbahnujaye Vidmahe, Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodaya and Radhe Radhe.
Significance
Radhashtami is particularly important for the holy pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake, called Manimahesh Yatra, which is sponsored by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is preceded by the "holy chhari", (holy stick carried by the pilgrims on their shoulders). The pilgrims barefooted, singing and dancing to the hymns of God Shiva, undertake this trek of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of Hadsar,[15] to the Manimahesh Lake. The Manimahesh Yatra that starts from Krishna Janmashtami, ends after fifteen days with Radhashtami.[16]
See also
References
- ^ Ashtami- Significance And Celebrations[1]
- ^ 2023 Radha Ashtami
- ^ a b c Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. Rosen. p. 544. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4.
- ^ a b Ph.D, Lavanya Vemsani (13 June 2016). Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names. ABC-CLIO. pp. 223–224. ISBN 978-1-61069-211-3.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Bhadrapada Festivals
- ^ "Radhastami celebrations at ISKCON temple today". 6 September 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ Mohanty, Prafulla Kumar (2003). "Mask and Creative Symbolisation in Contemporary Oriya Literature : Krishna, Radha and Ahalya". Indian Literature. 47 (2 (214)): 181–189. ISSN 0019-5804. JSTOR 23341400.
- ^ Radha Ashtami festival
- ^ "Radha Ashtami 2017: Significance, Mahurat Timings, Prasad and Pooja Rituals". 30 August 2017. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ "Radhastami celebrations at ISKCON temple today". 6 September 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ "An ashtami that marks Radha's birthday". 27 August 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ "Radha Ashtami 2017: Significance, Mahurat Timings, Prasad and Pooja Rituals". 30 August 2017. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ "An ashtami that marks Radha's birthday". 27 August 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ Melton, J. Gordon (2011). Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations. United States of America: ABC-CLIO. pp. 732–733. ISBN 978-1-59884-205-0.
- ^ Village Hadsar in Chamba district [2]
- ^ Radhashtami is fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami
External links
- "Srila Prabhupada's Presentation of Srimati Radharani - First Radhastami celebration in ISKCON". www.sdgonline.org. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
- Sri Radhashtami celebration.
- "Radhastami". www.krishna.com. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
- "Celebration of Radhashtami festival in Vrindavan". www.radhavallabh.com. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
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