Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Devotees from around the world come to Mathura during the Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival celebration. The Mathura Krishna Janmashtami celebration is unique in many ways. The preparation for the festival celebration, Temple decoration, and excitement of people attract the attention of everyone. We are going to talk about the Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebration in Mathura in detail. At the end of this blog, you will be excited to attend the Janmashtami celebration festival celebration next year.
Introduction
Mathura, a city rich in history and spirituality, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees worldwide as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Every year, Mathura comes alive with vibrant celebrations during Krishna Janmashtami, honouring the birth of the beloved deity. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of Mathura Krishna Janmashtami, explore the traditions observed during this festival, and understand why Mathura remains a cherished destination for devotees.
Significance of Mathura Krishna Janmashtami
Mathura holds immense significance as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, making the Janmashtami celebrations here even more special.
Divine Connection
Mathura is not only the birthplace of Lord Krishna but also the setting for many of his divine pastimes and miracles.
Pilgrimage Destination
Devotees from all over the world visit Mathura to experience the spiritual energy and connect with Lord Krishna’s essence.
Traditions of Mathura Krishna Janmashtami
Mathura’s Janmashtami celebrations are steeped in tradition and devotion. Some of the key customs include:
Special Pujas
Elaborate pujas (rituals) are performed in temples across Mathura, with devotees offering flowers, incense, and prayers to Lord Krishna.
Midnight Aarti
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated at midnight with aarti, where lamps are lit and waved to honor the divine birth.
Processions and Rasa Lila
Colourful processions and enactments of the Rasa Lila (divine dance) are organized to celebrate Lord Krishna’s playful and enchanting nature.
Exploring Mathura’s Spiritual Essence
Mathura’s spiritual aura extends beyond Janmashtami, with numerous places of significance that draw devotees year-round.
Krishna Janmabhoomi
The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple marks the exact spot of Lord Krishna’s birth, attracting pilgrims who seek his blessings.
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple’s intricate architecture and devotion-filled atmosphere leave a lasting impact on visitors.
Vishram Ghat
The Vishram Ghat on the Yamuna River is believed to be where Lord Krishna rested after defeating the demon Kansa.
Preparation for the Janmashtami Festival
Mathura makes a special preparation for the Krishna Janmashtami festival celebration. Various arrangements are made by the location authority administration and the people of Mathura.
On the arrival of the Lord, all arrangements are made so that there is no shortage in his welcome. Attractive outfits are prepared for the Lord on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Apart from this, valuable jewellery will also be used in the adornment of God.
Decoration of Banke Bihari Temple
Artisans from Kolkata and Mathura are involved in making this special dress. It took a month to make it.
To decorate the Banke Bihari temple and Kanha, trained artisans are busy decorating the temple day and night. A special bed of indigenous and exotic flowers is being prepared to give coolness to Lord Krishna. Radha-Krishna, seated in Shri Krishna’s birthplace, wears Shri Harikanta’s dress. The dress is made from silk, zari, and silk.
Preparation of Harikanta Dress
Lord Radha-Krishna, seated in the Bhagwan Bhavan located at Shri Krishna’s birthplace, will wear Shri Harikanta’s dress. This divine dress is made from silk, zari, and silk. This attractive dress, which was completed in about a month, has been specially prepared for God.
On the theme of the peacock figure in the dress, the artwork of a creeper, address, tree, and captivating vine has been carved very artistically. This dress has been made according to the ancient art of the temples of Braj.
This special dress specially made for Janmashtami is prepared by artisans from Kolkata and Mathura. It took a month to make it. This dress has been made according to the ancient art of the temples of Braj.
Priceless Jewelry
God will wear gem-studded jewellery. On this day, precious jewellery studded with gems will be worn to the Lord. On the day of the Janmashtami festival, apart from the Braj Ratna crown, the Lord will be presented with a golden necklace, girdle, necklace, husli, Kantheswari, and Kundal.
On the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Lord Banke Bihari Ji will be made to wear gem-studded ornaments. Apart from the peacock crown, Kaundhani, precious necklace, and other ornaments are worn by Lord Banke Bihari Ji.
This time the birthplace of Kanha has been made like an ancient prison. The entrance and exit of the sanctum sanctorum are made of plastic pipes and artificial bars made of wood.
Rituals & Tradition
On the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Banke Bihari Ji is also adorned with beautiful make-up. On the occasion of Janmashtami, the Lord is made to wear a yellow dress. Although Lord Banke Bihari wears attractive attire every morning and evening,
On this occasion Bhajan, Kirtan is held. Aarti of Lord Krishna will be done in it. At the end of the program, Mahaprasad of Panjiri, Charanamrit will also be distributed to thousands of devotees.
Also Read: Krishna Janmashtami Celebration
Janmashtami Celebration in Mathura
Mathura is painted in the colour of Krishna during Janmashtami Festival every year. The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated for 4 days in Mathura. Devotees from all over the country are spending the night on the streets. Children and big Kanha are made all around the streets. Bhajan-Kirtan of Radhe-Radhe is being done in the streets and intersections. Devotees from abroad were also seen dancing and singing.
Janmashtami is celebrated in Mathura for four days. More than 2 lakh devotees have reached the Janmabhoomi. More than 30 thousand devotees are engaged in the line of Janmabhoomi temple. 18 thousand rooms in more than 700 hotels and Dharamshala of the city have been filled.
Cow Worship at Various Locations
For the first time, cow worship will be done on Janmashtami in Gaushalas. There are 581 Gaushalas in Uttar Pradesh. All these cowsheds are decorated. Officers of the department and public representatives of the area will also worship in them.
Cultural Program at Various Locations
In Mathura, cultural programs will be held in front of Potra Kund Mansion, Brag Gate Sabzi Mandi, Bhuteshwar Square, Krishnapuri Tiraha, New Bus Stand, Govardhan Square, Parasauli and BSA College.
Also Know: Dahi Handi Festival
Social Harmony in Mathura
The population of Muslims in Vrindavan is 20 thousand. Most of the people of the Muslim community live here in the Mathura Gate area. Another speciality here is that the Sai Masjid and Mata Pathwari Devi temples of the area are connected to each other.
Be it Eid or Deepawali, people celebrate the festival together. On Diwali, people of the Muslim community also light candles in front of Maa Pathwari Devi temple.
Here generation after generation, people have been making Kanha’s dress.
Also Read: Krishna Dress for Kids
Janmashtami Celebration in Keshav Dev Temple
The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated a day before in Lord Keshav Dev temple near the residential gate of Shri Krishna Janmasthan. The consecration of the Lord is done here only in the middle of the night of Saptami.
Lord Krishna was born in the middle of the night. That is, Ashtami Tithi starts as soon as 12 o’clock at night. This is the reason why the Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival has been celebrated the day before in this temple for centuries.
The temple was built by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna’s great-grandson established 4 deities in Braj.
- Keshav Dev in Mathura,
- Govind Dev in Vrindavan,
- Baldev in Dauji and
- Every god in Govardhan.
Janmashtami Celebration in Nandgaon
The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated in Nandgaon, the city of Lord Krishna’s father Nand Baba. The reason behind celebrating Janmashtami the next day here
The greetings of God are sung daily from the day after the Raksha Bandhan festival. God is wooed through 8 days and 8 congratulatory songs. The birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna is celebrated on the 8th day.
Mathura’s Message of Love and Devotion
Mathura’s Janmashtami celebrations and spiritual legacy embody the essence of love, devotion, and divine playfulness.
Lessons from Lord Krishna
Mathura’s connection to Lord Krishna teaches us the importance of love, duty, and the pursuit of righteousness.
Uniting Devotees
Mathura becomes a focal point for devotees from all walks of life, united in their reverence for Lord Krishna.
Conclusion
Mathura Krishna Janmashtami is not just a festival; it’s an experience that connects devotees with the divine and echoes the teachings of Lord Krishna. As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant celebrations and explore the spiritual heritage of Mathura, let’s reflect on the timeless wisdom that this sacred land imparts.
FAQs
Why is Mathura significant for Janmashtami?
Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, making it a place of deep spiritual importance during Janmashtami.
What is the Rasa Lila enactment?
The Rasa Lila is a divine dance that depicts Lord Krishna’s playful interactions with the Gopis (cowherd girls) and symbolizes the soul’s yearning for union with the divine.
Can I visit Mathura only during Janmashtami?
No, Mathura is a year-round pilgrimage destination with a rich spiritual heritage that can be explored at any time.
What teachings can we learn from Mathura’s connection to Lord Krishna?
Mathura’s connection to Lord Krishna teaches us about love, devotion, righteousness, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Is Mathura safe for travellers during Janmashtami?
Yes, Mathura is a popular pilgrimage destination and is generally safe for travellers, especially during the Janmashtami festivities.