The birth anniversary of "Shri Radha Rani" occurs on Radha Ashtami. She is a manifestation of Lakshmi, the goddess.
In the month of Bhadrapada, Radha Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha. Radha Jayanti is another name for Radha Ashtami.
Goddess Radha is worshipped by devotees with great devotion. The day also celebrates the unconditional love shared by Lord Krishna and Radha, a special link between a human and a divine being.
On the festival of Radha Ashtami, special prayers and pujas are held in Lord Krishna temples around the nation. Even more extravagant festivals are held at Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana.
According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on Ashtami (8th day), which falls on the brilliant fortnight of the moon during the month of Bhadrapada.
Radha Ashtami, commonly referred to as Radhashtmi or Radha Jayanti, celebrates the selfless love of Radha Rani and Shri Krishna.
Birth of Radha
15 days after Janmashtami, which honors the anniversary of Shri Krishna's birth, is Radha Ashtami. It was well known that Radha Rani was the goddess Lakshmi's incarnation.
Radha Rani is thought to have been born—or rather discovered—lying on a lotus petal in a pond near Barsana.
She was adopted by Keerti and Vrishbhanu, a couple who did not have children of their own, and took her up (According to ISKCON). The young child reportedly didn't open her eyes till Shri Krishna came in front of her.
According to Hindu texts, Radha is Lord Krishna's spiritual force, and anybody who observes the Radha Ashtami Vrat (fast) will be granted a long and happy life.
Why is Radha Ashtami Celebrated and Radha Ashtami's Story
Radha Ashtami is a happy holiday. Lord Krishna is the global soul, while Radha is a particular soul. Radhakrishna refers to the coexistence of Radha and Krishna.
The Radha Ashtami Vrata spectator will be granted a long and wealthy life. The individual will conquer all challenges, fulfill their ambitions, and find salvation.
It is thought that keeping the Radha Ashtami Fast and paying homage to Goddess Durga can assist you in atoning for all of your sins. They will achieve spiritual happiness and have their bad ideas banished.
Radhaji is also known as Krishna Vallabh, in accordance with the Vedas and Puranas. Radhaji was extremely beloved by Lord Krishna. Radha controls Lord Krishna's life. Therefore, solely worshiping a Krishna idol without her is insufficient.
How to Celebrate Radha Ashtami at Home?
In Vrindavan and the neighboring districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Radha Ashtami is observed with great fervor and passion.
Devotees rise before dawn on Radha Ashtami and spend the day worshiping Radha Rani. Some of them fast while making prayers to Radha Rani and Shri Krishna.
Women conduct an Abhishek using Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, jaggery, and honey and wash Radha Krishna statues.
Then they are decorated with garments and flowers along with bhog and dhoop, the worshippers present the god with shringar articles. Radha Ashtami Prasad is provided to the worshippers as aartis are sung.
Celebrate Radha Ashtami at home with these divine Radha Krishna Idols -
Benefits of Celebrating Radha Ashtami
On this auspicious day, worshiping Lord Krishna and the goddess Radha brings harmony and tranquility into one's life.
Reciting the Radha Gayatri mantra and participating in Aarti may make it simpler for them to overcome obstacles in life, accomplish their worldly objectives, and attain salvation.
Fasting on Radha Ashtami is a tradition that helps people purge their past transgressions. According to ancient texts, followers may only be able to satisfy Shri Krishna if Shri Radha is adored.
Therefore, worshiping Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha on the day of Bhadrapada's Asthami has immense significance.
Sage Narada has explained the importance of worshipping goddess Radha with Shri Krishna using Hindu mythology as his source.
Since Lord Sri Krishna lives underneath Goddess Radha, she serves as the ruling goddess over his life. Therefore, on this day of Ashtami, Vaishnavas offer the utmost homage to the Hindu deities.
Foods to Eat During Radha Ashtami
Devotees typically conduct a full day of fasting on this day to gain blessings from the almighty soul. However, people can consume some advised meals and beverages during fasting.
Some of the beverages that are used to keep energized include lemon water, coconut water, and buttermilk. You may also eat foods like jaggery, fresh fruits, raita, dates, apple kheer, and other nuts during the day.
Radha Ashtami Puja Ritual
Before the sun even rises, devotees awaken and spend the day praying to Goddess Radha. Some followers keep a fast. Radha and Lord Krishna are prayed to. The statue of Goddess Radha is cleaned, and an Abhishek using "Panchamrit" is conducted.
The superstar is decked out in brand-new attire, jewelry, and flowers. The followers present Radhaji with Shringar, dhoop, and Bhog.
Devotees chant the "Radha Gayatri Mantra" and repeat the names of the goddess Radha. According to the Narad Purana, a person who fasts on this day will be purified of all sins.
Radha's birthplace, Barsana, has a severe policy against bathing in the Radha Kund. Even screaming her name is prohibited on any other day due to its uncouth nature.
However, on the day of Radha Ashtami, worshippers must wait to bathe in Radha Kund's sacred waters.
The temples in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Rawal all observe this day. On this day, Goswamis gather at Radha Vallabh Temple to rejoice. The worshippers are given this curd and turmeric concoction.
When the temple doors have been closed, Bhog is presented to Radhaji. There are planned kirtans and bhajans. An Aarti is done as a conclusion.
Conclusion
Radhashtami is a holiday commemorating the birth or anniversary of Sri Radha, the holy and everlasting wife of Sri Krishna.
Radha Jayanti, also known as Radhashtami, occurs on the eighth day of the second half of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The devotees of Lord Krishna are blessed on this day.
According to legend, Radha is Krishna's might, the highest God, and she has authority over him since they are inseparable, like the Sun and the Sunlight.
Devotees observe a half-day fast and worship Radha Rani and Lord Krishna at temples where the idols of these deities are exquisitely decked with flowers, mesmerizing the souls of the seekers of the holy couple's blessings.
Radha Krishna idols are always seen cherishing the form of love and affection between them. In some of the idol types, it's common to see Radha leaning on to Krishna while he plays his flute or Radha and Krishna dancing together.
