Radha Ashtami, also known as Radhashtami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to honor the birth of Radha Rani, the beloved consort of Lord Krishna. Falling on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the month of Bhadrapada, this festival is celebrated with great fervor, particularly in the regions of Vrindavan, Barsana, and other parts of North India. Let’s explore more about our queen, the significance of Radha Ashtami, and how you can celebrate this auspicious day.
When is Radha Ashtami? Tithi and Muhurat (Date and Time)
Radha Ashtami on Wednesday, 11th September, 2024
Madhyahna Time: 11:03 AM to 01:32 PM
Duration: 02 Hours, 29 Mins
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 11:11 PM on 10th September, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 11:46 PM on 11th September, 2024
The Story of Radha Rani
Radha Rani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna, is one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology, known for her boundless love and devotion. The story of Radha’s birth is both enchanting and mystical, filled with divine mysteries that emphasize her celestial origins and her unique relationship with Lord Krishna.
According to Hindu scriptures, Radha is not considered an ordinary mortal but a divine incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She is regarded as the “Adi-Shakti,” the original, supreme power of the universe, and is often described as the feminine aspect of the divine. Her birth is believed to be as miraculous and mystical as her eternal bond with Lord Krishna.
The Appearance of Radha Rani on Earth
Radha’s birth is shrouded in mystery and divine play (Lila). The most popular legend states that Radha Rani appeared on Earth in the village of Barsana, near Vrindavan, in the home of King Vrishabhanu and Queen Kirtida.
One day, King Vrishabhanu, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, went to the Yamuna River to perform his daily rituals. As he approached the river, he saw a golden lotus floating on its surface. Drawn by its divine aura, he moved closer and discovered a beautiful baby girl lying on the lotus. Overwhelmed with emotion and awe, he took the child in his arms, feeling that this was no ordinary child but a divine gift from the gods.
Vrishabhanu and his wife, Kirtida, were overjoyed by the arrival of the baby girl. They brought her home and named her Radha. However, there was one peculiarity about the child: her eyes remained closed, and she did not respond to the world around her. Despite this, Vrishabhanu and Kirtida loved Radha deeply, accepting her as a divine blessing.
Radha Rani Opens Her Eyes
The story takes a mystical turn when, one day, the baby Krishna, along with his parents, Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda, came to visit Vrishabhanu’s house in Barsana. As soon as Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, approached the cradle where baby Radha lay, something miraculous happened. For the first time, Radha opened her eyes and looked directly at Krishna.
It is believed that Radha’s eyes remained closed from birth because she had no desire to see the material world. Her eyes opened only when she saw her divine counterpart, Krishna, signifying that her existence was solely for him. Their first gaze upon each other is considered the beginning of their divine love, a bond that would become the epitome of devotion and spiritual union.
The Mystery of Radha Rani’s Birth
Different texts and traditions offer varied perspectives on the mystical nature of Radha’s birth. Some believe that Radha did not have a mortal birth in the conventional sense. According to these beliefs, she manifested herself as an eternal divine entity, and her appearance on Earth was solely for the purpose of being with Krishna.
There are also narratives in which Radha is said to have been born in Goloka, the divine realm of Krishna, before manifesting on Earth. In this spiritual realm, she is eternally united with Krishna as his divine consort, and their love and Leela (divine play) are considered timeless and infinite.
The Correlation with Janmashtami
People often portray Radha Rani as a part of Krishna, divided into two forms to embody the essence of selfless love in his incarnation. Scriptures regard Radha as the complete incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Radha Ashtami falls 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. While Janmashtami marks the birth of Krishna, Radha Ashtami celebrates the birth of Radha, his eternal consort. Together, these festivals represent the union of the soul (Radha) with the divine (Krishna) and the ultimate expression of love and devotion.
Radha Ashtami Rituals
- Morning Puja and Abhishekam: The day begins with a ritual bath, followed by the decoration of the idol or picture of Radha Rani with flowers, ornaments, and a special dress. Devotees perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Radha Rani’s idol with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water, known as Panchamrit.
- Chanting and Bhajans: Devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) and chant the name of Radha and Krishna, creating a spiritual atmosphere filled with devotion and joy. The chanting of “Radhe Radhe” and “Hare Krishna” is believed to cleanse the soul and bring one closer to the divine.
- Fasting (Vrat): Many devotees observe a fast on Radha Ashtami to honor Radha Rani. Devotees usually observe a partial fast, consuming fruits, milk, and simple foods while avoiding grains and salt. They see fasting as a way to purify the body and mind, helping them focus better on spiritual practices.
- Reading Radha-Krishna Stories: Devotees read stories and scriptures about Radha and Krishna, particularly from the “Bhagavata Purana” or “Gita Govinda.” This helps deepen their understanding of Radha’s divine love and devotion for Krishna.
- Evening Aarti and Prasad Distribution: The day concludes with an Aarti (a devotional ceremony with lamps) dedicated to Radha Rani, followed by the distribution of Prasad (holy offerings) to all the devotees. The Prasad usually includes sweets like Kheer, Ladoo, and fruits.
- Offering of Special Food: Devotees prepare and offer special food items that Radha Rani loved, such as butter, milk-based sweets, and fresh fruits. Offering these items symbolizes the love and respect of the devotees toward the divine mother.
Colors to Wear on Radha Ashtami
Wearing specific colors on Radha Ashtami can enhance the festive spirit and signify devotion. Traditionally, the color associated with Radha Rani is yellow or peacock blue. These colors represent purity, devotion, and the joyous nature of Radha. Many devotees choose to wear yellow sarees or dhotis, while others opt for peacock blue garments to honor Radha Rani on her special day.
Foods and Offerings
On Radha Ashtami, devotees prepare a variety of sweets and delicacies as offerings to Radha Rani. Some of the popular food items include:
- Makhan Mishri: A simple dish made of freshly churned butter and sugar crystals, believed to be Krishna’s favorite and anything that krishna likes is Radha Ranis favourite as well.
- Arbi: Arbi also known as taro root in english is said to be Radha Ranis most favourite. A simple arbi fry, or arbi ki sabji can make our Radha Rani please with joy.
- Kheer: A sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom, often garnished with dry fruits.
- Malpua: A sweet pancake made from flour, milk, and sugar, deep-fried and soaked in syrup.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits, offered as a symbol of simplicity and purity.
- Ladoo: Various types of ladoos (sweet balls made from flour, ghee, and sugar) are prepared and offered as prasad.
But for sure our karunamayi Shri Radha Rani will accept anything offered with love and devotion.
Significance of Radha Ashtami
Radha Ashtami holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Krishna. It is an auspicious day for all devotees. It represents the celebration of divine love and the ultimate form of Bhakti or devotion. Devotees consider Radha Rani the embodiment of selfless love and devotion toward Krishna, and they celebrate Radha Ashtami as an opportunity to express their devotion and seek her blessings.
Radha Ashtami also symbolizes the union of the individual soul with the supreme consciousness, which is the ultimate goal of human life according to Hindu philosophy. By honoring Radha Rani, devotees believe they can attain divine grace and spiritual fulfillment.
Benefits of Celebrating Radha Ashtami
Observing Radha Ashtami brings numerous spiritual, emotional, and even physical benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of celebrating Radha Ashtami:
- Spiritual Upliftment and Inner Peace
- Improved Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
- Helps in improving relationships between couples
- Inspiration for Selfless Service
- Brings you closer to Radhey Krishna
Chanting the Pranam Mantras
We offer our respects to Srimati Radharani by chanting the following pranam mantra:
Sri Radha Pranama:
tapta-kancana-gaurangi radhe vrindavanesvari
vrishabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priye
‘I bow to Radharani, whose radiant complexion is like molten gold and who is the Queen of Vrindavana. You are the beloved daughter of King Vrishabhanu and are very dear to Lord Krishna.’
Reciting this mantra on the occasion of Radha Ashtami brings Radharani’s blessings, filling our lives with happiness, prosperity, and inner peace.
Radhey Radhey!
