Shri Krishna Janmashtami Fasting Rules

Related Topics:Festivals and EventsShri KrishnaVrat and Puja

There is a saying that there is no bigger celebration of food than that in the name of Shri Krishna, which is entailed by Krishna Janmashtami. 

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami. It is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Bhagwan Vishnu made an appearance as Krishna on this particular day. He was born as the 8th child to Vasudev and Devaki, in Mathura, in a prison. They were kept in prison by none other than the brother of Devaki, Kansa. Kansa was the king and he was cruel.  As per the prophecy, the 8th child of Devaki and Vasudev would cause the death of Kansa. So, in order to save their child from the cruel king, Vasudev handed him to Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul. To kill him, Kansa sent many demons but they were all defeated by Kanha. Tales of that are quite famous. Finally, when Krishna grew, he killed Kansa and in that way, he freed the world from evil.

All over India and the world, this occasion is celebrated with joy. People recite stories of his childhood, perform Dahi Handi and ‘Rasleela’, distribute Panchamrit, and observe Vrat.

Here we will talk about Janmashtami Vrat or Upvas, its significance, do’s, and don’t!

Significance of Janmashtami Upvas

Observing a fast on this auspicious day has several benefits for the devotees.

• The devotee who observes this fast does not die prematurely or face any such health issues. Also, It provides one salvation and rid them of bad karma.
• As per texts, when a person performs Janmashtami Fast, he receives benefits that are equal to a thousand Ekadashi. Also, reading and reciting the teachings of Bhagavat Gita on this day has great importance in bringing prosperity to life.
• Also, Bhagwan Krishna was born on the Ashtami and this Tithi is ruled by Shiva. So, it is an ideal time for one to undertake endeavours that require courage and bravery. It gives devotees the energy and mental toughness to win over their enemies.
• Even science supports fasting in Janmashtami as well. Accordingly, it helps metabolism by triggering the process of detoxification in the body. It also helps the nervous system to function more efficiently.

So, if you are thinking of celebrating Janmashtami 2023 by observing a fast, it will be really beneficial for you.

Shubh Janmashtami Vrat and Puja Vidhi

On the day of Janmashtami, devotees take a Sankalp to perform a fast which is day long. The following things need to be kept in mind for that:

• One night before the upvas, the devotees should consume light food only.
• On the day of Janmashtami itself, one should wake up early in the Brahma Muhrat, take a bath, and chant mantras.
• No consumption of grain should be done during the observance of Vrat.
• The rituals to be followed for this Vrat are the same as the ones to be followed during Ekadashi Vrat.
• If the devotee is observing Nirjala Vrat, he needs to refrain from consuming water as well.
• If the devotee is observing Phalahari Vrat, he can consume fruits, milk, sabudana, and fruit juice.
• In the form of Prasad, Shri Krishna is offered his favourite food items. That includes Makkhan, Misri, Malai, Dudh, Dahi, Peda, Kheer, Shrikhand and Kalakhand. Also, Panchamrit as “prasad” is distributed.
• Chappan Bhog is also offered to Bal Gopal. This should include only Satvik food.
• Breaking fast or Parana should be done at the right time and by the consumption of prasad. It should be done after doing the aarti and distributing sweets. Afterwards, a delicious feast is prepared and distributed amongst friends and families.
• You should not consume food items like meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, turnip and brinjal.

After the sunrise when the Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over, the Vrat can be broken. It is important to wait for Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra to be over before breaking the Vrat. If they are not over, the fast can extend for a period of two days as well. However, if health does not permit and the devotee is not able to complete the fast, they can break it without extending it for the entire period.

“यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत । अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ।। परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् । धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ।।”

Chapter 4, Verse 7-8: “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, at that time I manifest myself on earth. To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish the principles of dharma, I appear millennium after millennium.”

Accordingly, whenever evil perishes and the dharma declines, Bhagwan Krishna will incarnate to free the good from evil. And, Janmashtami encourages the Dharma and is an occasion for us to correct ourselves as per Dharma.

For a proper Puja Vidhi, you must consult a pujari or a pandit who is aware of Shri Krishna puja and archana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to do Janmashtami Vrat and Puja at home?

A: In order to perform the puja, the devotees should wake up early and take a bath. They should clean the house, and decorate it. People who are observing Vrat will either follow Phalahar Vrat or Nirjala Vrat as per their desire. Further, they should create a small palki/jhula (cradle) for Bal Gopal to rock him ceremoniously.

In order to know more, you can always chat with our expert astrologers at NamoAstro. They will provide you with insightful guidance for Janmashtami Puja.

Q: Why is the birth of Shri  Krishna celebrated at midnight?

A: Shri Krishna was born at midnight, which is considered the most auspicious time. His birth is celebrated at this time with great fervour and enthusiasm.