Knowledge (XXG)

Birth of Krishna

Source 📝

330: 181: 303: 489: 122: 247: 357: 593:, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many others, devotees observe Krishna Janmashtami with great enthusiasm and devotion. In these countries, temples dedicated to Krishna organize special events and ceremonies to mark the occasion. Devotees gather to sing devotional songs, participate in prayers and rituals, and listen to discourses on the life and teachings of Krishna. The festivities often include cultural performances, such as dance dramas depicting Krishna's childhood exploits and divine pastimes. 381: 318:. When Devaki gave birth to Krishna, the prison where they were held became filled with celestial light, and the guards fell into a deep sleep. Simultaneously, the chains binding Vasudeva loosened, and the prison doors swung open miraculously. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the raging 412:
is one of the most significant sources for the story of Krishna's birth. It narrates the divine pastimes of Krishna, including his birth, childhood, and exploits as a divine avatar. The text offers intricate details and descriptions of the celestial events surrounding Krishna's birth, as well as his
596:
In addition to temple celebrations, Hindu communities organize private gatherings in homes and community centers, where families and friends come together to observe Krishna Janmashtami with puja (worship), bhajans (devotional songs), and feasting on special delicacies prepared for the occasion.
293:
According to the narrative, Kamsa wished his cousin to marry Vasudeva, an old friend of his, and arranged for their wedding. However, following the wedding ceremony, a divine voice prophesied that Devaki and Vasudeva's eighth son would be the cause of Kamsa's death. To prevent the prophecy from
508:
Throughout India, devotees observe Krishna Janmashtami with great fervor and enthusiasm. Preparations for the festival often begin weeks in advance, with temples and homes adorned with colorful decorations, lights, and floral arrangements. The celebration typically involves special prayers,
468:
Various commentaries by scholars and saints throughout history offer insights and interpretations of Krishna's birth based on these ancient texts. These commentaries provide various perspectives and help contextualise the significance of Krishna's birth within the broader Hindu tradition.
367:
When Vasudeva returned to prison, the guards stirred. Kamsa received the news of Devaki's eighth child's birth but was shocked to see a girl instead of a son, as had been prophesied. Nevertheless, the king attempted to murder the girl, but the child manifested into the goddess called
329: 564:
Krishna Janmashtami transcends regional and cultural boundaries, uniting devotees from diverse backgrounds in celebration and devotion. It is a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual renewal, as people revere Krishna as the embodiment of divine love, wisdom, and compassion.
226:. These texts provide genealogies, descriptions of celestial events, and references to historical figures that can be used to establish a timeline. Based on these references, some scholars suggest dates ranging from 3102 BCE to 3067 BCE for Krishna's birth. 286:, a prominent dynasty in ancient India, specifically in the city of Mathura. His parents were Vasudeva and Devaki, who were members of the Yadava royal family. Devaki's cousin, Kamsa, was a tyrant king who had usurped the throne by overthrowing his father, 233:, associated with Krishna's kingdom, provide insights into the historical context of the Mahabharata period. However, correlating archaeological findings with specific events mentioned in the texts remains a subject of debate among scholars. 500:
Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous and widely celebrated festival in India, commemorating the birth of Krishna. The festival typically falls in August or September, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the
536:
One of the highlights of Krishna Janmashtami is the midnight celebration, marking the exact moment of Krishna's birth. Devotees gather in temples and homes to sing devotional songs (bhajans) and perform traditional dances, such as the
208:(August–September) of the Hindu lunar calendar. However, scholars and historians have proposed various dates based on astronomical calculations, historical references, and archaeological evidence. 345:
Upon reaching Gokula, Vasudeva exchanged Krishna with a daughter born to Yashoda and Nanda, a cowherd couple, to protect Krishna from Kamsa's wrath. This act of divine subterfuge, known as the
465:, also contains references to Krishna's divine nature and his role as an avatar. These references contribute to the overall understanding of Krishna's significance in Hindu theology. 452:, elaborates on the early life and genealogy of Krishna. It provides additional details about Krishna's birth and upbringing, expanding upon the narratives found in other texts. 825: 800: 192:
Dating the birth of Krishna is a complex matter due to differing interpretations and historical accounts. According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born on the eighth day (
441:, contains sections related to Krishna's birth and his significance as an avatar of Vishnu. It elucidates the theological aspects of Krishna's birth and his divine nature. 573:
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated not only in India but also in various countries around the world, wherever there are significant Hindu communities. In countries such as
400:, and was a naughty and playful child. During his childhood, he protected villagers from the tyranny of Kamsa. As prophesied, he later slew Kamsa at the age of eleven. 561:. In this tradition, young men form human pyramids to reach and break clay pots filled with buttermilk, symbolizing Krishna's love for butter as a child. 180: 428:
focuses more on the political and social aspects of Krishna's life, it still provides valuable insights into the circumstances leading to his birth.
353:, is a poignant symbol of Krishna's transcendence and the interplay between divinity and humanity. Vasudeva took the girl back to Kamsa's prison. 310:
After killing Devaki's six sons, Kamsa grew more cautious. Devaki's seventh son was transferred from her womb to that of Vasudeva's first wife,
215:, an ancient Hindu astronomical text. This calculation is based on the position of stars and planetary positions described in the text. 1006: 1034:"The dynamics of potamoplankton populations in the River Yamuna. (Limnological studies on the River Yamuna at Delhi, India Part II)" 302: 749: 396:. However, every adversary he sent to kill Krishna was slain by the deity. Krishna was raised in Gokula, at the household of 229:
Archaeological evidence has also been considered in dating Krishna's birth. Excavations and studies of ancient sites such as
488: 850: 246: 311: 294:
coming true, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their first six children as soon as they were born.
1071: 724: 697: 149:
Though Krishna's date of birth is heavily disputed, many scholars believe that Krishna was probably born around
121: 959: 205: 64: 672: 647: 517:, which recount the divine pastimes of Krishna. Many temples organize elaborate ceremonies, including the 211:
One commonly cited astronomical calculation places Krishna's birth around 3228 BCE, as mentioned in the
185: 1129: 356: 775: 908: 493: 478: 282:. The circumstances surrounding Krishna's birth are intricate and multifaceted. He was born in the 169: 1204: 1049: 1104: 1079: 1053: 934: 858: 338: 150: 543:, which depicts Krishna's divine play and exploits with his beloved devotees, especially the 388:
After the declaration by Yogamaya, a scared Kamsa attempted on several occasions to kill the
1260: 1045: 397: 270: 223: 158: 142: 274:. According to these texts, Krishna is considered to be the eighth avatar (incarnation) of 1033: 421: 360: 255: 212: 126: 103: 80: 168:
Krishna's birth is celebrated on the eighth night of the Bhadrapada month every year as
502: 68: 59: 1254: 621: 457: 433: 420:, contains references to Krishna's birth and his role in the larger narrative of the 50: 372:, declaring to the king that, "the one who is to kill you has already taken birth." 218:
Another approach relies on historical references found in ancient texts such as the
611: 524: 389: 380: 138: 107: 97: 984: 826:"Birthplace of Krishna: Beautiful experiences in Mathura | Times of India Travel" 616: 558: 554: 264: 259: 219: 115: 27: 22: 1229: 883: 578: 549: 111: 1179: 1105:"30 Krishna Stories: Exploring Krishna's Path of the Playful (Krishna Leela)" 1083: 1057: 862: 527:
idols, followed by the offering of various sweets, fruits, and delicacies as
626: 590: 582: 547:(cowherd maidens). Another popular custom during Krishna Janmashtami is the 519: 33: 985:"Birth of Lord Krishna: A Story of Prophecy, Miracles, & Divine Love" 369: 315: 287: 279: 153:
E, or even earlier. Born in Mathura, in the prison of his maternal uncle
72: 606: 539: 529: 334: 194: 84: 54: 46: 42: 509:
devotional songs, and recitations from sacred texts, particularly the
438: 393: 319: 283: 275: 230: 200: 130: 92: 88: 76: 1230:"Janmashtami | Celebration, Date, India, & Facts | Britannica" 960:"Kamsa was the son of Ugrasena, of the Bhoja dynasty – Vaniquotes" 884:"Janmashtami | Celebration, Date, India, & Facts | Britannica" 673:"Lord Krishna in Hinduism | Story, Representation & Symbolism" 574: 487: 379: 355: 328: 323: 301: 245: 179: 162: 154: 134: 801:"Dates And Events Of Incarnation Of Lord Krishna In Dvapura Yuga" 586: 544: 1155:"Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana); the story of Krishna" 1205:"The Story of Krishna's Birth from Srimad Bhagavata Purana" 455:
While primarily known for its philosophical teachings, the
341:, 19th century – Vasudeva fleeing with the infant Krishna 1154: 1007:"How was Balarama born? What is the story behind that?" 648:"The Story Of Lord Krishna's Birth & His Two Moms" 254:
The background of Krishna's birth is deeply rooted in
165:, through river Yamuna, on the night of his birth. 935:"Time Line of Lord Krishna Supported by Science" 110:in many Hindu traditions, most notably in the 250:Vasudeva and Devaki travelling in a carriage 8: 1180:"Harivaṃśa | Indian literature | Britannica" 698:"Dwapara Yuga- Age of Rituals and Sacrifice" 553:(or Matki Phod) festival, particularly in 322:river to safety in the nearby village of 363:, Kamsa's encounter with Yogamaya (1890) 262:, particularly in the epic texts of the 129:, depicting the birth of Krishna in the 120: 638: 448:, often considered an appendix to the 278:, who is revered as the preserver in 7: 1050:10.1127/archiv-hydrobiol/73/1974/492 776:"Krishna The Historical Perspective" 184:Deity Krishna-Vasudeva on a coin of 909:"Surya Siddhant- Ancient Astrology" 723:www.wisdomlib.org (17 March 2022). 646:Arora, Mahak (20 September 2018). 14: 204:(dark fortnight) in the month of 774:Tree, Speaking (14 June 2013). 725:"Krishnaism or The Vishnu-Cult" 851:"Lord's birth in unique night" 1: 1130:"How Did Krishna Kill Kamsa?" 102:the third age of the present 1032:Rai, Hakumat (9 July 1974). 297: 106:. Krishna is revered as the 16:Birth of Hindu deity Krishna 913:HINDUISM AND SANATAN DHARMA 830:timesofindia.indiatimes.com 1277: 476: 416:Another ancient epic, the 137:. Vasudeva secretly takes 87:was the eighth of the ten 437:, dedicated to the deity 1038:Archiv für Hydrobiologie 157:, Krishna was taken to 1209:www.exoticindiaart.com 497: 492:Dahi Handi, a popular 413:upbringing in Gokul. 385: 364: 342: 307: 306:Krishna's divine birth 298:Krishna's divine birth 251: 189: 146: 939:www.stephen-knapp.com 857:. 26 September 2021. 491: 392:, such as by sending 383: 359: 332: 305: 249: 186:Agathocles of Bactria 183: 124: 73:Vasudeva Anakdundubhi 1078:. 2 September 2022. 1072:"Kamsa is outwitted" 523:(ritual bathing) of 503:Hindu lunar calendar 533:(sanctified food). 479:Krishna Janmashtami 461:, a section of the 384:Krishna slays Kamsa 170:Krishna Janmashtami 161:, by his father in 141:from the prison to 1234:www.britannica.com 1184:www.britannica.com 987:. 26 February 2024 915:. 16 February 2015 888:www.britannica.com 652:FirstCry Parenting 498: 386: 365: 343: 314:, who was born as 308: 252: 190: 147: 1134:isha.sadhguru.org 1109:isha.sadhguru.org 729:www.wisdomlib.org 704:. 16 January 2024 351:Vasudeva crossing 339:Kalighat painting 151:3rd millennium BC 125:1890 painting of 49:, in present-day 39:Krishna Charitas, 1268: 1245: 1244: 1242: 1240: 1226: 1220: 1219: 1217: 1215: 1201: 1195: 1194: 1192: 1190: 1176: 1170: 1169: 1167: 1165: 1151: 1145: 1144: 1142: 1140: 1126: 1120: 1119: 1117: 1115: 1101: 1095: 1094: 1092: 1090: 1068: 1062: 1061: 1029: 1023: 1022: 1020: 1018: 1013:. 25 August 2018 1003: 997: 996: 994: 992: 981: 975: 974: 972: 970: 956: 950: 949: 947: 945: 931: 925: 924: 922: 920: 905: 899: 898: 896: 894: 880: 874: 873: 871: 869: 847: 841: 840: 838: 836: 822: 816: 815: 813: 811: 797: 791: 790: 788: 786: 771: 765: 764: 762: 760: 746: 740: 739: 737: 735: 720: 714: 713: 711: 709: 694: 688: 687: 685: 683: 669: 663: 662: 660: 658: 643: 515:Bhagavata Purana 410:Bhagavata Purana 271:Bhagavata Purana 224:Bhagavata Purana 23:Hindu scriptures 1276: 1275: 1271: 1270: 1269: 1267: 1266: 1265: 1251: 1250: 1249: 1248: 1238: 1236: 1228: 1227: 1223: 1213: 1211: 1203: 1202: 1198: 1188: 1186: 1178: 1177: 1173: 1163: 1161: 1153: 1152: 1148: 1138: 1136: 1128: 1127: 1123: 1113: 1111: 1103: 1102: 1098: 1088: 1086: 1070: 1069: 1065: 1031: 1030: 1026: 1016: 1014: 1011:Srinibash Samal 1005: 1004: 1000: 990: 988: 983: 982: 978: 968: 966: 958: 957: 953: 943: 941: 933: 932: 928: 918: 916: 907: 906: 902: 892: 890: 882: 881: 877: 867: 865: 849: 848: 844: 834: 832: 824: 823: 819: 809: 807: 799: 798: 794: 784: 782: 773: 772: 768: 758: 756: 748: 747: 743: 733: 731: 722: 721: 717: 707: 705: 696: 695: 691: 681: 679: 671: 670: 666: 656: 654: 645: 644: 640: 635: 603: 571: 486: 481: 475: 422:Kurukshetra War 406: 378: 361:Raja Ravi Varma 347:Yamuna crossing 300: 256:Hindu mythology 244: 239: 213:Surya Siddhanta 178: 127:Raja Ravi Varma 104:Hindu cosmology 81:Hindu mythology 79:. According to 75:, and his wife 17: 12: 11: 5: 1274: 1272: 1264: 1263: 1253: 1252: 1247: 1246: 1221: 1196: 1171: 1146: 1121: 1096: 1063: 1044:(4): 492–517. 1024: 998: 976: 964:vaniquotes.org 951: 926: 900: 875: 842: 817: 792: 766: 741: 715: 689: 664: 637: 636: 634: 631: 630: 629: 624: 619: 614: 609: 602: 599: 570: 567: 525:infant Krishna 485: 482: 477:Main article: 474: 471: 405: 402: 377: 374: 299: 296: 243: 240: 238: 235: 201:Krishna Paksha 177: 174: 95:, born in the 69:Hindu calendar 60:Krishna Paksha 45:took place in 15: 13: 10: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 1273: 1262: 1259: 1258: 1256: 1235: 1231: 1225: 1222: 1210: 1206: 1200: 1197: 1185: 1181: 1175: 1172: 1160: 1159:bhagavata.org 1156: 1150: 1147: 1135: 1131: 1125: 1122: 1110: 1106: 1100: 1097: 1085: 1081: 1077: 1073: 1067: 1064: 1059: 1055: 1051: 1047: 1043: 1039: 1035: 1028: 1025: 1012: 1008: 1002: 999: 986: 980: 977: 965: 961: 955: 952: 940: 936: 930: 927: 914: 910: 904: 901: 889: 885: 879: 876: 864: 860: 856: 852: 846: 843: 831: 827: 821: 818: 806: 805:www.e-pao.net 802: 796: 793: 781: 780:Speaking Tree 777: 770: 767: 755: 751: 745: 742: 730: 726: 719: 716: 703: 702:Vedansh Craft 699: 693: 690: 678: 674: 668: 665: 653: 649: 642: 639: 632: 628: 625: 623: 622:Bhagavad Gita 620: 618: 615: 613: 610: 608: 605: 604: 600: 598: 594: 592: 588: 584: 580: 576: 569:Outside India 568: 566: 562: 560: 557:and parts of 556: 552: 551: 546: 542: 541: 534: 532: 531: 526: 522: 521: 516: 512: 511:Bhagavad Gita 506: 504: 495: 490: 483: 480: 472: 470: 466: 464: 460: 459: 458:Bhagavad Gita 453: 451: 447: 442: 440: 436: 435: 434:Vishnu Purana 429: 427: 423: 419: 414: 411: 403: 401: 399: 395: 391: 382: 375: 373: 371: 362: 358: 354: 352: 348: 340: 336: 331: 327: 325: 321: 317: 313: 304: 295: 291: 289: 285: 281: 277: 273: 272: 267: 266: 261: 257: 248: 241: 236: 234: 232: 227: 225: 221: 216: 214: 209: 207: 203: 202: 197: 196: 187: 182: 175: 173: 171: 166: 164: 160: 156: 152: 144: 140: 136: 132: 128: 123: 119: 117: 114:tradition of 113: 109: 108:Supreme Being 105: 101: 99: 94: 90: 86: 82: 78: 74: 70: 67:month of the 66: 62: 61: 56: 52: 51:Uttar Pradesh 48: 44: 41:the birth of 40: 36: 35: 30: 29: 24: 21:According to 19: 1237:. Retrieved 1233: 1224: 1212:. Retrieved 1208: 1199: 1187:. Retrieved 1183: 1174: 1162:. Retrieved 1158: 1149: 1137:. Retrieved 1133: 1124: 1112:. Retrieved 1108: 1099: 1087:. Retrieved 1075: 1066: 1041: 1037: 1027: 1015:. Retrieved 1010: 1001: 989:. Retrieved 979: 967:. Retrieved 963: 954: 942:. Retrieved 938: 929: 917:. Retrieved 912: 903: 891:. Retrieved 887: 878: 866:. Retrieved 854: 845: 833:. Retrieved 829: 820: 808:. Retrieved 804: 795: 783:. Retrieved 779: 769: 757:. Retrieved 753: 744: 732:. Retrieved 728: 718: 706:. Retrieved 701: 692: 680:. Retrieved 676: 667: 655:. Retrieved 651: 641: 612:Bala Krishna 595: 572: 563: 548: 538: 535: 528: 518: 514: 510: 507: 499: 467: 462: 456: 454: 449: 445: 443: 432: 430: 425: 424:. While the 417: 415: 409: 407: 390:baby Krishna 387: 366: 350: 346: 344: 309: 292: 269: 263: 253: 228: 217: 210: 199: 193: 191: 167: 148: 139:baby Krishna 98:Dvapara Yuga 96: 58: 38: 32: 26: 25:such as the 20: 18: 750:"- Savitri" 559:North India 555:Maharashtra 494:Janmashtami 473:Celebration 463:Mahabharata 450:Mahabharata 426:Mahabharata 418:Mahabharata 284:Yadava clan 265:Mahabharata 220:Mahabharata 188:190–180 BCE 116:Vaishnavism 28:Mahabharata 754:savitri.in 633:References 579:Bangladesh 550:Dahi Handi 520:abhishekam 260:scriptures 242:Background 206:Bhadrapada 112:Krishnaism 65:Bhadrapada 55:eighth day 37:, and the 1084:0971-751X 1076:The Hindu 1058:0003-9136 863:0971-751X 855:The Hindu 677:study.com 627:Harivamsa 591:Mauritius 583:Sri Lanka 446:Harivamsa 376:Aftermath 198:) of the 53:, on the 34:Harivamsa 1255:Category 1239:28 April 1214:28 April 1189:28 April 1164:28 April 1139:28 April 1114:28 April 1089:28 April 1017:28 April 991:28 April 969:28 April 944:28 April 919:28 April 893:24 April 868:24 April 835:24 April 810:24 April 785:24 April 759:24 April 734:23 April 708:23 April 682:23 April 657:23 April 617:Vasudeva 601:See also 513:and the 370:Yogamaya 335:Calcutta 316:Balarama 288:Ugrasena 280:Hinduism 268:and the 222:and the 1261:Krishna 607:Krishna 540:Raslila 530:prasada 404:Sources 333:India, 237:Legends 195:Ashtami 89:avatars 85:Krishna 63:of the 57:of the 47:Mathura 43:Krishna 1082:  1056:  861:  496:ritual 439:Vishnu 394:Putana 324:Gokula 320:Yamuna 312:Rohini 276:Vishnu 231:Dwarka 176:Dating 93:Vishnu 77:Devaki 575:Nepal 545:Gopis 484:India 398:Nanda 163:Vraja 159:Nanda 155:Kamsa 143:Nanda 135:Kamsa 71:, to 1241:2024 1216:2024 1191:2024 1166:2024 1141:2024 1116:2024 1091:2024 1080:ISSN 1054:ISSN 1019:2024 993:2024 971:2024 946:2024 921:2024 895:2024 870:2024 859:ISSN 837:2024 812:2024 787:2024 761:2024 736:2024 710:2024 684:2024 659:2024 587:Fiji 444:The 431:The 408:The 258:and 131:jail 1046:doi 349:or 133:of 91:of 1257:: 1232:. 1207:. 1182:. 1157:. 1132:. 1107:. 1074:. 1052:. 1042:73 1040:. 1036:. 1009:. 962:. 937:. 911:. 886:. 853:. 828:. 803:. 778:. 752:. 727:. 700:. 675:. 650:. 589:, 585:, 581:, 577:, 505:. 337:, 326:. 290:. 172:. 118:. 83:, 31:, 1243:. 1218:. 1193:. 1168:. 1143:. 1118:. 1093:. 1060:. 1048:: 1021:. 995:. 973:. 948:. 923:. 897:. 872:. 839:. 814:. 789:. 763:. 738:. 712:. 686:. 661:. 145:. 100:,

Index

Hindu scriptures
Mahabharata
Harivamsa
Krishna
Mathura
Uttar Pradesh
eighth day
Krishna Paksha
Bhadrapada
Hindu calendar
Vasudeva Anakdundubhi
Devaki
Hindu mythology
Krishna
avatars
Vishnu
Dvapara Yuga
Hindu cosmology
Supreme Being
Krishnaism
Vaishnavism

Raja Ravi Varma
jail
Kamsa
baby Krishna
Nanda
3rd millennium BC
Kamsa
Nanda

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.