Why Tonight’s Janmashtami is the Most Auspicious in Centuries

Today marks the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, a day revered across the globe by millions of devotees who celebrate with unwavering devotion and enthusiasm. From the break of dawn, temples have been abuzz with the spirited preparations for Krishna Janmashtami, a festival that commemorates the divine descent of Kanha, as Lord Krishna is fondly called. Devotional songs and hymns reverberate through the air, filling the hearts of devotees with a profound sense of spirituality. Temples are adorned with vibrant decorations, each detail meticulously crafted to honour the beloved deity. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation as devotees eagerly await the auspicious moment when Kanha is believed to descend to bless his followers.

In the ancient Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna was born at the stroke of midnight on the Ashtami tithi (the eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) in the holy month of Bhadrapada. This night, a similarly auspicious celestial alignment is expected to occur, a rare confluence that is believed to hold significant spiritual power. Astrologers predict that those who worship Kanha during this rare convergence will be showered with the divine blessings of Bal Gopal, the child form of Lord Krishna.

A Rare Alignment Tonight: Krishna Janmashtami 2024’s Shubh Sanyog

This year’s Janmashtami is particularly extraordinary due to the rare convergence of six celestial elements, a combination that occurs once in several lifetimes. These elements include the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada, the Ashtami tithi at midnight, the Rohini Nakshatra, the Moon in Taurus, and the occurrence of either Monday or Wednesday. This rare alignment significantly enhances the spiritual significance of Janmashtami, promising those who worship Bal Gopal during this sacred time an abundance of joy, prosperity, and divine grace.

Wishing you all a blissful Sri Krishna Janmashtami. ❤️🫶 pic.twitter.com/tRFYviJ0tH

— Bhagavad Gita 𑁍 (@GitaShlokas) August 26, 2024

Auspicious Yoga Mirroring Dwapar Yuga on Janmashtami 2024

According to the Hindu calendar, this year’s Janmashtami is marked by the Moon’s exaltation in Taurus, coinciding with the Ashtami tithi and Rohini Nakshatra. Such a celestial alignment is believed to mirror the cosmic conditions present during the birth of Lord Krishna in the Dwapar Yuga, making this Janmashtami a particularly sacred occasion.

Furthermore, this Janmashtami will witness the formation of several powerful yogas or auspicious astrological combinations. These include the Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, which is believed to fulfil all desires; the Gaj Kesari Yoga, formed by the conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, which is considered highly beneficial; and the Mahalakshmi Yoga, associated with wealth and prosperity. These yogas will be in effect late into the night, from 12:01 AM to 12:45 AM on 26th August, a time deemed most propitious for worshipping Kanha.

The Divine Events Surrounding Kanha’s Birth

The birth of Lord Krishna is steeped in divine mystery and miraculous occurrences. The tyrannical King Kansa of Mathura had imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband, the Yaduvanshi King Vasudeva, after a divine prophecy foretold that their eighth child would be his doom. Consumed by fear, Kansa mercilessly killed the couple’s first seven children within the dark confines of their prison.

However, on the night of Janmashtami, as the clock struck midnight, the eighth child, Lord Krishna, was born. Miraculously, the chains that bound Vasudeva and the prison doors opened of their own accord, and the guards fell into a deep, mystical slumber. The sky, thick with clouds, erupted into a fierce storm, with torrential rains and bolts of lightning illuminating the heavens.

- PTC PUNJABI