Of the many gods in the Hindu pantheon, it is perhaps Lord Krishna who is most dearly loved by the majority. It is believed Lord Krishna is the human reincarnation of Lord Vishnu who is one of the trinity that is at the pinnacle of Hindu gods. Interestingly Lord Krishna is depicted in all religious scriptures as having Blue coloured skin and that is perhaps because of the important position he occupies in the Hindu religious architecture. However some believe that he is shown with Blue skin because of the expansive nature of his character, intellect and wisdom. He occupies a pivotal position in Hinduism because it is around him that the story of Mahabharata revolves and it his sermon to the central character of that epic Arjun that makes for the most important book in Asia called the Bhagwat Geeta.
The very birth of lord Krishna is steeped in mystical folklore and contains many magical elements. He was born on the midnight hours of the 8th day in the Lunar month called Shravan. This roughly coincides to a period in Aug-Sep of the Gregorian calendar. Since it is the 8th day the occasion is commonly called Janmashtami or Sri Krishna Janmashtami. This day is a pan-India occasion for great festivities and people from all walks of life take part with great devotion.
In a way, Lord Krishna is also considered the God of Platonic Love and often on this day, he is worshipped along with his consort Sri Radha. At every location, one might find Lord Krishna being worshipped as a small baby referred to as Bal Krishna or Little Krishna and in some parts of India he is worshipped along with his consort Radha on a Hanging swing which gives the occasion another name Jhulan yatra.
For those that have read that fabled Scripture of the Bhagwat Geeta, the intensity of the wisdom and depth of Reasoning will no doubt touch the very core of one’s heart. There is an amazing wealth of Hindu thoughts hidden within this epic, which has been a source of wisdom for most Indians. There are many who follow the complete teachings of the Bhagwat in their daily lives.
During the festival of Janmashtami, devotees often fast and sing devotional songs through the night and often in places, the occasion stretches for days. One can see, incense sticks being lit, camphor being burnt, idols of Lord Krishna being decked with flower garlands and food offerings being made. Here people recite verses from the Bhagwat Geeta from which people derive immense teachings that will provide them the wisdom of good honest living. Another important aspect is Dahi-Handi which is a part of this festival where people unite in trying to reach a pot of Fresh Curd hung at a height. The people form a sort of chain and reach the high pot to break it. This aspect of the festival teaches people the wisdom of Strength in Unity.
From the gist of teachings one can find in the scriptures related to Lord Krishna, it teaches the art of being good and honest and that God reincarnates at every stage when the powers of evil seems to be getting an upper hand over the power of good.
