Birth of Krishna

According to Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata, Harivamsa, and the Krishna Charitas, the birth of Krishna took place in Mathura, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, to Vasudeva Anakdundubhi, and his wife Devaki. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was the eighth of the ten avatars of Vishnu, born in the Dvapara Yuga, the third age of the present Hindu cosmology. Krishna is revered as the Supreme Being in many Hindu traditions, most notably in the Krishnaism tradition of Vaishnavism.

1890 painting of Raja Ravi Varma, depicting the birth of Krishna in the jail of Kamsa. Vasudeva secretly takes baby Krishna from the prison to Nanda.

Though Krishna's date of birth is heavily disputed, many scholars believe that Krishna was probably born around 3rd millennium BCE, or even earlier. Born in Mathura, in the prison of his maternal uncle Kamsa, Krishna was taken to Nanda, by his father in Vraja, through river Yamuna, on the night of his birth.

Krishna's birth is celebrated on the eighth night of the Bhadrapada month every year as Krishna Janmashtami.

Dating

Deity Krishna-Vasudeva on a coin of Agathocles of Bactria 190–180 BCE

Dating the birth of Krishna is a complex matter due to differing interpretations and historical accounts. According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) of the Hindu lunar calendar. However, scholars and historians have proposed various dates based on astronomical calculations, historical references, and archaeological evidence.

One commonly cited astronomical calculation places Krishna's birth around 3228 BCE, as mentioned in the Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Hindu astronomical text. This calculation is based on the position of stars and planetary positions described in the text.

Another approach relies on historical references found in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. These texts provide genealogies, descriptions of celestial events, and references to historical figures that can be used to establish a timeline. Based on these references, some scholars suggest dates ranging from 3102 BCE to 3067 BCE for Krishna's birth.

Archaeological evidence has also been considered in dating Krishna's birth. Excavations and studies of ancient sites such as Dwarka, associated with Krishna's kingdom, provide insights into the historical context of the Mahabharata period. However, correlating archaeological findings with specific events mentioned in the texts remains a subject of debate among scholars.

Legends

Background

Vasudeva and Devaki travelling in a carriage

The background of Krishna's birth is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and scriptures, particularly in the epic texts of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. According to these texts, Krishna is considered to be the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, who is revered as the preserver in Hinduism. The circumstances surrounding Krishna's birth are intricate and multifaceted. He was born in the Yadava clan, a prominent dynasty in ancient India, specifically in the city of Mathura. His parents were Vasudeva and Devaki, who were members of the Yadava royal family. Devaki's cousin, Kamsa, was a tyrant king who had usurped the throne by overthrowing his father, Ugrasena.

According to the narrative, Kamsa wished his cousin to marry Vasudeva, an old friend of his, and arranged for their wedding. However, following the wedding ceremony, a divine voice prophesied that Devaki and Vasudeva's eighth son would be the cause of Kamsa's death. To prevent the prophecy from coming true, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their first six children as soon as they were born.

Krishna's divine birth

Krishna's divine birth

After killing Devaki's six sons, Kamsa grew more cautious. Devaki's seventh son was transferred from her womb to that of Vasudeva's first wife, Rohini, who was born as Balarama. When Devaki gave birth to Krishna, the prison where they were held became filled with celestial light, and the guards fell into a deep sleep. Simultaneously, the chains binding Vasudeva loosened, and the prison doors swung open miraculously. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the raging Yamuna river to safety in the nearby village of Gokula.

India, Calcutta, Kalighat painting, 19th century – Vasudeva fleeing with the infant Krishna

Upon reaching Gokula, Vasudeva exchanged Krishna with a daughter born to Yashoda and Nanda, a cowherd couple, to protect Krishna from Kamsa's wrath. This act of divine subterfuge, known as the Yamuna crossing or Vasudeva crossing, is a poignant symbol of Krishna's transcendence and the interplay between divinity and humanity. Vasudeva took the girl back to Kamsa's prison.

Raja Ravi Varma, Kamsa's encounter with Yogamaya (1890)

When Vasudeva returned to prison, the guards stirred. Kamsa received the news of Devaki's eighth child's birth but was shocked to see a girl instead of a son, as had been prophesied. Nevertheless, the king attempted to murder the girl, but the child manifested into the goddess called Yogamaya, declaring to the king that, "the one who is to kill you has already taken birth."

Aftermath

Krishna slays Kamsa

After the declaration by Yogamaya, a scared Kamsa attempted on several occasions to kill the baby Krishna, such as by sending Putana. However, every adversary he sent to kill Krishna was slain by the deity. Krishna was raised in Gokula, at the household of Nanda, and was a naughty and playful child. During his childhood, he protected villagers from the tyranny of Kamsa. As prophesied, he later slew Kamsa at the age of eleven.

Sources

The Bhagavata Purana is one of the most significant sources for the story of Krishna's birth. It narrates the divine pastimes of Krishna, including his birth, childhood, and exploits as a divine avatar. The text offers intricate details and descriptions of the celestial events surrounding Krishna's birth, as well as his upbringing in Gokul.

Another ancient epic, the Mahabharata, contains references to Krishna's birth and his role in the larger narrative of the Kurukshetra War. While the Mahabharata focuses more on the political and social aspects of Krishna's life, it still provides valuable insights into the circumstances leading to his birth.

The Vishnu Purana, dedicated to the deity Vishnu, contains sections related to Krishna's birth and his significance as an avatar of Vishnu. It elucidates the theological aspects of Krishna's birth and his divine nature.

The Harivamsa, often considered an appendix to the Mahabharata, elaborates on the early life and genealogy of Krishna. It provides additional details about Krishna's birth and upbringing, expanding upon the narratives found in other texts.

While primarily known for its philosophical teachings, the Bhagavad Gita, a section of the Mahabharata, also contains references to Krishna's divine nature and his role as an avatar. These references contribute to the overall understanding of Krishna's significance in Hindu theology.

Various commentaries by scholars and saints throughout history offer insights and interpretations of Krishna's birth based on these ancient texts. These commentaries provide various perspectives and help contextualise the significance of Krishna's birth within the broader Hindu tradition.

Celebration

Main article: Krishna Janmashtami

India

Dahi Handi, a popular Janmashtami ritual

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous and widely celebrated festival in India, commemorating the birth of Krishna. The festival typically falls in August or September, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu lunar calendar.

Throughout India, devotees observe Krishna Janmashtami with great fervor and enthusiasm. Preparations for the festival often begin weeks in advance, with temples and homes adorned with colorful decorations, lights, and floral arrangements. The celebration typically involves special prayers, devotional songs, and recitations from sacred texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, which recount the divine pastimes of Krishna. Many temples organize elaborate ceremonies, including the abhishekam (ritual bathing) of infant Krishna idols, followed by the offering of various sweets, fruits, and delicacies as prasada (sanctified food).

One of the highlights of Krishna Janmashtami is the midnight celebration, marking the exact moment of Krishna's birth. Devotees gather in temples and homes to sing devotional songs (bhajans) and perform traditional dances, such as the Raslila, which depicts Krishna's divine play and exploits with his beloved devotees, especially the Gopis (cowherd maidens). Another popular custom during Krishna Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi (or Matki Phod) festival, particularly in Maharashtra and parts of North India. In this tradition, young men form human pyramids to reach and break clay pots filled with buttermilk, symbolizing Krishna's love for butter as a child.

Krishna Janmashtami transcends regional and cultural boundaries, uniting devotees from diverse backgrounds in celebration and devotion. It is a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual renewal, as people revere Krishna as the embodiment of divine love, wisdom, and compassion.

Outside India

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated not only in India but also in various countries around the world, wherever there are significant Hindu communities. In countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Mauritius, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many others, devotees observe Krishna Janmashtami with great enthusiasm and devotion. In these countries, temples dedicated to Krishna organize special events and ceremonies to mark the occasion. Devotees gather to sing devotional songs, participate in prayers and rituals, and listen to discourses on the life and teachings of Krishna. The festivities often include cultural performances, such as dance dramas depicting Krishna's childhood exploits and divine pastimes.

In addition to temple celebrations, Hindu communities organize private gatherings in homes and community centers, where families and friends come together to observe Krishna Janmashtami with puja (worship), bhajans (devotional songs), and feasting on special delicacies prepared for the occasion.

See also

• Krishna
• Bala Krishna
• Vasudeva
• Bhagavad Gita
• Harivamsa