Sri Krishna Jayanthi, birthday of Lord Krishna, in 2025 date based on calendars followed in India. Sri Krishna Jayanti celebrates the birthday of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna Jayanti 2025 date in West, East and Southern parts of  India is on August 15. In North India, it is on August 16, 2025. It is observed as Dahi Handi in Maharashtra , the formation of the huge human pyramids to break the pot hung high up. The festival is also known as Gokulashtami and Krishnashtami. Sri Krishna Jayanthi 2025 in Different Parts of India Sri Krishna Jayanti - on August 15 day and midnight in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and eastern parts of India. Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav - August 16 midnight from 11:30 PM onwards in North India and Gujarat Dwarkadhish Temple. Janmashtami Vrat is on August 16 in North India Ashtami Rohini - September 14  in Kerala Dahi Handi and Gopalkala in Maharashtra - August 16 Vittal Pindi at Udupi Sri Krishna Temple - Au...

Krishna: The Divine Royal Raised in Humility The story of Krishna’s birth and upbringing is one of the most cherished and profound narratives in the Hindu tradition. It weaves together themes of divine purpose, cosmic order, humility, and love in a way that continues to inspire and guide millions. Though Krishna is born into the Yadava royal family, his early life unfolds far from the palace, among the simple, pastoral community of cowherds in Vrindavan. This extraordinary juxtaposition of royal origin and humble upbringing is rich with spiritual symbolism and deep significance, revealing the multifaceted nature of Krishna’s role in the world. The Divine Birth in the Darkest Hour Krishna’s birth occurs in a time of great turmoil. The tyrant king Kamsa, ruler of Mathura, terrorizes the land after a prophecy foretells that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would be his destroyer. Out of fear, Kamsa imprisons Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, ruthlessly killing their children one by...

Bhakti is the only means of attaining the bliss of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and varies in intensity from the joy of peace to divine ecstasy. Bhakti, as the logic of the heart, arises from and arouses the bliss potency of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and it consists of love for love’s sake, and does not seek any boon. Priti or love gradually develops into a longing and has five stages. Krishna-prema is divinely rooted in sukha prema, bhakti melts the heart and makes it glow; in pranaya stage, it becomes invasive; it heightens in mana; bhakti then compels it to yield and at the raga stage, even pain is joyful. The philosophy of bhakti, according to Chaitanya, is explanation of the spiritual bhavas or moods (Krishna prema) in ascending order of intimacy culminating in madhurabhava. A bhakta does not reason the existence of God, but feels him to be the very essence of life. Bhakti pre-supposes the renunciation of ahamkara. Ascetic self-repression has no value for the bhakta as he treats the body a...

  Divine Rasapanchadhyayi: The Eternal Rasalila of Nine-Year-Old Krishna In the pastoral setting of Vrindavan, one night in autumn witnessed an event of timeless significance: the Rasakrida or Rasalila of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Described in Srimad Bhagavata Purana (10.29–33), these five chapters—collectively known as Rasapanchadhyayi—capture an episode that transcends mere history or narrative. It reveals profound spiritual truths about the nature of divine love, the potency of devotion, and the mysterious workings of maya. The Prelude to Rasakrida Seated by the gently flowing Yamuna, nine-year-old Krishna began to play enchanting melodies on his flute. The notes wove through the cool night air, irresistibly drawing all the gopis of Vrindavan to his side. Their footsteps echoed against the moonlit sands as they hurried to glimpse the source of that celestial sound. Upon gathering around him, Krishna feigned indifference, playfully suggesting they return home. Yet their single-min...

  Krishna: The Paripurna Avatar – The Embodiment of Perfection In the vast tapestry of Hindu theology, avatars are divine descents expressing God’s will in human or other forms. Among these incarnations, Krishna stands out as the Paripurna avatar — the complete, perfect manifestation of the Supreme. Unlike other avatars who appeared for specific purposes or limited missions, Krishna embodies the fullness of divine attributes in every aspect of his life, teachings, and actions. This article explores why Krishna is venerated as the perfect avatar, examining the dimensions of his divinity, his timeless teachings, and his boundless love. The Concept of Paripurna The Sanskrit term “Paripurna” literally means “filled up” or “complete.” A paripurna avatar is one who manifests all divine qualities without any diminution. In contrast, many avatars, though powerful, specialize in particular tasks—like Narasimha for protection or Vamana for cosmic balance. Krishna, however, is the only o...

Govinda: The Loving Protector and Simple Divine Friend In the vast ocean of divine names attributed to Lord Krishna, one name shines with exceptional warmth and intimacy— Govinda . Unlike other epithets that extol Krishna's cosmic powers or heroic deeds, Govinda carries with it a fragrance of simplicity, tenderness, and unconditional love. It is a name that not only reflects the essence of Krishna's earthly incarnation but also offers profound spiritual lessons for devotees and seekers across generations. The Divine Cowherd The name Govinda means "protector of cows" or "one who gives pleasure to the senses and the earth." In the sacred texts and oral traditions of Hinduism, Krishna is often portrayed as a cowherd boy in the pastoral land of Vrindavan. His days were filled with playful mischief, soulful flute melodies, and the humble responsibility of tending to the cows. Far from being a trivial depiction, this image reveals a deep truth about the nature ...

Divine Light in Darkness: The Four-Handed Form of Krishna at Birth and Its Eternal Message The narrative of Krishna’s birth holds profound significance in Hindu tradition. Among the many wondrous details surrounding the appearance of Krishna to Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison, one striking element is his momentary four-handed divine form. According to certain accounts, the new-born Lord manifested with four hands before his parents were aware of his true nature. This brief revelation of his divine glory conveys deep teachings about the nature of divinity, the purpose of human life, and the eternal principles that guide the cosmos. In this article, we explore the symbolism of Krishna’s four-handed form at birth, examine insights from the Bhagavata tradition and great masters, draw life lessons, and reflect on its modern-day relevance and benefits. The Four-Handed Form: Symbolism of the Divine In Hindu sacred history, four-armed forms are commonly associated with the supreme divine,...

Sri Krishna is known as "Devakinandana" for several significant reasons that highlight his divine relationship with his mother, Devaki. This epithet, which means "one who gives joy to Devaki," encapsulates the profound connection between Krishna and his mother, rooted in mythology, devotion, and historical context. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind this name: Mythological Background Devaki, the daughter of King Devaka of the Yadu dynasty, and her husband Vasudeva were chosen by divine providence to be the parents of Krishna. The story goes that in a previous life, Devaki and Vasudeva were known as Prishni and Sutapa. They performed severe penance and austerities (tapasya) to please Lord Vishnu. Their devotion was so intense and pure that Vishnu granted them the boon of being born as their son in a future incarnation. This past connection set the stage for Krishna’s birth to Devaki and Vasudeva in their next lives, fulfilling the divine promise. Bi...

Divine Pastimes: Understanding Krishna’s Rasa Lila and Gopivastrapaharana The divine pastimes of Sri Krishna, especially the episodes of Rasa Lila and Gopivastrapaharana, have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless devotees and scholars alike. These narratives, prominently described in the Bhagavata Purana, serve not only as stories of playful exploits but also as allegories for the intimate, mystical relationship between the Supreme and his devotees. Analyzing these events within their proper theological, historical, and cultural context helps us appreciate their true significance—and clarifies why modern criticisms, based on a superficial reading, misrepresent their divine essence. Krishna’s Divine Lila: An Overview The term lila refers to the divine play or sport of God—a spontaneous, effortless, and joyous expression of his inherent qualities. In the context of Krishna’s life, his youthful pastimes are not to be interpreted in the mundane or literal sense, but as profou...

 The connection between the Hindu god Krishna and the ancient Greeks is a fascinating topic that intertwines mythology, history, and cultural interactions. While there is no direct historical evidence of Krishna himself interacting with the ancient Greeks, the stories of his encounters with the "Yavanas" in Indian texts hint at possible cultural exchanges or historical parallels between the two civilizations. Here's an expanded exploration of this topic: 1. Yavanas in Indian Texts The term Yavana in Sanskrit is often used to denote Greeks, particularly after Alexander the Great's invasion of India in 326 BCE. Over time, Yavana came to be a general term for people of Western origin, including Central Asians and those from Hellenistic kingdoms. In the Mahabharata , the Harivamsa , and the Bhagavata Purana , Krishna is described as fighting a Yavana king named Kalayavana. Kalayavana leads an army to attack Krishna's kingdom of Mathura. Krishna employs strategy and ...

The tale of Sri Krishna's participation in the fish in a revolving machine contest for swayamvara is a captivating narrative found in Hindu scriptures, symbolizing devotion, skill, and divine intervention. Lakshmana, the daughter of King Brihatsena, possessed unparalleled beauty and virtues that attracted numerous prosperous kings. However, her heart belonged to Sri Krishna, whom she revered for his divine qualities and exceptional archery skills. King Brihatsena, respecting his daughter's choice and Krishna's stature, arranged a swayamvara to ensure fairness and prevent conflict among the suitors. The contest's challenge was formidable: shooting down a fish suspended from a revolving machine, using only its reflection in the water as a target. Many suitors faltered in the face of this daunting task, struggling to even lift the bow, let alone aim accurately. Krishna, however, exuded confidence and grace as he effortlessly strung the bow, displaying his unparallele...

Krishna is himself the embodiment of the teachings of the Gita. A cursory look at his life is enough to convince us that from his very birth difficulties and problems kept pounding him like waves, one after the other; but he faced them all with perfect equanimity — with a smile on his lips. His numerous victories did not affect his poise, nor was he dejected on having to flee in the face of Jarasandha’s threats. He performed the duties of every station of life to perfection, but remained unattached all the same. He was strongly committed to the welfare of the inhabitants of Vrindavan, who were not only deeply attached to him but also loved him with all their hearts. However, this did not prevent him from moving to Mathura and then to Dwaraka in response to the call of duty. In fact, he never looked back at Vrindavan, the playground of his childhood, even though he ensured the well-being of its residents. He was equally at ease on the throne of Dwaraka and the seat of the charioteer...