Radheshyam

KRISHNA WITH RADHA

2009-07-09T12:51:00.001-07:00

II Hindu Temples around the world II

2009-07-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hindu Temples in INDIA

Hindu Temples in USA

Hindu Temples in rest of the world

Punjab - Pilgrim's Paradise : Temples Mosques Gurudwara

II Vrat Katha (s)II

2009-07-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Hindu Fasting Stories in Hindi

Raviwar, Somvar, Mangalwar, Budhwar, Bhraspati, Shukarwar, Shaniwar,Karwa Chauth,Diwali, Ekadashi

Hinduism is often described as a religion of fasts, feasts and festivals. Fasting a Hindu tradition to please God, by controlling and curbing one's desires. Fasts most commonly known as Upvaas or Vrat are the days when devotees refrain themselves from food or water. Fasts of different Gods or Goddesses are observed on particular days. These stories have given solace to millions of people from time immemorial. It would be worthwhile to explain as to how a particular day of the week was allotted to particular star or planet.

Saptvar (Weekly) Vrat Kathas

Ravivar Vrat Katha

Somvar Vrat Katha

Solah Somvar Vrat Katha

Mangalvar Vrat Katha

Budhwar Vrat Katha

Bhraspativar Vrat Katha

Shukarvar Vrat Katha

Shanivar Vrat Katha Other Popular Vrat Kathas

Ahoi Vrat Katha
Bhaiya Dooj Katha
Deepavali / Diwali Katha
Goverdhan Katha
Hartalika Teej Vrat
Holi Poojan and Katha
Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
Kajli Teej Katha
Mangla Gauri Vrat
Navratri Poojan and Katha
Pardosh Vrat Katha
Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha
Santoshi Mata Vrat Katha
Satya Narayan Katha
Shravan (Sawan) Somvar Vrat
Vat Savitri Vrat Katha Ekadashi Vrat Kathas :
Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Shatila Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Papmochni Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha

This Month{July}

2009-07-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

Jul 01: Ganga Dussehra

Jul 07: Guru Poornima

Jul 13: Shravan Somvar Begins

Jul 24: Haryali Teej

Jul 28: Naag Panchami

II Shri Krishna Bhajans II

2009-07-09T04:40:00.001-07:00

Shri Krishna Bhajan (s), the devotional songs of Lord Krishna, also known as Nand Gopal, Giridhar, Kanhaiya, Kanha, Murilwala, Maakan chor etc. etc. Here we bring the lyrics of the most popular Bhajan (s) of God Krishna, recited everyday by Shri Krishna Devotees in Hindi & English text

Aao Aao Yashoda kay Lal

Vrandavan Ka Krishan Kanhaiya

Sunri Yashoda Maiya

Bhaj Govind (Meera Bhajan)

II Bhajan - Devotional Song II

2009-07-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

A bhajan or kirtan is a Hindu devotional Song. Music to human ears is heavenly. And if it's purely devotional, it's truly divine. Such a genre of music is the Bhajan. Bhajans are deeply rooted in the Indian tradition. Bhajans are simple songs in soulful language expressing the many-splendor emotions of love for God.

Satsang means pooja in good company along with saints.


Popular Bhajans	Shri Ram Bhajans
Shri Krishna Bhajans	Mata Bhajans / Mata Ki Bhente
Shirdi Sai Baba Bhajans

LISTEN NONSTOP:
Bhajans by Lata Mangeshkar (approx. 50 Min) at 28.8 Kbps
Bhajans by Anup Jaolota (approx. 60 Min) at Sure Stream Stereo
Bhajans by Manhar Udhas (approx. 60 Min) at Sure Stream Stereo

Jagjit Singh Bhajans

II 108 Names of Lord Krishna II

2009-07-09T04:13:00.000-07:00

NAMES	MEANING
Achala	Still Lord
Achyuta	Infallible Lord
Adbhutah	Wonderful God
Adidev	The Lord Of The Lords
Aditya	The Son Of Aditi
Ajanma	One Who Is Limitless And Endless
Ajaya	The Conqueror Of Life And Death
Akshara	Indestructible Lord
Amrut	One Who Is Sweet As Nectar
Anaadih	One Who Is The First Cause
Anandsagar	Compassionate Lord
Ananta	The Endless Lord
Anantajit	Ever Victorious Lord
Anaya	One Who Has No Leader
Aniruddha	One Who Cannot Be Obstructed
Aparajeet	The Lord Who Cannot Be Defeated
Avyukta	One Who Is As Clear As Crystal
Balgopal	The Child Krishna, The All Attractive
Bali	The Lord Of Strength
Chaturbhuj	Four-Armed Lord
Danavendra	Granter Of Boons
Dayalu	Repositiory Of Compassion
Dayanidhi	The Compassionate Lord
Devadidev	The God Of The Gods
Devakinandan	Son Of Mother Devaki
Devesh	Lord Of The Lords
Dharmadhyaksha	The Lord OF Dharma
Dwarkapati	Lord Of Dwarka
Gopal	One Who Plays With The Cowherds, The Gopas
Gopalpriya	Lover Of Cowherds
Govinda	One Who Pleases The Cows, The Land And The Entire Nature
Gyaneshwar	The Lord Of Knowledge
Hari	The Lord Of Nature
Hiranyagarbha	The All Powerful Creator
Hrishikesh	The Lord Of All Senses
Jagadguru	Preceptor Of The Universe
Jagadisha	Protector Of All
Jagannath	Lord Of The Universe
Janardhana	One Who Bestows Boons On One And All
Jayantah	Conqueror Of All Enemies
Jyotiraaditya	The Resplendence Of The Sun
Kamalnath	The Lord Of Goddess Lakshmi
Kamalnayan	The Lord With Lotus Shaped Eyes
Kamsantak	Slayer Of Kamsa
Kanjalochana	The Lotus-Eyed God
Keshava	One Who Has Long, Black Matted Locks
Krishna	Dark-Complexioned Lord
Lakshmikantam	The Lord Of Goddess Lakshmi
Lokadhyaksha	Lord Of All The Three Lokas (Worlds)
Madan	The Lord Of Love
Madhava	Knowledge Filled God
Madhusudan	Slayer Of Demon Madhu
Mahendra	Lord Of Indra
Manmohan	All Pleasing Lord
Manohar	Beautiful Lord
Mayur	The Lord Who Has A Peacock Feathered-Crest
Mohan	All Attractive God
Murali	The Flute Playing Lord
Murlidhar	One Who Holds The Flute
Murlimanohar	The Flute Playing God
Nandgopala	The Son Of Nand
Narayana	The Refuge Of Everyone
Niranjana	The Unblemished Lord
Nirguna	Without Any Properties
Padmahasta	One Who Has Hands Like Lotus
Padmanabha	The Lord Who Has A Lotus Shaped Navel
Parabrahmana	The Supreme Absolute Truth
Paramatma	Lord Of All Beings
Parampurush	Supreme Personality
Parthasarthi	Charioteer Of Partha - Arjuna
Prajapati	Lord Of All Creatures
Punyah	Supremely Pure
Purshottam	The Supreme Soul
Ravilochana	One Who Eye Is The Sun
Sahasraakash	Thousand-Eyed Lord
Sahasrajit	One Who Vanquishes Thousands
Sahasrapaat	Thousand-Footed Lord
Sakshi	All Witnessing Lord
Sanatana	The Eternal Lord
Sarvajana	Omniscient Lord
Sarvapalaka	Protector Of All
Sarveshwar	Lord Of All Gods
Satyavachana	One Who Speaks Only The Truth
Satyavrata	The Truth Dedicated Lord
Shantah	Peaceful Lord
Shreshta	The Most Glorious Lord
Shrikanta	Beautiful Lord
Shyam	Dark-Complexioned Lord
Shyamsundara	Lord Of The Beautiful Evenings
Sudarshana	Handsome Lord
Sumedha	Intelligent Lord
Suresham	Lord Of All Demi-Gods
Swargapati	Lord Of Heavens
Trivikrama	Conqueror Of All The Three Worlds
Upendra	Brother Of Indra
Vaikunthanatha	Lord Of Vaikuntha, The Heavenly Abode
Vardhamaanah	The Formless Lord
Vasudev	All Prevailing Lord
Vishnu	All Prevailing Lord
Vishwadakshinah	Skilfull And Efficient Lord
Vishwakarma	Creator Of The Universe
Vishwamurti	Of The Form Of The Entire Universe
Vishwarupa	One Who Displays The Universal Form
Vishwatma	Soul Of The Universe
Vrishaparvaa	Lord Of Dharma
Yadavendra	King Of The Yadav Clan
Yogi	The Supreme Master
Yoginampati	Lord Of The Yogis

Lord Krishna's Photo Album

2009-06-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

krishna and balarama stealing butter from the rafters of the gopi's store rooms

complexion resembled that of lord krishna

child krishna with flute amidst flowers

baby krishna loved stealing butter

lord krishna expands

baby krishna watches parrots at the window sil

Krishna and Yashoda

2009-04-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Mathura Shop And Shopping

2009-02-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

There are many famous shops and shopping centers for sweets, krishna pictures, garments and books.

Mathura Pedas are famous all over India. The main shopping areas are close to the Dwarkadheesh Temple. Milk based sweets, silver ornaments and handicrafts are the main things of mathura shopping.

Mathura Traveling

2009-02-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Mathura city in Uttar Pradesh, is also know as Brajbhoomi. Mathura is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra on the bank of the river Yamuna. You can reach mathura by air, train and road. Traveling to mathura is easy and comfortable from all over the India or world. How you can reach mathura know in details.

By Road :

Mathura is 145 km south of Delhi and 47 km northwest of Agra. Mathura is connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.

By Rail :

Mathura is well connected by train and has its own railway station. Mathura is an important railway junction with direct trains to many places sucha as delhi, agra, kota, lucknow, bharatpur, etc.

By Air :

The nearest airport of mathura is Agra, at a distance of 47 km. There are so many regular flights from Agra to several cities of India.

Mathura Hotels

2009-02-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

There are so many cheap hotels, budget hotels and best hotels in mathura. Mostly hotels in mathura is 3 stars. We have a list of Mathura Hotels here.

Hotel Mukund Palace	Brijwasi Royal Hotel	Hotel Mansarovar Palace
Hotel Sheetal Regency	Hotel Madhuvan	Best Western Radha Ashok
Hotel Goverdhan Place	Hotel Maharana Prtap	Hotel Duke Place

Mukund Palace
Location :	Hotel Mukund Palace situated in the heart of Mathura, .75 kms. from Railway Station;1/2 km. from Bus Stand and 56 km. from Agra. This government approved hotel features 32 stylish rooms. All rooms are equipped with latest amenities and Banquet Facilities Hotel also has two function halls. The Nearest Airport is Agara
Address :	Sonkh Adda, Junction Road, Mathura (UP)
Brijwasi Royal
Location :	Hotel Brijwasi Royal is a three star deluxe hotel situated in the heart of Mathura the 60 kms. from Kharia, Agra Airport;1/2 km. from Mathura Junction;1/2 km. from Bhuteshwar Bus Stand. the hotel offers 40 well-furnished rooms replete with all modern amenities such as air conditioner, cable TV, hot and cold running water, telephone, channel music, tea/coffee maker and mini-bar. Conference facilities are available for 10-300 persons. Banquet halls can accommodate 300-400 persons.

Address :	State Bank Crossing, Junction Road, Mathura (UP)

Mansarovar Palace
Location :	Hotel Mansarover place is centrally located in Mathura. 55 kms. From Agra Railway Station, 1/2 km. from Mathura Junction;1/2 km. from New Bus Stand.Refrigerator in all suite rooms, Banquet & Conference Facilities The hotel provides excellent accommodation in 31 rooms with TV, telephone and attached bath. Guests can savor tasty south Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and continental delicacies at the restaurant. Barbeque and banquet facilities are available. Various cultural events are organized for entertaining the guests
Address :	State Bank Crossing, Junction Road, Mathura (UP)

SheetalRegency
Location :	Hotel Sheetal Regency has accommodation features aesthetically furnished 28 guest rooms. Each room has air-conditioner, TV and telephone. At the 24 Carat restaurant, guests can savor tasty cuisines. 58 kms from Agra-Kharia Airport;2 kms from Mathura Railway Station;2 km from Mathura Bus Stand
Address :	Near krishna Janam bhoomi, Deeg Gate, Masani Road, Mathura (UP)

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)

2009-02-17T11:45:00.001-08:00

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was established in 1966 by Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON, is also known as the Hare Krishna movement.

The mission of ISKCO is teaching the science of Krishna consciousness according to Bhagavad-Gita and other ancient scriptures

Seven Purposes of ISKCON

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all world peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.

2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna, as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus to develop the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).

4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy names of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

5. To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.

6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.

7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings

Bhagavad Gita

2009-02-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

The Bhagavad-Gita is the holy Book Hindu religion, is presented here as a story that will be accessible to all world where Krishna and Arjun is the main part of Bhagavad-Gita. It begins in long-ago India when Arjuna Pandava is about to fight a war and asks Lord Krishna for aid and advice.

Lord Krishna (God) describes the working of spiritual world to Pandava: "When your service to Me never stops and is done only for My pleasure, and when you are friendly to every living being, I will lead you from this world of birth and death.

God has six qualities-- Aishwarya, Dharma, Gyana, Vairagya, Shree or Shreyas and Yashah . Here the Lord informs Arjuna about the system of yoga, "This yoga that I talked to you about is immortal". Fire will always burn. This is its nature and it has always been so. Similarly, the Karma yoga philosophy is also immortal and cannot be improved upon.

Bhagavad-Gita, was first spoken to the sun-god, After that he explained it to Manu, and Manu explained it to Ikshavaku, and in that way, by disciples succession, one speaker after another, this yoga system has been coming down.

Maha Mantra - Hare Krishna

2009-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Maha Mantra is dedicated to God. Maha Mantra is prayer for healing and comfort. So the mahamantra is the energy of Lord Hare Krishna. The transcendental seeds of the mantra are Hare, Krishna and Ram.

HARE KRISHNA, HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA, HARE HARE
HARE RAMA, HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA, HARE HARE

If we carefully listen and song the Hare Krishna maha mantra regularly, we will sure free from all major problems and get a peaceful mind. Then we can make further progress in the mantra meditation process, and thus we will gradually experience a re-awakening of our original identity and our dormant love for lord Hare Krishna.

Mathura & Vrindavan - Fair and Festivals

2009-02-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Krishna Janmashtami	All Over India	September
Radhaastami	Mathura	September
Nandotsav	Mathura	-
Hariyali Teej	Vrindawan	July-August
Holi	Mathura- Vrindawan	March-April
LathaMar Holi	Mathura - Barsana	March-April
Yam Dwitiya	Mathura	Oct-Nov
Annkut	Goverdhan	Oct- Nov
Goverdhan Puja	Goverdhan	Oct - Nov
Dipawali	All Over India	Oct -Nov
Rath ka Mela	Vrindawan	-
Festival at Rangantha Temple	Vrindawan	-
Vasant Panchmi	Vrindawan	Feb
Appearance of Bankey Bihari	Vrindawan	-
Shiv Ratri	All Over India	-
Gaura Purnama	Goverdhan	July -Aug
Akshaya Tritiya	Mathura- Vrindawan	-
Ram Navi	Mathura	-
Ful Dool	mathura - Baldev	-
Brahmosava Festival	Vrindavan	-
Devi Sita Appearance	Mathura	-
Appearance of Radha Raman	Vrindawan	-
Parikrima	Vrindawan - Goverdhan	-
Awamaswa with Monday		-

...

Vrindavan Temple

2009-02-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of famous temples in vrindavan

Banke Bihari Temple

Radha Madana Mohana Temple

Gopeshwar Mahadev

ISKCON Temple

Radha Vallabha Temple

Seva Kunja Temple

Radha Damodara Temple

Rangji Temple

Jugal Kisore Temple

Radharamana Temple

Shahji Temple

Mathura Temple

2009-02-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

Mathura is famous for lord krishna temples. There is a list of famous temple in Mathura.

Bankey Bihari Temple

Who dose not knows the most adorable temple of Lord BANKEY BIHARI in Vrindavan? Swami Haridasa, an eminent saint caused to appear the Lord Bankey Bihari at Nidhivana his hard penance and melodious, sublime musical art and thus augmented the glory of Vrindavan

As a matter of fact, BANKEY BIHARI TEMPLE belonged to the poor Saraswat Brahmins. Owing to their poverty they (poor Saraswat Brahmins) handed over this temple to the GOSWAMIS for 500/Rs only. Later on, GOSWAMIS too, became incapable to look after the temple and became unable to do the priesthood as Well as service of this temple. Seeing this critical situation, a prosperous and Wealthy MARWARI man of Kolkata (India) named Haragoo Lal Seth renovated the temple and undertook the responsibilities of maintaining all kind of arrangements and works of the temple. He made the arrangement of BHOG (a kind of sacred food offered in the service of Lord BANKEY BIHARI). Seth Hargoo Lal provides this facility of BHOG even now. Now the temple is under the supervision and priesthood of GOSWAMIS.

The Temple is opened at 9a.m. and is closed at 1p.m. Again it is opened at 5p.m. and is closed at 9p.m. after SHAYAN ARTI (vespers).

Many famous annual festivals are organized and celebrated with great pomp and show in this temple time to time. One of the chief annual festivals is HARIYALI TEEJ, a festival of the rainy season when the Idol of Lord Bankey Bihari together with GOPIS are placed on the special swing of gold and silver and moved to and fro. Thousands of visitors or pilgrims came and catch the divine glimpse of Lord Bankey Bihari in an excellent pose of swinging in the marvelous swing to and fro every year this day. The beautiful scenery of this day beggars to description.

The next popular annual festival is JANNMASTAMI, which is celebrated every year. On this day special type of MANGALA ARTI (Matine) is performed very early in the morning at 2.30a.m. In Bankey Bihari Temple MANGALA ARTI is performed only once in the year on JANNMASTAMI, while in other temples MANGALA ARTI is performed daily.

That's why a large crowd gathers to attend this rare Mangala Arti. The other most popular annual festival of this famous temple is SHARAD POORNIMA, which is celebrated in the full-moon-light during midnight.

Now comes one more annual festival The AKSHAYA TRITIYA. It's very popular festival of this temple. The Holy DARSHANA (Interview) of the Lotus-feet of the Lord Bankey Bihari is available on this very day only. To relish this golden opportunity people come here in this popular temple. Thus Lord Bankey Bihar's temple is a magnetic one.

Nidhivan Vrindavan

Nidhivan is one of the most significant and popular temples of Vrindavan. It is termed as MADHUVAN also. Swami Haridasa, a divine saint who was the very cause of appearance (advent) or PRAKATTYA of Lord BANKEY BIHARI at this renowned Nidhivana, used to please his PRIYA- PRIYATAM. Lord (Thakur) Bankey Bihari by pouring the melodious rapture of his thrilling music in the periphery of this spiritual temple. It is surrounded with the small-sized trees. So to say, it is a spiritually blessed temple where spontaneous overflow of devotion and penance flows every time.

As a result of swami Haridasa's hard penance and spiritual aspiration, Lord Bankey Bihari not only came in his dream but appeared also in this spiritually blessed Nidhivan. The appearance (PRAKATTYA) spot of the Lord Bankey Bihari in Nidhivan temple is seen even nero. Thousands of pilgrims and visitors visit it during the day. It is closed after the process of ARTI at 8p.m. (Arti is a kind of vespers).

A very mysterious conception is associated with this temple i.e. after the sacred process of ARTI, not only human beings, but any kind of single animal also can't remain in the periphery of this temple. In case anyone remains during night in the compass of the temple, either he / she becomes dumb, deaf, blind, lame or dies. He/she is not found hale and hearty in the morning to disclose the spiritual secret of the lord Radha-Krishna, as it is said even now that the priest puts two toothbrushes, some holy water in a jug with four sweets (LADDOO) and ready bed after Arti in the night, but in the morning everything is found and seen as if someone has used it because everything is found at sixes and sevens. It proves that Lord Radha Krishna who are known as PRIYA-PRIYATAM, they appear in the night to perform their spiritual activities (Lilas).

Many worth-watching spots are there in this temple. These spots contain the spiritual mystery of the Lord Radha Krishna. There is a Samadhi of Swami Haridasa, The Radha Rani temple, The Sacred Well of Radha Rani, The Appearance Place of Lord Bankey Bihari and the Costume place of the Lord PRIYA-PRIYATAM, where they decorate themselves and soon.

Birla Temple

In year 1946 sammat 2002 jugal kishore birla had constructed this temple in the golden memories of his mother-father in mathura.

This temple is famous by the name gita temple or birla temple. This temple is having an effigy of lord Krishna for darshna. Lakshmi narayana and sita rama figurine is on left and right side. On the outer side temple having a huge effigy of lord hanuman ji, temple involve, gita regency abode, gita pillar, 18 chapters of Gita were written on this gita pillor. One lord's chariot is also there. On the occasion of gita jayanti temple is having main festival, which is celebrated with immense enthusiasm.

In this area there is also the picture of picking the Girraj Mountain by Krishna is shown. Going forward you are going to see the mansi Ganga image and on the backside one hoop is saving the eggs of “tddivi” a kind of bird.

Radha Rani Temple

The Radha Rani temple is situated 4 km away from vrindavan. This temple is in jungle. Mansarovar is nearby the temple. This sarover is originated by the sound of flute of Krishna just to finish the thirst of Radha Rani.

People believe that Radha Rani came here in this jungle after getting angry from Krishna and Krishna has remained left searched for her. After searching many days he found Radha Rani here in this jungle.

Crowd always came over here on poornima of every month. And after taking the darshna the full fill the core of their heart from the blessing of Radha Rani.

Laxmi Ji Temple

When Sri Krishna was doing the divine dance (maharas) in madhuvan at that time laxmi ji with her feelings to saw the dance reached vrindavan.

There Sri Krishna said to laxmi ji that you will be worshiped in kalyuga here, that's why this is not your time to come. From that time lakshmi ji used to live on the northwest banks of Yammuna River in khaddar, which is 3km far from Vrindavan.

Today a big temple has built and the fair is arranged on all the Thursdays of the month. Huge crowd can be seen over there. Here in whole this month the prasadam of khichidi and lots of community free food program are also arranged in this period.

All the people after covering the mile came over here just in believe that if they have a darshana of laxmi they get her blessings in this time being

Mathura History

2009-02-17T11:36:00.002-08:00

Mathura is full of stories of Krishna, his birth and the part of his life he spent there with radha Rani. There was a king named Ugrasena ruled over Mathura. Once Ugrasena and his wife were taking a walk in the gardens when a demon saw the queen and fell in love with her. In his lust for her he diverted Ugrasena, assumed his form and the child born of this union was Kansa. Kansa grew up to dethrone his father and imprison his cousin, Devaki. While driving Devaki and her husband Vasudeva in his chariot, Kansa heard a voice in the sky telling him that he way carrying a woman whose eighth child would kill him. Kansa immediately prepared to till Devaki. But Vasudeva intervened and begged for her life with the promise that they would hand over all their children to him soon after their birth. So Kansa imprisoned them and killed seven children.

The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodel about 95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is known specially for its association with the poet Surdas, an ardent Krishna devotee long line of picturesque ghats - with their steps leading to the water's edge, arched gateways and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna, emphasise the sacred character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, "the best known, best loved and most complex of Lord Vishnu's manifestations" : Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage

Before the advent of Buddha the territory that Mathura is located in was called Surasena. In Buddhist literature Mathura is called Madhura. It was also known as Mathera. Mathura was a prosperous city and the capital of a large territory. A Buddhist center was established in Mathura during the reign of the Mauryas dynasty. This center existed for a few centuries. Emperor Ashoka made many Buddha stupas in Mathura on the bank of the Yamuna. Emperor Kaniska in the first century BC and his successors constructed many Buddhist stupas and chaityas.

At this time Mathura was the largest city in North India and was the capital city for the area for administration. During these times the present town of Vrindavana was just dense forests without any people living there. In the beginning of the 5th century AD the Chinese traveler Fahien saw twenty viharas (Buddhist monasteries) and three thousand Buddhist priests living in Mathura. By the middle of the 6th century AD Buddhism started to decline in the Mathura area. Many Buddhist relics have been found in the Mathura area. Many of which are found in the museums in Mathura, Calcutta and Lucknow. There is not much known about the period between 700 AD and 1018. Mahmud Ghazni invaded Mathura in 1018. He stole all the riches of the Deities, their jewels, diamonds, gold and silver. He then destroyed the temples. It took his men 20 days to plunder the city. He took 5,000 prisoners and took over 30 million rupees.

He took so many statues of gold and silver and jewelry that it took over 100 camels to carry everything that he took. Tarikhi Jamina wrote a record of Mahmud Ghazni in which he described Mathura at the time that it was attacked. He wrote “If any emperors would ever dream of building temples and palaces like the one in Mathura he would have to spent thousands of golden drachmas. It is doubtful that the best sculptors and artists could build a city like this if they worked uninterruptedly for two hundred years.” According to some historian, in the temples in Mathura at this time, there were five Deities made of pure gold, each 5m (15 ft) high and the eyes of the Deities were made of diamonds, each worth not less than 5,000 golden drachmas.

They were set with emeralds that were extremely brilliant and transparent. During his rule, Pherose Khan Jughalak (1351-1388) destroyed all the temples that were within the territory that he ruled. While he ruled no one was allowed to go on pilgrimage to holy places or allowed to bath in a sacred place. From the eleventh century until the end of the sixteenth century temples in Braja were periodically destroyed. Sekandar Lodi (1488-1516) first duty after conquering a place was to destroy all the temples there. He attacked Mathura in 1500. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavana in 1514 during the rule of Sekandar Lodhi. Babar, the king of Kabul defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the battle of Panipat in 1526. He died in 1530, and his son Humayun took over the throne of Northern India. After ruling for ten years Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah in 1540 and he fled to Kabul. During his rule Sher Shah built a road between Punjab and Bengal, which had wells every two miles and pilgrim sheds along the way for Hindus and Muslims.

This road helped to make it easier for pilgrims from Bengal to visit Vrindavana. In 1556 Humayun returned and defeated Sher Shah. During this time the Mughals and Pathanas were busy fighting with each other and did not have any time to bother any temple. Madana Mohana (Gopala) revealed himself to Sanatana Gosvami in 1533 and Govinda Deva revealed. Himself to Rupa Gosvami in 1535, during the rule of Humayun. Soon after returning to India, Humayun died and his son Akbar took over the throne. Akbar was a tolerant and pious emperor and he did not bother Hindus in any way. Aurangzeb, the great grandson of Akbar, had his army attack Vrindavana in 1670 and had many of the temples destroyed or desecrated. In 1757, Nadir Shah’s commander in chief, Ahmed Shah Durani, plundered Braja Mandal and killed some of the residents. In 1803, Mathura came under the British rule and from then on there was peace in the area of Mathura

Mathura Tourism Places

2009-02-17T11:36:00.001-08:00

Mathura is today an important tourism place of pilgrimage, flocked by thousands of pilgrims daily. There are many famous tourism place in mathura. Find the list of mathura tourism place and what to see in mathura.

Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi

Dwarkadheesh Temple

Jamma Masjid

Archeological Museum

Vishram Ghat

Yamuna River

Jay Guru Dev Tempmle

Vrindavan Temple

Highway Plaza

Tourism Places Near Mathura

Goverdhan Parwarat

Gokul And Mahawan

Barsana

Nandgayon

Radha Rani

Bhandrivan

Lakshmi G

Mathura and Brijbhumi

2009-02-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Mathura and Brij Bhumi is the alternative name of Birth place of loard Shri Krishna and RadhaRani. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like Bethlehem without Christ. Mathura is located on the western bank of river Yamuna at latitude 27 degree 41 Minute N and 77 Degree and 41 Minuet E. Mathura city is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh( India ). All round the year A large number of Festival and fairs are held in Matura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan Gokul, Barsana, Nandgayon, Mant and Goverdhan The rascal of Brij is thematically the basis of many performing Arts.Now a day's Mathura abounds in Place of Religious and Historic Interes

Tulasi Mala

2009-02-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

Tulasi as an Ayurvedic medicine. Tulasi has an important role within many traditions of Hinduism, wherein devotees perform worship involving Tulasi plants or leaves. Every hindu family has a tulasi plant in specially built structure. Mostly family often keep a tulasi in front of there home. In India two types of tulssi one is Krishna tulasi (Dark Tulasi) and another is Ram Tulasi (Light Tulasi).

There are 108 bids of Tulasi in one Mala it may be used either japa or for wearing on the neck. Tulasi Malas are the most suitable for meditation and japa. Devotees of Vishnu, Rama, Lord Krishna, etc wear the sacred tulasi mala on their necks as a sign of their devotion to the Lord.

Hindu Gods And Goddesses

2009-02-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of main hindu gods and hindu mother goddesses.

Lord Ganesha
Lord Shiva
Lord krishn
Lord Ram
Lord Hanuman
Lord Vishnu
Lord Brahma
Lord Balram
Lord Indra
Mother Goddesses
Radha Rani
Sita Mata
Parwati
Durga Ma
Kali (Kalika Mata)
Lakshmi G
Ganga Mata
Yamuna Ma
Saraswati
Santoshi Ma
Mata Vaishno Devi

Lord krishna Favourite Food

2009-02-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Makhan Mishri, fresh white butter with a sprinkling of sugar - that was most loved by Lord Krishan. Bal Bhog and other was also the favourite food of lord krishna.

Radha Rani

2009-02-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Radhe Radhe Kahat hee, sab Biyadha mitjay
koti janm kee aapada, shri Radhe kahe se kat jay

Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lordi Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all the attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord . She is the chief associate and devotee of Lord Krishna, and topmost of all goddesses Srimati Radharani is the Supreme Goddess. She is most always seen with Krishna. She is the most excellent worshiper of Lord Krishna. However, She is also an expansion of the Lord's energy. Since She is also an extension of Krishna, She is the feminine aspect of God

Radharani has many names according to Her qualities and characteristics :

GKrishnamayi
Govinda-mohini
Govinda-sarvasa
Govinda-anandini
Shiromani Sarva-kanta

Radha Rani is also known as Sarva-kanti , which indicates that all beauty and luster rest in Her body, and all the Lakshmis derive their beauty from Her. Sarva-kanti also means that all the desires of Lord Krishna rest in Srimati Radharani. As Lord Krishna enchants the world with His beauty and charm, Sri Radha enchants Him. Therefore She is the Supreme Goddess. Sri Radha is the full power, and Lord Krishna is the possessor of full power. Thus, the two are non-different, as the sunshine is nondifferent from the sun, or as the energy is non-different from the energetic or source of energy.

Radhe tu bad bhagini, Kyon tapsya keen
tenn lok taran tarad ,tere hee Adheen

Without Radha Rani there is no meaning to loard Krishna and without Krishna there is no meaning to Radha Rani. Because of this, in the Vaishnava tradition we always pay respects first to the Lord's internal energy in the form of Radha Rani, and then to the Lord Krishna. Thus They are referred to as Radha-Krishna, or in other names as Sita-Rama, Lakshmi-Narayana, and so on. In this way, Radha and Krishna are one, but when Lord Krishna wants to enjoy, He manifests Himself as Radharani. Otherwise, there is no energy in which Krishna can attain pleasure outside Himself.

Among the gopis of Vrindavana, Srimati Radharani and another gopi are considered chief. However, when we compare the gopis , it appears that Srimati Radharani is most important because Her real feature expresses the highest ecstasy of love. The ecstasy of love experienced by the other gopis cannot be compared to that of Srimati Radharani."

Vrindawan ke vrikh ko, Maram na jane koie
Jaha dal dal or pat pat pe ,Shri Radhe Radhe hoia

It is also described that the potency of love of God is called hladini , the Lord's pleasure potency. Whenever the Lord wants to enjoy pleasure, He exhibits His own spiritual potency known as hladini . And the essence of that love is in the emotion called bhava . The ultimate development of that emotion is mahabhava , or great bhava . Mahabhava is full of the pleasure potency, and it is an exhibition of the highest love for Lord Krishna. Sri Radharani is the embodiment of that transcendental consciousness found in mahabhava . Her mind, senses and body are steeped in that highest sort of love for Krishna. She is as spiritual as the Lord Himself. In fact, being the personification of the hladini-shakti , the pleasure giving energy of the Lord, She is the only source of enjoyment for the Lord. This pleasure potency manifests spiritually as Radharani in a way that attracts even Lord Krishna. He takes no pleasure in anything material. The Lord could never enjoy anything that is less spiritual than Himself.

Therefore Radha and Krishna are identical. Then She expands Herself into different forms, known as Lalita, Visakha, and Her other confidential associates that increase the mood of divine love. However, being the Lord's hladini feature, She is also the ultimate source of all happiness for all the living beings. In other words, everything that gives pleasure and happiness within the spiritual or the material worlds is because of Her and the energy that emanates from Her. That same pleasure potency expands and spreads throughout the spiritual worlds, and then descends into the material creation into the many forms of happiness that is experienced by the conditioned soul, though it may be called by different names and perceived in assorted ways. Since we are all parts and parcels of the Lord, we also have that pleasure potency within us to a minute degree. But we are trying to enjoy it in the material world. Therefore we are like sparks that are dying out because we have left our place which is in the blazing fire of Lord Krishna's association.

In describing Srimati Radharani, it is also said in the Vidagdha-madhava by Rupa Gosvami, "The beauty of Srimati Radharani's eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening Vrindavana."

"Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear Srimati Radharani is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?"

"When Srimati Radharani smiles, waves of joy overtake Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee, moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart."

Some unlimited transcendental qualities, of Radha Rani:

She is shy.
She is cunning.
She is very sweet.
She smiles brightly.
She is always calm.
She is always grave.
She is the chief gopi.
Her eyes are restless
Her speech is charming.
She is expert in enjoying life.
She is very expert in singing.
She is very humble and meek.
She has beautiful, auspicious lines
She is the reservoir of loving affairs in Gokula.
She makes Krishna happy with Her bodily aroma.
She is very submissive to the love of Her friends.
She is the most famous of submissive devotees
She is very expert in joking and speaking pleasantly.
She is situated in the topmost level of ecstatic love.

Lord Krishna Images

2009-02-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Lord Krishna Pictures

2009-02-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Lord Krishna Stories

2009-02-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Krishna and Arjun Story

Once Arjun asked to lord Krishna hai, parth (Respectful person) you always appreciate the karn too much for being an enormous donator and the extreme courageous but no body I can see the massive donator like Yudhisther. Shri Krishna thinks for a moment and in subsequently he said- this time you will get your answer tomorrow.

On next day after get in the appearance of Brahmin, Arjuna and Shri Krishna firstly entered in they udhisther darwar (office).Yudhisther expressed the great owner to both of the Brahmans and asked (hai, vipra) Respected persons what can I do for you? Order Me.! Two barmen’s (Arjun and Krishna) ask him for the woods of chandan to cook his food by himself for lunch.

King (Yudhisther) spokes, both of you please take your seats, the woods of chandan are going to arrange soon. And king acquaint with his men’s to arrange the woods of chandan. All the men’s search the markets of the entire conurbation but all the woods are wet because of the last night rain. That’s why the men came back vacant and with the great embarrassment they convey all the information to their king.

Although the time is fleeting, that is also one of the problems for the king owing to which king is in heartrending. Both the barman’s solicit to the king that we will take the food tomorrow there is no problem. Because of the last night rain, all the wood are wet that’s why that may be unavailable. Afterward both the Barman’s moved from there and reached in the karan darwar (office).

Karan salutation both of the Barman's in blasting manner and asked how can I serve you? We are hungry and we cook our food by ourselves using woods of chandan so can you arrange the wood? Karan said- that’s it, you take your seats. Afterward he took his archery and an arrow and throws that arrow into his mahal gate, which is of wood of chandan. The gate is fully shattered.

Then karan asked the Barman’s in what amount you want the wood you can take. Brahman took the wood and after having the food they give their blessing to the karan.

Cheer Haran Lila

Once on the bank of Yammuna River, Krishna was nourishing his cows. There he saw, some of gopies are taking bath barely in Yammuna River and they hanged their cloths on the nearby tree.

It does not look good to Krishna and the lord of water, lord varun becames angry. When Hare Krishna came to know about his anger then he went towards the tree and he sat on the tree where the cloths of gopies was hanged by them and started plying his flute.

When gopies heard the sound of flute, they were shocked and started praying Krishna. After long time, Krishna gave divine knowledge to gopies and took the promise from them not to do this kind of mistake in future.

From that time nobody take a bath barely in yammuna river and the place is famous by the name cheer ghaat still that tree is there and people used to tide a piece of cloth on the branch just to ask for the divine blessings and certainly Krishna always full fill them.

Udhava Krishna Story

Udhava ji took Krishna and balram with him and walked towards mathura from gokul.

Before reaching mathura they have to cross the yamuna river udhava was in uneasiness for unforeseen trouble. He was in dilemma that might or might be not Kansa will slaughter these two small kids. When Krishna perceives this, he chuckle and he said udhav uncle! We are going to meet king, let’s take a bath in the Yamuna River and udhav also consider it accurate. Udhav ji and both the brothers are taking the bath, in same moment udhav ji take a plunge in yamuna and he reached somewhere. There udhav ji found himself in a jungle.

He came to know that the king of that state has been dead. Huge groups of citizens were coming to participate in the funeral of their king. According to the law of that country whom ever come in front of king funeral becomes successor of the king. Udhav ji become the king of the country since he came in front of king funeral.

After complete hundred years he died. When citizen commence the funeral of the king, just on that moment Krishna said udhav ji you will keep bathing ,would not like to go in the program of king kansa? After bearing in mind the believe in Krishna is originated and after leaving his anxiety he took both of the boys to king kansa. Later on both of them slaughter king kansa.

Krishna

2009-02-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

Though known by many different names in many traditions,But there is only one God. Krishna is the original person. The word Krishna means the person who is attractive to everyone.

Sri krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura,dist of state UP (India) to Devaki and Vasudeva in the jail of Kansa. Kansa was the king og mathura and mama ofthe loard krishna .The place of His birth is known as Sri Krishna JanmBhumi.

The Supreme Lord descends from time to time in this material world to reestablish the teachings of the Vedas. In His Bhagavad-gita, Sri krishna promises: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend Myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear milleniumm after millenium."

Although eternal the Lord appears in specific circumstances out of mercy for His devotees. In fact, His principal biography, the Srimad Bhagavatam states, "the learned men describe the births and activities of the Unborn and Inactive." Therefore, although He appears within the material dimensions of time and space, He is most definitely not of it.

Historically, Sri krishna appeared on the midnight of the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Sravana. This corresponds to July 19th 3228 BC. He exhibited His pastimes for a little over 125 years and dissappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. (His departure marks the beginning of the current age of corruption known as Kali.)

The great scholar Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti neatly outlines Sri krishna's activities in this way: the first three years and four months were spent in Gokula, then equal lengths of time in Vmdavana and Nandagram, eighteen years and four months in Mathura, and finally ninety-six years and eight months in Dvaraka totalling 125 years of manifest pastimes. See the Krishna-lila chart.

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Swami Dev Prakash Ji Maharaj

2009-02-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

The most important person from the conception to the publi('atiol) of "UNIVERSAL WELL WISHER" is Swami Dev Prakash Maharaj. "UNIVERSAL WELL WISHER" would have remained a dream, but for his inspiration, guidance and blessings. All this and more!

He was born on 1st January 1942 in a small village Hyder Chandia near Larkana Sind. Shri Hukumatrai and Saint Tulsi Devi, the father and mother named their child Sanmukhlal.

After partition they migrated to Agra and then shifted to Ulhasnagar Camp No. 1 in 1949. Here child Sanmukhlal came in touch with Satguru Shanti Prakash Maharaj, who blessed him with 'Guru Mantra' in 1954.

Satguru Maharaj sent Sanmukhlal to Kashi for learning holy Sanskrit scriptures. He worked hard for 11 years to achieve title 'Vedant Acharya'.

He was initiated by Satguru Shanti Prakash Maharaj into ascetic order (Sanyas) in 1967 and was rechristened as Swami Dev Prakash.

His service and surrender to Satguru Maharaj is an unique and unparallel. His love and dedication to Satguru Maharaj cannot be explained by words. His truthfulness and faith to Satguru Maharaj cannot be explained by any language.

Swami Dev Prakash has been elected as President of Swami Shanti Prakash Ashram Trust in Sept.1992.

He is working round the clock to complete Guru Maharaj's projects. He is leading all devotees with firm faith towards their ultimate destination.

Under his able leadership, Swami Shanti Prakash

Trust has built up a unuqie temple in memory of

Satguru Maharaj, in Swami Teoonram Ashram Ulhasnagar.

Keshav

2008-12-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

About Vrindavan: The holy playground of Lord Shri Krishna

2008-09-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Adjacent to Mathura and on the banks of Kalindi, there lays the ground resplendent with the exploit of Lord Shri Krishna where even today the music of Shri Krishna's flute echoes and the entire area throbs with his deeds and legends. The love and life of Lord Shri Krishna is manifested in the new and old temples alike in the whole of Braj Bhoomi, where devotees, worshippers, believers, saints and yogis from all over the world flock for peace of mind. Mathura and Vrindavan are the most important religious townships in the whole of Braj area where Lord Krishna was born, roamed and romped. This holy land is the site of thousands of Temples and religious buildings, which are imbibed with his legendary exploits and religious feelings. There is a Garbh Grah on the spot where Lord Krishna was born. Places such as Vishram Ghat where he took rest after killing Kans; Nidhi Van where the unfolding of Raas Lila is still perceived; Govardhan where he lifted the whole mountain on his little finger to shield Braj people from the wrath of Lord Indra, glorify this historical location. Besides these there are many places, which instil the feeling in our hearts that God is Omnipresent.

Lots of saints and hermits do not understand the deep knowledge this great land holds and just pray. Lord Shri Vishnu, Lord Shri Brahma and Lord Shri Shiva, all of them too, adore this holiest land of Mathura. Those who are born, visit and die here will gain the salvation of all four kinds.

We cordially invite you for buying a stripe for your abode in this sacred land of legends.

For more information about Vrindavan, Mathura, Brajbhoomi and Uttar Pradesh regarding administration and tourism etc., you may please visit any of the following websites:

Janmashtami in Dwarka

2008-08-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Dwarka, meaning ‘Door to Moksha (Salvation)’ is a popular city of Gujarat. It was established by Lord Krishna with his elder brother Balram. The city is also known as Golden City. It was built by divine architect Vishwakarma in two days. The city is said to have been made up of diamonds and crystal, with palaces made of gold, emeralds and other precious stones. It was the abode of Lord Krishna for nearly a 100 years. After Lord Krishna's death, the city is believed to have been submerged in the sea. The celebration of Janmashtami in the main Dwarkadhish temple is very famous in India. Devotees from all over India throng the city of Dwarka during Janamashtami. The celebration on Janmashtami follows the daily routine or ‘Nitya Kram’ of Lord Krishna. Rituals are performed by Aboti brahmins, who are special brahmins performing these rituals for the past many centuries now.

Janmashtami Pooja
The festival day begins with mangla arti performed in the morning. Mangla arti is always performed at 7 in the morning. Beginning with 'Banta Bhog' (of milk and milk products) offered to Lord Krishna, followed by cleansing of his face with water, brushing of the idol's teeth. Then the first darshan of the day is allowed to the devotees.

Abhishek or bath of Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna is given the holy bath between 8 - 10 am and devotees are given a chance to see the abhishek which happens only twice a year. The bath is given right after the mangla arti with Panchamrit (mixture of gangajal, ghee, honey, curd and sugar).

Adorning Lord Krishna (Shringar)
After the bath, Lord Krishna is adorned with clothes and ornaments. Lord is made to wear Pitamber, a yellow coloured cloth. Ornaments consists of Chandanmala, Vyjantimala ( garland) and Suparimala (Made of Betel nut). Makeup on the face of Shri Dwarkadhish is done and he is also adorned with shankh (Conch), Discus (Chakra).

Darshan and Shringarbhog
After the adornment of Shri Krishna, the curtains are removed and devoteed are allowed to do the darshans of the Lord. This is Followed by offering of Shringar Bhog (Swees) to the Lord. During this time, the curtains are drawn again and the devotees are not allowed to see the Lord. The Shringarbhog is prepared in the temple premises.

Shayan bhog and Shayan arti
After the evening arti, Lord is offered sweets again, devotees are not allowed the darshans of the Lord during this time. Then it is time for Dwarkadhish to sleep. This happens around 9:00 pm. It is around 10:30 pm that darshans are opened again for the devotees during the Janmashtami celebrations.

Janmashtami Celebrations
Lord Dwarkadhish is adorned with lot of Gold jewellery and other precious stones such as Diamonds and Topaz. This happens around 11:00 pm. Utsav Bhog is offered to Lord around 11:30 pm. Devotees are not allowed to see the process of Utsav Bhog though they wait eagerly for their beloved Lord in the temple premises and sing bhajans. The devotees welcome the Lord at 12 midnight with immense enthusiasm and joy. After nearly two hour celebrations, the temple closes at 2:00 am after the mahabhog offerings to Lord Krishna. Bal Gopal idolis kept in a cradle in the temple premises for the darshan of the general public. Thus the janmashtami celebrations finally come to an end in Dwarkadhish temple.Janmashtami, the birthday of Shri Krishna, is celebrated with great splendour. Rows of lights are lit everywhere, kirtans and bhajans are sung, sermons are delivered and Krishna is worshipped in his infant form. Thousands of people go to Dwarka to visit the temple and participate in the fair. After visiting the main temple, devotees go to Shankhoddhar Beyt. There are some other important temples, both old and new. Among these is the temple of Shank-Narayan, dedicated to the Matsyavatar, the incarnation of Vishnu as a fish. This was constructed over 200 years ago.

Janmashtami in Vrindavan

2008-08-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Vrindavan is quite a famous place for pilgrimage in North India. Just about 15 kms from Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, it houses nearly 5000 temples both ancient as well as modern. The holy town of Vrindavan is where Lord Krishna spent his formative years. The town situated on the banks of river Yamuna is also known for the famous rasleelas that Lord Krishna performed with his beloved gopis.During Janmashtami, the entire city gets immersed in the spirit of devotion. Euphoric celebrations among the devotees is a common sight. The sound of bhajans and chanting echos in the city.

Rasleelas and staging of various plays
It is said that the city of Vrindavan starts celebrating Janmashtami 7-10 days before the actual date of the festival. This is done by staging various plays and rasleelas at different places in the city. Professional artistes enact various episode of Lord krishna's life. These plays are a huge drawers of devotees.

Celebrations at main Temples in Vrindavan
Although there are around 5000 temples in Vrindavan but the main temples are Banke Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple, ISCKON Temple etc. These temples have an itenarary for the entire day, with timings fixed for various ceremonies and poojas all day long. Darshans are open for devotees even during Abhishek (holy bath) of lord Krishna.

Celebrations at Madhuban during Janamashtami
According to legend in Vrindavan, Madhuban is the exact place where Lord Krishna is said to have performed rasleelas with his beloved Gopis more than 5000 years ago. A famous folklore associated with the place is that Lord Krishna till date ascends to perform rasleela with the gopis. Anyone venturing into the place during night either dies or becomes insane. Thus no localite ventures into Madhuban during night. The place becomes alive during Janmashtami with rasleelas being performed in the premises during the daytime.

Fasting by devotees
Fasting is another ritual followed by all the devotees religiously every year. Devotees observe all day long last and break it at midnight after the arrival of Lord Krishna. It is believed by devotees that fasts act as an offering that humans can make to the Lord and bring them closer to him. Devotees cook various dishes of milk and milk products to mark the occasion. This is so because Lord Krishna was quite fond of milk and butter. Popular dishes include Kheer, Pedha, Shrikhand and Singhare ki poori.

Janmashtami in Mathura

2008-08-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

The celebration of Janmashtami is at its peak in the city of Mathura-birth place of Lord Krishna. The city is about 145 kms from Delhi. Lord is said to have been born around 5000 years back to put an end to the evils of demons. The city of Mathura adorns a complete festive look and the devotional mood reaches its pinnacle.The main celebration takes place at the actual place of birth, now converted into a big temple known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Lord's idol is kept in a room also known as the ‘Garbha Griha’. Devotees keep a day-long fast and break it at midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna. All through the day devotees remain immersed in the chanting of Shlokas and name of the Lord. Songs and hymns are also sung in the glory of Sri Krishna.

Midnight Celebrations
The Birth of Lord Krishna at midnight is followed by performance of pooja and other ceremonies. The idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with milk and curd and then rocked in the cradle. A popular belief of the inhabitants is that any wish made while rocking the cradle is fulfilled on this day. The entire Mathura echoes with the sound of the conch (shankh) and ringing of bells. Devotees pray and welcome the lord with slogans of 'Jai Shri Krishna'. After the prayers have been performed, Panchamrit, a mixture of honey, gangajal, curd, ghee is distributed. Lord is fed with the customary prasad of ‘Chhapan Bhog’ (Fifty six dishes). Devotees break their fast with 'Prasad' of the Lord. Lot of eatables made of milk and milk products are relished by the devotees. Kheer, Laddoo, Butter, Shrikhand and Singhare ki Poori are few of the main dishes prepared on the day.

Performance of Rasleelas
Rasleelas, a kind of dance drama are performed at various places in Mathura city both by professionals as well as amateurs. Rasleela is performed by young boys between the age of 10-13 years. The artist acting as Krishna takes the divine form for devotees who touch his feet in reverence.

Jhanki (Tableau)
Jhankis, cribs or scenes depicting the various stages of Life of Lord Krishna are a common sight during Janmashtami all over Mathura city. Jhankis depict various important activities of Lord Krishna right from the childhood like - Janmlila, Shankarlila, Putanalila and Naglila.

Jhulanotsav and Ghatas
Another important feature of celebrations in Mathura city are Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. These are specially held only in Mathura City. During Jhulanotsav, Swings are put in courtyard of temples and houses to welcome Lord Krishna's birth. It symbolizes cradling of Lord Krishna. Ropes of swings are decorated with flowers to give a festive look.The celebration of Sri Krishna's birth will be incomplete without Ghatas, another month-long unique feature, wherein all the temples of Mathura City are decorated with the same colour according to the theme selected. Even The idol of Lord Krishna is adorned with the Clothes of same colour. Devotees put their and heart and soul in decorating the temples and their house to welcome the birth of Lord Krishna.

Number of Visitors During Janmashtami
An estimated 8 lakh devotees visit the birth city Mathura during Janmashtami. The number, however, keeps growing every year. One finds it difficult to find an accommodation during festival days, so devotees get prior reservations made. All the temples witness long queues and it becomes quite a task for the security to maintain law and order.

Performing Rasleela

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One of the most important aspects of the festival Janmashtami is Rasleela. Rasleela is a divine sport (Kreeda), which Sri krishna played with his gopis on the banks of river Yamuna in Vrindavan. Radha was the most important gopi and closest to the Lord. Her love for Lord Krishna was complete and in its purest form. Sri Krishna was ten years old when he performed Rasleela. Rasleelas are particularly performed in the city of Vrindavan.

History
According to Bhagavata Puran, Lord Krishna was loved immensely by gopis. The love gopis felt for Lord was not carnal,it was prerna (Divine love).The love for Sri Krishna was so strong that gopis forgot all about their worldly chores. The gopis were totally merged in the love of god through the practice of constant smaran (remembrance).

Performance of Rasleela
Lord Krishna promised gopis that he will dance with all of them. So Bhagwan Krishna stood in the centre suurounded by gopis who danced and sang in the glory of Lord. Sometimes Sri Krishna would put his arms around the neck of gopis and all of them would dance together. All the demigods, like Gandharva, Yakshas were witness of the divine dance, as they threw flowers from the sky, giving their blessings. The gopis would rejoice with sheer bliss in the company of the lord and consider themselves fortunate

Disappearance of God during Rasleela
Dancing almost every full moon night during autumn made the gopis conceited. They started considering themselves superior to other women who were not fortunate enough to be with Lord Krishna. One night during Rasleela, lord Krishna did the disappearing act to teach them a lesson of humility. Not finding Krishna amongst them, the gopis started feeling the agony of desertion. Overwhelmed with grief, they started searching for God and prayed him to come back. During their search for Lord they sang songs popularly known as Gopika Gitam. Lord returned after many pleadings.

Rasleela in its present form
In the current age, Rasleela is performed only by Brahmin boys between the age of 10-13 years. The main theme of rasleela revolves around the formative years of Lord Krishna. There are five main raslilas performed like janamleela- details regarding the birth of Lord Krishna, Shankarleela, Putanaleela- Killing of demoness Putana, And Nagleela- killing of the dreaded serpent Kaliya . They are performed by professional troupes with utmost devotion and love. The troupe captivates the audience with their performance. Rasleelas are usually performed in the local language, Brajbhasa, which is somewhat similar to Hindi language and therefore easy to understand. At the end of the performance, devotees throng to touch the feet of the young boy dressed as Lord Krishna. The young boy ceases to be human for the devotees and becomes a divine being during the festival.

Rasleelas are performed by various renowned theater groups, plays are stages with celebrities playing the lead roles to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

Janmashtami Tableau

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An important feature of Janmashtami is Jhanki (tableau) and cribs depicting various stages of Lord Krishna's childhood. Jhanki means peeping in the past life, in relation with Janmashtami it means peeping into the life of Lord Krishna. "Jhankis" are miniature representation of a village made of clay, humans are represented by dolls dressed up as kids, men and women with lehangas, chunnis, dhotis and kurtas. Five commonly depicted scenes in jhankis are presented in a sequence:

Birth of Lord Krishna Tableau
This tableau depicts the birth of Lord Krishna in the prison cell of Mathura. Dolls dressed up as Lord Krishna, Mother Devki And Vasudev are used.

Vasudev carrying Baby Krishna across river Yamuna Tableau
This tableau depicts Vasudev, father of Lord Krishna carrying him in a basket across swollen River Yamuna to Gokul. An artificial snake is used in the jhanki to depict Sheshnag. Legend has it that Sheshnag, the serpent of Lord Vishnu protected baby Krishna from rain.

Exchange of Lord Krishna with the baby girl Tableau
This tableau depicts Vasudev bringing back a baby girl with him, while leaving Lord Krishna in Gokul, in the safe hands of his friend Nand.

King Kansa killing the Baby girl Tableau
This tableau depicts King Kansa killing the new born baby girl in the prison and the baby vanishing into thin air and forewarning the king that his annihilator had been born and was in safe hands.

Baby Krishna in a cradle in Gokul Tableau
This Tableau depicts Lord Krishna in a cradle in Gokul, growing up with Mata Yashoda and Baba Nand.

Killing of King Kansa
Another popular Jhanki created during Janmashtami is the depiction of King Kansa's killing. Legend has it that Lord Krishna caught hold of his maternal uncle Kansa by his hair and threw him from the platform killing him with bare hands

Killing Of Kaliya Serpent Tableau
An important incident associated with Lord Krishna's life is the killing of Kaliya Nag during his childhood. The serpent was dreaded in Gokul. It lived in a lake and would kill anyone entering or having water from the lake. Lord Krishna killed Kaliya Nag thereby giving respite to the people from the dreaded serpent. This incident is also very well captured in Tableau during Janmashtami.

Lifting of Govardhan Hill Tableau
During Janmashtami, tableau of a very interesting incident of Lord Krishna's life is created. Lord Krishna is said to have lifted Govardhan hill on his index finger and provided shelter to the people of Gokul. This was done to protect them from incessant rains.

Modern Day Jhanki (Tableau)
With the change in times and great technological advancement, jhankis have also adorned a new look. Jhankis are made on large scale in big towns and cities with lot of special effects.

Ceremony of Dahi Handi

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Celebration of Janmashtami, birth of the famous Lord Krishna includes a number of ceremonies like, Raslila, Jhankis (tableaux) etc. Dahi Handi is a popular ceremony, celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and glee. Dahi Handi is an enactment of Lord Krishna's efforts to steal butter from Matka (earthen pot) suspended from the ceiling.

The Celebrations
Dahi Handi generally takes place on the second day of Janmashtami. An earthen pot containing a mixture of milk, dry fruits, ghee is hung around 20-30 feet high in the air with the help of a rope. Silver coins are hung along with the rope,which are later distributed as prize to the winners. Enthusiastic young men, form a human pyramid by standing one on top of the other, trying to break the pot. Onlookers throw water on the young men in order to prevent them from breaking the pot. Breaking of the pot is followed by prize distribution. Devotees believe that the broken pieces of earthen pot will keep away mice and negative powers from their homes.

Dahi Handi is celebrated with fervor, especially in the twin cities of Mathura - Vrindavan, Dwarka and Mumbai. Young men in Mumbai yell 'Ala re ala, Govinda ala' during the ceremony.

Janmashtami Fast

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The word for fasting i.e. Upavasa, means to move near to the Supreme and to overcome helplessness. The practice of fasting, could have originated as part of the offering that one could give God for getting a boon fulfilled. The festival of Janmashtami is characterised with keeping fast by devotees.

Nirjal Fast or Upavasa for Lord Krishna
Ardent followers of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami by keeping 'Nirjal' fasts. This kind of fasting involves not having even a single drop of water during the entire day. People feel keeping nirjal or waterless fasts will help them get closer to God. Devotees also keep 'Phalahar Vrat' having milk and fruits during the fast. Devotees observe strict discipline while fasting. They refrain from having cereals and salt on the day of the festival . They also feel keeping such fast is the only thing that they can offer God. Fasting is accompanied by singing of devotional songs and mantra chanting.

Popular Dishes made during Janmashtami Fast
Devotees make various dishes during the fast. They have milk and milk products during the fast. This because Lord Krishna was particularly fond of milk and butter. Sweet dishes are also made and had during janmashtami fast. Kheer, Pedhas are popular sweets that devotees have. People do not include salt in their meals during the fast. Devotees fasting on janmashtami break the fast at midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna. They break their fast with Prasad of the Lord.

However with changing times, and even children keeping fasts in the current scenario, the stringent rituals of fasting have been done away with. Sendha namak (salt of a special kind used during fasting) is now allowed during the fast.

Rituals and Customs of Janmashtami

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Janmashtami festival witnesses many interesting customs and rituals in various states and cities of India. While some rituals are common to all, others are unique and restricted to a particular region or city. These customs and rituals are followed religiously by all the Lord Krishna devotees year after year.

Rituals and Customs Observed during Janmashtami
Fasting: The most common ritual observed all over during Janmashtami is fasting by devotees on the day of the festival. Devotees fast for the entire day and break it after the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. People prefer to have only milk and milk products as they were the favourite of Lord Krishna. Some devotees of Lord Krishna go to the extent of keeping 'Nirjal' fast- It involves fasting without having a single drop of water. There are other ardent followers , who keep the fast for two days in the honour of Lord Krishna.

Chanting: Devotees indulge in continuous chanting all day long. They chant mantras and shlokas to please the lord. Religious atmosphere prevails everywhere. Devotees highlight his feats and his divine characteristics. Chanting of 108 names of Lord Krishna is another ritual that takes place in various temples. Chanting of names is accompanied by showering of flowers on the idol of Lord Krishna.

Devotional Songs and dances
Another popular ritual is singing of songs (bhajans) in the praise of Lord Krishna. Bhajans are an important custom of the midnight celebration during the festival. Dances are also performed by devotees depicting the various events of Lord Krishna.

Staging of Plays or Dramas of Lord Krishna
Plays depicting various events and accomplishments of Lord Krishna during his lifetime is another important custom during the festival. Both professional artists as well as amateurs stage plays at various places that are widely attended by devotees.

Preparation of Sweets
According to legend, Lord Krishna was very fond of milk and milk products like butter and buttermilk. He was also fond of Sweets like Kheer, Pedhas etc. Therefore devotees all over make sweets during the festival to please the Lord.

Rituals in South India during Janmashtami
The houses in South India are beautifully decorated by women on Janmashtami. Various sweet meals are prepared and offered to the Lord. Butter, one of the favourite dishes of Lord Krishna is offered to please him in almost every house. The entire house right from the door to the temple is marked with the footprints of a child. Mixture of water and flour is used to make footprints. This custom creates a feeling of joy among the people as they feel Lord himself has blessed them by entering their homes. The day is marked with the ritual of chanting of the holy Bhagavatam, accompanied by singing of devotional songs and dances.

Ritual in Gujarat
Gujarat witnesses a very peculiar as well as an interesting ritual by the womenfolk during Janmashtami. Women give up all the household chores like cooking and cleaning etc. to play cards. This is an age old tradition. Women doing mind placing bets during the card session. The exact history of this peculiar tradition during Janmashtami is unknown but according to sociologists, this custom may have begun as a pass-time for women in the joint family system. Fasting all day long, the women played cards to kill time as well as keep them awake the entire night. It is said that women eat cold food prepared two days in advance.

Legend of Putana

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The legend Of Janmashtami- Birth of Bhagwan Krishna, has it that Lord Vishnu took birth as a human to annihilate demons and rid Mother Earth of their monstrosity.

Reliable Aide of King Kansa
A heavenly prediction forewarned King Kansa that the eighth child of his sister Devki will be responsible for his death. So he decided to get rid of the child and entrusted the work to one of his reliable aides, Putana- A Demoness.

Demoness Disguised as Human
As per the instructions of King Kansa, Demoness Putana disguised herself as a beautiful woman. Having applied poison on her chest she went from house to house in various towns and villages, feeding all the one day old male infants and killing them.

Suckling Life of The Demoness
Demoness Putana entered the house of Baba Nand and saw the divine child,lying in the cradle. She took the child outside and started to feed him in the vain hope of killing him. Lord Krishna sucked her Breast embalmed with poison. Putana was happy the child was sucking poison and will die soon; little did she realise that God was sucking her life. The Lord, pressed her breasts with his hands and sucked her last breath. The demoness shrieked in pain,met her fate with her eyes popping out simultaneously.

Legend of King Kansa

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Kansa was the king of Mathura city and maternal uncle of Sri Krishna. According to legend, Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu to slay the cruel king . Kansa was a self-proclaimed King of the city of Mathura (A City in Northern India). He overthrew his father, King Ugrasen and forcefully became the king. He was very wicked and evil in thinking. His subjects feared him, the cowherds of not only Mathura but also other neighbouring villages like Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon were the victims of his wickedness. They had no option but to surrender to his tyrannical ways.

Army of Demons
King Kansa had an army of demons who helped him spread fear and accomplish his evil tasks. Putana, Bakasura, Aghasura were his close aides.

Loving Brother
Kansa loved his younger sister Devki and fulfilled all her wishes. He married her to Vasudev, one of his cousins and a high-ranking officer in the army with great pomp and show. However, during the wedding ceremony of his sister, Devki, the love for his sister turned to hatred when a heavenly prediction warned him, that the eighth child of Devki will be the annihilator Of Kansa. On being assured of getting all the new born children of Devki and Vasudev, Kansa decided to imprison them under close supervision and let them live.

Killing of Infants
Kansa managed to kill all the new born of his sister Devki and brother-In-Law, Vasudev. His elder brother Balram, seventh child of the couple, was saved by being transferred to Rohini's womb. Similarly Lord Krishna, the eighth child, born to kill evil Kansa was saved after being miraculously shifted to Gokul on the night of his birth and replaced with a female child. However, Kansa got to know that his destroyer had been born and was being brought up by an unknown family in a neighboring village.

Ongoing Efforts to Kill the Child
Soon, after getting to know that the eighth child of his sister was born and safely growing in another village, Kansa ordered his soldiers to kill all the one-day old male infants in and around Mathura. He made quite a few unsuccessful attempts to kill the child.

Episode of Putana-The Demoness
King Kansa, sent one of his reliable servants to kill on the infants in the village by feeding them poisonous milk. She killed many infants but in the end she was killed by baby Krishna who sucked her life while being fed poisonous milk.

Killing of Demon Trinivarta
On hearing the death of Putana, King Kansa, sent his another servant- demon Trinivarta to kill Sri Krishna. Trinivarta took the form of a whirlwind, and carried the young Krishna away with itself, in the hope of throwing him away. Lord Krishna increased his weight which made the demon unable to move any further. After some time, the weight of Lord Krishna became too heavy for the demon to handle, so he fell on Ground and died.

End of Bakasura
At the instigation of Kansa, his friend Bakasura, changed his form to that of a crane,and went to kill Young Krishna, He hit him with his beak but Lord caught hold of his beak and tore it apart, killing him instantly.

Slaying of King Kansa
King Kansa, tired of the killing of all his servants, invited both his nephews, Balram and Krishna for a wrestling match in Mathura. He made use of elephant Kuvalyapeeda to kill Krishna at the entrance of the arena, Krishna killed him followed by killings of Charuna and Toshalaka- chosen atheletes of Kansa. Krishna went to Kansa, took him by hair and threw him on the ground; finally killing him. The slaying Of Kansa ended his tyrannical rule and people rejoiced and celebrated his death.

Legend of Janmashtami

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Janmashtami, one of the most popular festivals of Hindus celebrates the birth of their beloved God, Sri Krishna. Detailed story of Janmashtami or Lord Krishna's birth has been narrated in Puranas. Please read on to know more about the various fascinating aspects of the legend of Janmashtami as stated in Puranas.Mathura, a prominent town of Northern India and the birth city of Sri Krishna was ruled by King Ugrasen, a Yaduvanshi ( Belonging to the Community of Yadavs). He was a great king loved by his subjects. He had two children, a son Kansa and a daughter Devki. Kansa was quite cruel by nature, his wickedness knew no bounds when he jailed his father and forcefully became the king of Mathura.

Love for sister Devki and Brother in law Vasudev
Though Kansa was hard hearted but he loved his sister immensely and married her off to Vasudev, one the high ranking officers in his army. However on the day of wedding, as a result of a heavenly prediction that Devki’s eighth child will be born to kill him, Kansa decided to kill his sister. On Vasudev's pleading, he put both of them in dungeons and let them live but with a promise that they will handover all their children to Kansa, only to be killed by him.

Birth of Balram
Kansa succeeded in killing all the six new born babies of Devki and Vasudev, however the seventh child was saved by divine intervention as the child was transferred from Devki’s womb to that of Rohini's, Vasudev's other wife. Thus Balram, the elder brother of Krishna was born but Kansa thought that Devki had a miscarriage.

Birth of Krishna
The birth of the eighth child of Devki, Lord Krishna was followed by a chain of dramatic events. Soon after the birth of the child, as if by a sheer miracle, all the soldiers guarding the couple fell asleep and the gates of the dungeon flew open themselves. Vasudev decided to smuggle the child safely in a basket to his friend Nand in Gokul. Since it was raining heavily, River Yamuna was all swollen and Vasudev feared that both he as well as his child will drown if he tried to cross it, however, as soon as the feet of the infant touched the river, the flow of water became normal and Vasudev was able to cross it easily. Sheshnag, the five headed serpent of Lord Vishnu protected the child with its fangs. Vasudev knew that his was not an ordinary child but a divine being. After handing his child, to his dear friend, Nand, Vasudev returned back safely with a girl child and no one got to know about it.

Yogmaya’s prediction
On hearing the news of the eighth born child, Kansa rushed to kill the girl. He paid no heed to Devki’s plead of sparing the girl. He held the child by her legs and just as he was about to bang her against the wall, the girl vanished into thin air and told Kansa that his slayer had been born and was safe in Gokul. The girl child was none other than Yogmaya (divine illusion). The eighth child grew up as Yashoda and Nand’s son in Gokul and later killed his maternal uncle Kansa, freeing all the people of Mathura from his tyranny.

Birth of Lord Krishna

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Janmashtami is celebrated to welcome and enjoy Lord Krishna's birth. The birth of Lord Krishna took place when the various planets were in auspicious places. It is said that God chooses a particular time, as to when he will take birth as a human and the planetary systems are adjusted accordingly.

Auspicious Nakshatra (Constellation)
Around the time of Bhagwan Krishna's birth, Rohini Nakshatra was predominant as it is considered to be quite auspicious. This is so because it is under the supervision of Brahma, the creator of Universe. Sri Krishna was born in the month Of Sravana more than 5000 years ago.

Born in Dwapur Yug (Iron Age)
According to some scholars, Krishna was born on Wednesday,the eighth day of second fortnight in Sravana month in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC, also known as Dwapur Yug. July 19th 3228 BC to be more accurate. He lived for 125 years and disappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. His death was the onset of the current corrupt age known as Kaliyug.

Universal Happiness of all Forms of Life
From the time, Devki conceived Sri Krishna, she began to glow and exude divine light. The prison walls glowed with the aura of the new born infant. Atmosphere of peace and happiness prevailed all over, Forests were all green and full of trees with all kinds of beautiful flowers, rivers were all swollen due to joy, peacocks began to dance in sheer joy, people in all villages started being happy.

Objective of Krishna's Birth
The main objective of Lord Krishna's birth was to free Mother Earth from the wickedness of demons. Playing an important part in Mahabharata (legendary battle in Kurukshetra) and propagating the theory of bhakti and good karma were other important objectives.

Events Before The Birth of Sri Krishna
The people of Mathura were extremely unhappy with the wicked king Kansa who put his father, king Ugrasen in prison and declared himself the king of Mathura. It was to put an end to his evil ways and other demons that Lord Vishnu decided to take birth on Earth in human form. According to Akashvani (heavenly voice) at the wedding of his beloved sister Devki, Kansa got to know that the eighth child of his sister will take birth to kill him. So, in turn he rushed to kill his sister. Kansa gave up the idea of killing after being assured by Vasudev that he will handover all his children to him. He put them in Prison. Kansa killed all the six infants as soon as they were born. The seventh child (Balram) was saved due to divine intervention, when he was transferred from Devki's womb to that of Rohini's (other wife of Vasudev).

Events During the Birth of Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in the captivity of King Kansa. He took birth in divine form with lotus like eyes,his palms bearing the signs of a lotus and discus. He had a swastika sign on his sole. Wearing a yellow colored silk cloth, adorned with precious diamond earrings and a crown made of emeralds. Soon after the birth, a chain of events astonished Vasudev,when he saw the gates of the cell flow open and all the guards fast asleep. He immediately thought of Nand ,his close friend in Gokul and decided to handover his child to him in order to save him from the clutch of Kansa.

River Yamuna Bows To The Feet of Sri Krishna
The night of birth was witnessed by heavy rains which led to River Yamuna being in floods. As soon as the feet of Lord immersed in the river, the flow became normal and Yamuna made way for the Lord. Sheshnag, the serpent formed an umbrella to save the new born baby from rain.

Exchange of the Babies
Vasudev kept his child next to fast asleep Yashoda and took the baby girl lying with him back to Mathura. The baby girl is believed to be the sister of Lord Vishnu.

Disappearance of The Divine Child
On hearing the news of birth of the eighth child of Devki and Vasudev, Kansa rushed to the prison-cell and lifted the baby girl to kill her despite pleadings from Devki. However, instead of hitting the stone, the child flew up in the air and announced that the annihilator of Kansa was born and in safe hands.
Krishna later grew in Gokul and finally killed his maternal uncle, King Kansa.

When is Janmashtami?

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Janmashtami 2008 is on August 24th

Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most famous Gods of Hindu religion, Bhagwan Krishna, on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana or Savana. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star). It is generally celebrated in the month of August-September according to the Christian Calendar. Legend has it that Sri Krishna was born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and atrocities of his maternal uncle, Kansa.

Position of Stars at the time of Birth

It was only on the eighth day of the second fortnight, in the month of Sravana when, the moon entered the house of Vrishabha in Rohini Nakshatra (star) that Lord appeared. According to Barhapatyamana, the month of Sravana corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha. Lord was born in the year of Visvavasu, appx. 5,227 years ago.

Celebrated for over Two Days

Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as “Rohini” nakshatra and Ashtami may not fall on the same day. The first day known as Krishnashtami, as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna falls on the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan, which generally falls in the month of August. The second day is known as Kalashtami.

Welcome the Lord at Midnight

It is only at midnight between the first and the second day that birth of Sri Krishna took place. The actual festivities begin during midnight in this 48 hour period. The celebration reaches its peak at midnight, with the birth of Lord Krishna, with lot of hymns, arti taking place and blowing of the Conch (shankh), rocking the cradle of Lord. The idol of lord is bathed with Panchamrit (A mixture of milk, ghee, oil, honey and Gangajal). The Panchamrit is later distributed as Prasad to the devotees along with other sweets. While some Fast on the first day and break it at midnight for others the fasting continues for both days. The period coincides with rainy season.

Krishna in Indian Temples

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Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, considered to be one of the supreme manifestations of Divinity in the Indian belief systems, is widely celebrated all over India. Krishna is the subject of much of the Classical Music repertoire in the Indian tradition and there is a plethora of poetry in almost all Indian languages celebrating the childhood of Krishna. There are several temples all over the Indian subcontinent dedicated to Krishna. Guruvayur, in Kerala enshrines Krishna - Guruvayurappan, an image of Krishna from Dwaraka said to have been installed by Guru and Vayu when the great deluge engulfed the earth. Udupi in Karnataka, another of the foremost shrines dedicated to Krishna, houses an image of the young Krishna. Nathdwara in Rajasthan enshrines Srinath - Krishna, an image that is believed to have been brought from Mathura. Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwarka are temple towns and hoary pilgrimage sites in India associated with the life of Krishna. The Jagannath Temple at Puri, Orissa is a towering monument steeped in worship traditions associated with the state of Orissa. The Southernmost of these, The Rajagopala temple at Mannargudi near Thanjavur, enshrines Santanagopalakrishna and is the largest and grandest of all of the temples listed here. Please visit the Templenet homepage of the Rajagopala Temple for more information on this magnificient temple. Templenet is proud to bring you links to sites related to each of these temples on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami - 1999.

Places & Temples Of Krishna

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Vrindavana and Mathura · Yamuna River· Krishna Balarama Mandir· Jagannatha Puri· Govardhan· Banke - Bihari Temple· Radha Madana - Mohana Temple· Radha Vallabha Temple· Jaipur Temple· Katra Keshav Dev Temple· Temple of Lord Jagannath· Temple Timings· The Holy Dhama of Vrindavan
» About Lord Krishna» Bhagwad Gita » About Govardhan Parvath» Fairs & Festivals» Maps of Vrindavan & Braj» Krishna Pilgrimages» Temples of India » Krishna Philosophy» Photo Gallery» Krishna Mantra» ISKCON

Haridwar

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Haridwar city scene - Most of the people woke up early for some holy dips in Ganga River

People crossing The Ganga River

The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.

Shiv Murti in Haridwar

The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund).

Another Temple in Haridwar

Temples of Haridwar, India

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The site India Travel Destinations offers you details of tour booking for tours to temples of Haridwar in Uttaranchal, India. There are quite a few temples in Haridwar that are worth a visit during your temple tours to the region. Haridwar in Uttaranchal, India is one of the four main Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India. Some of the important temples in Haridwar, India that you may visit during your temple tours to the region are Mansa Devi Temple, Pawan Dham Temple, Parmeshwar Mahadev Temple, Chanda Devi and Lal Mata Temple.
Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient temple that is situated on a hill close to the main city of Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India. The presiding deity at the temple is called Mansa Devi and pilgrims worship the deity with coconuts, fruits, marigold garlands and incense sticks. It is a popular belief that those who pray with complete devotion to Mansa Devi get their wishes granted.
Pawan Dham Temple
The Pawan Dham temple in Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India is located at a distance of 2 kilometers from the town and is known for the glasswork that is done on the temple walls. The Pawan Dham Temple is known for the elaborately decorated idols and is a must visit during your temple tours to Haridwar in Uttaranchal in India.
Parmeshwar Mahadev Temple
The Parmeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at a distance of 4 kilometers from the main Haridwar city in Uttaranchal, India. This temple has a huge stone lingam that has been made of mercury.
The Chandi Devi temple
This temple is located on the Neel Parvat that is located on the banks of the River Ganga in Haridwar in Uttaranchal, India. This temple was constructed sometime in the year 1929 A.D. The temple is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Chandi Ghat in Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India. According to legend the statue of the main deity was set up by the saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Another historic site is the Gauri Shanker Temple that you can visit during your tours to the temples of Haridwar.
Lal Mata Temple
The Lal Mata Temple is an important tourist attraction in Haridwar, India and is quite like the temple at Vaishno Devi in Kashmir, India. The Lal Mata Temple is situated atop an artificial hill and has a frozen Shiva lingam.
The other places that you may visit during your temple tours to Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India are the Anandamayee Ma Ashram, Jai Ram Ashram, the Daksha Mahadev temple and the Sapt Rishi Ashram.
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LORD KRISHNA

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Mathura

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The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra. Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km., today, Brajbhoomi can be divided into two distinct units - the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon. The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodel about 95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is known specially for its association with the poet Surdas, an ardent Krishna devotee. A long line of picturesque ghats - with their steps leading to the water's edge, arched gateways and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna, emphasise the sacred character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, "the best known, best loved and most complex of Lord Vishnu's manifestations" - Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage.

Dwarkadheesh Temple

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The temple of Dwarkadheesh, also known as Jagat Mandir, is built on the north bank of the Gomti Creek. The temple dates back to 2,500 years. Architecturally the temple is constructed on the same plan and system as most of the Hindu sacred edifices of antiquity. Sixty columns support the roof of the audience hall of the Jagat Mandir. The main temple is five-story high with the lavishly carved conical spire rising to a height of 157 feet. There is the one-meter tall, four handed black idol of Ranchhodrai, the ruler of Dwarika. Amongst the large number of temples belonging to different periods in the history of Dwarka, the most popular with pilgrims is the temple of Rukmini, Lord Krishna's wife, who is considered an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. In addition to its temples and legends, Dwarka is also sanctified as the seat of Adi Shankaracharya, who established four seats (maths) in four different directions in the country. Research work in Sanskrit is carried on at the Shankaracharya's seat known as Sharad Peetha.

Dwarka

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Dwarka, on the west coast of Gujarat on the shore of the Arabian Sea, features in most of the legends surrounding Lord Krishna. It is from here that the grown Lord Krishna is supposed to have ruled his kingdom. Dwarka is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus.

Dwarka is sanctified as the place where Lord Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. The Puranas mention the 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva which manifested in different parts of the country. One of these is located in Dwarka and is known as the Nageshwar Mahadev. The Jagat Mandir or Nij Mandir forms the sanctum of the Dwarkadish temple and dates back to 2500 years. Jagat Mandir has its own hall of audience and a conical spire. The roof of the hall is supported by 60 columns and the main temple rises five storeys high. The spire rises to a height of 157 feet and is richly carved. One of the most popular temples in Dwarka is that of Rukmini, Krishna's wife, considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. The Sharad Peetha, one of the four Maths established by Jagatguru Shankaracharya, is also situated here.