Radhashtami: Tithi, Significance and Celebrations!
Amongst all the festivals dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu or his incarnations or avatars, Radhashtami has its own significance. The festival is dedicated to Radha Rani, the Queen of Vrindavan. She is the divine consort and closest friend of Hari.
Radhashtami Important Dates and Tithi
- Ashtami Tithi beginning – Sep 22, 2023, at 01.35 PM, Friday
- Ashtami Tithi ends – Sep 23, 2023, at 12.17 PM, Saturday
Significance of Radhashtami
Radha Ashtami, Radha Jayanti, or Radhika Ashtami is the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha. She was the daughter of Vrishabhanu and Keertikumari. In their previous birth, they prayed to Bhagwan Brahma to get Laxmi Ji as their daughter. So, Bhagwan Brahma gave them a boon that Goddess Laxmi (Lakshmi) would be their daughter in the next birth. One day, Vrishabhanu was walking home when he found a little girl, who was lying on the leaf of a lotus in a pond. As he was childless, he took the child home. Vrishabhanu and Keertikumari raised the child as their daughter – Radha.
During Gaura Paksha of Hrishikesha (Bhadrapada) Radhashtami falls on Ashtami Tithi. Radha’s relationship with Krishna is frequently interpreted as a representation of the soul’s yearning for and pursuit of unity with God. It is said that their love represents the connection between the individual soul (Atman) and the Supreme Reality (Brahman).
The day honours the divine friendship between Shri Krishna and Radha. Their bond is eternal and pure and can be understood only after overcoming all worldly impurities. It is a representation of how the individual soul can merge with the almighty. It is known that Radha and Krishna exist together and are known as Radha Krishna.
Radhashtami Celebrations
Pujas and Prayers
On this day, special pujas and prayers are held in Hari’s temples, especially in North India. The grandest celebrations are observed in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana (the birthplace of Radha ji).
On this day, worshippers wake up before sunrise and worship Radharani. Prayers are offered to Bhagwan Shri Krishna along with Goddess Radha.
The idol is bathed and the Abhishek is performed with “Panchamrit” at noon. Afterwards, the idol is adorned with flowers and fresh clothes. Devotees also offer Shrinagar items, dhoop and bhog to Radhaji. Next, the aarti is sung and the prasad is distributed among devotees. In order to know more about the rituals to be followed, do’s and don’ts on this special day, talk to an astrologer now.
Chanting of the following mantra should be done to get blessings
|| Aum Vrashbahnujaye Vidmahe, Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodyat ||
Devotees also chant“Jai Jai Shree Radhe” the whole day to get the blessings.
Vrat (Fasting)
Devotees also observe fast on this day. As per texts, the devotees who observe fast on this day are blessed with a prosperous life. They will be able to overcome all the obstacles and materialistic pursuits. Also, it helps one get rid of tamasic thoughts and attain spiritual bliss.
Krishna Katha
As per Bhagavat Purana, listening to pastimes of Radharani and Krishna on this day brings the same results as performing Vedic yajnas and fire sacrifices.
Devotees also recite the name of Goddess Radha and chanting of “Radha Gayatri Mantra” is being done.
The divine love story of Radha and Krishna, known as Ras Lila, is also recited during Radhashtami celebrations. Devotees listen to these narrations with great devotion.
Bhajan and Kirtan
On this day, bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Radhaji are performed by devotees at home and temple.
Some devotees on the day of Radha Ashtami, perform deeds of kindness and service, such as giving food to the needy, clothing or other necessities.
Jhulanostav
Swings (jhulas) adorned with flowers are installed in several temples in honour of Radha and Krishna. While singing devotional songs, worshippers rotate swinging the gods. This action serves as a metaphor for Radha and Krishna’s lively and adoring relationship.
So, on this special day, get your desire fulfilled by worshipping Radha Rani and Kanha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Radha Ashtami celebrated?
A: Fasting, prayer, devotional music and special Radha and Krishna-focused pujas are all part of the celebration of Radha Ashtami. Temples are decorated, and Radha and Krishna idols are bathed and dressed in new attire and jewels. Devotees frequently rock both Radha and Shri Krishna on jhula (swing) while distributing prasad.
Q: When is Radha Ashtami celebrated?
A: Radha Ashtami is typically observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright half of the Bhadrapada, which usually falls in September.
