Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti, commemorates the birth anniversary of Radha, considered the incarnation of goddess Lakshmi. This sacred day falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha during the month of ‘Bhadrapada.’
Radha Ashtami: Celebration and Significance
Celebrated with grandeur, Radha Ashtami honors the unique and selfless love shared between Lord Krishna and Radha. The festivities include special pujas and prayers held in temples nationwide, with Vrindavan, Mathura, and Barsana being key celebratory locations.
Radha Ashtami: Understanding the Divine Bond
To comprehend the sacred relationship between Lord Krishna and Radha, devotees strive to purify their minds from vices and impurities. The essence lies in recognizing the Raasleela, where the individual soul realizes its connection with the universal soul.
Why Radha Ashtami is Celebrated
Radha Ashtami marks the birth of Radha Rani, who, according to Hindu mythology, is the divine lover of Lord Krishna. This celebration involves puja, prayers, and fasting, taking place in the month of Bhadrapada, typically in August or September.
Importance of Radha Ashtami
The love between Radha and Lord Krishna symbolizes the purest form of love in Hindu mythology. Radha, regarded as the mother of the universe, blesses devotees with Krishna-bhakti. Fasting on Radha Ashtami is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and freedom from sins.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)
Devotees observe a fast on Radha Jayanti with a pure heart and deep devotion. The idol of Radha is bathed, adorned, and worshipped with panchamrit. Offerings include dhoop, flowers, incense sticks, and bhog (prasad). Joint worship of Radha and Krishna is common, emphasizing prayer and chanting sessions in temples. The Prasad is considered blessed and distributed among devotees.
How to Perform Radha Ashtami Vrat
On the auspicious occasion of Radha Ashtami, devotees follow a sacred ritual known as the vrat. Here’s a guide on how to observe Radha Ashtami vrat vidhi:
1. Morning Bath:
- Initiate the day by taking a purifying morning bath.
2. Mandala Creation:
- Create a mandala under a pavilion.
- Place clay in the center to set up a sacred space for the ritual.
3. Installation of Radha Idol:
- Install a statue of Goddess Radha in the prepared space.
4. Abhishek (Ceremonial Bath):
- Perform an abhishek, a ceremonial bath, on the Radha idol using holy water or “Panchamrit.”
5. Adornment of Radha Idol:
- Adorn the idol with new clothes, jewelry, and fresh flowers.
6. Recitation and Prayer:
- Recite the shadopchaar, a set of six rituals.
- Chant the ‘Radha Gayatrimantra’ to invoke divine blessings.
7. Worship and Prayers:
- Offer your heartfelt prayers and devotion to Goddess Radha.
8. Breaking the Fast:
- Conclude the vrat by either completing or breaking the fast.
9. Acts of Charity:
- Consider donating food to Brahmins, an act of charity highly valued on Radha Ashtami.
10. Spiritual Cleansing: – According to Narad Purana, observing a fast on this day is believed to purify the soul, helping one rid themselves of sins.