Jayanti Nirnaya is one of the 37 works of Madhvacharya. It
lays down the rules and procedures for observing Sri Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami,
the birthday of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.
As per the text, on the eighth day of the waning phase of
moon in Shravan month, if the birth star Rohini prevails at night, that day is
Sri Krishna Jayanti. Bhagavan appeared on earth, on Rohini Nakshatra, on
Shravan Krishna Paksha Ashtami in Dwapara Yuga.
Devotees should observe the day with devotion and fasting.
In the morning, one has to bathe and perform the prescribed
early rituals and recite the hymn ‘yojanaye yojana pataye’. Also one should listen
to discourses or recite holy texts glorifying Bhagavan’s deeds. The fast also
begins in the morning.
Mid-day another bath should be taken and the rituals
repeated.
At night when the moon rises, the entire family should offer
oblations to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Chandra, the moon god. The offerings
include milk and water. Arghya mantra should be recited three times.
The fast ends on next day morning after bath and ablutions.