The Blessing of Rain on Janmashtami 2023
Mumbaikars woke up to a light to moderate rainfall on the morning of Janmashtami, September 7. The city has been receiving moderate to heavy rains since early Thursday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain for Mumbai on September 7, 8 and 9, with a yellow alert for September 10, indicating the possibility of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Rain: A Divine Sign on Janmashtami
According to one legend, when Lord Krishna was born, there was a heavy downpour. This was to wash away the sins of the world and to welcome the new Avatar. Another legend says that the rain was caused by the tears of joy shed by the Gods when they saw Krishna’s beautiful form. Some people believe that the rain is a sign of Lord Krishna’s blessing. They say that it is his way of washing away the sins of his devotees and giving them a fresh start. Others believe that the rain is a way of cooling the earth and bringing relief from the heat. Whatever the reason, the rain on Janmashtami is seen as an auspicious event. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Krishna and to ask for his blessings.
LORD KRISHNA’S BIRTH AND RAIN
According to the legend, Krishna was the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva. Devaki was the sister of Kansa, the evil king of Mathura. Kansa had been warned by a prophecy that he would be killed by his eighth nephew. In order to prevent this prophecy from coming true, Kansa had imprisoned Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva. On the night that Krishna was born, a divine voice appeared to Vasudeva and told him to take the baby and flee to Gokul, a village on the banks of the Yamuna River. Vasudeva did as he was told, and he carried Krishna across the river in a basket amid heavy rainfall.
On the way to Gokul, Vasudeva met a demon named Putana. Putana was disguised as a woman, and she offered to nurse Krishna. However, Krishna sucked the life out of Putana, and she died. Vasudeva reached Gokul safely, and he gave Krishna to Nanda and Yashoda, a cowherd couple. Nanda and Yashoda raised Krishna as their own son, and he grew up to be a mischievous and playful child. Krishna eventually returned to Mathura and killed Kansa, fulfilling the prophecy. He then ruled Mathura wisely and justly for many years.
The Power of Love and Fate
The birth story of Lord Krishna is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of fate. It is also a story of hope, as it shows how even the most evil of people can be defeated by the forces of good.
Dos and Don’ts on Janmashtami
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| 1. Offer prayers to Lord Krishna. | 1. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food. |
| 2. Visit Krishna temples and seek blessings. | 2. Refrain from alcohol and tobacco. |
| 3. Sing devotional songs and bhajans. | 3. Do not engage in dishonest or harmful activities. |
| 4. Share the joy of Janmashtami with family and friends. | 4. Avoid arguments and conflicts. |
Janmashtami is a time for devotees of Lord Krishna to come together in celebration, reflection, and prayer. Whether the rain is seen as a blessing, a symbol of joy, or a relief from the heat, it adds to the spiritual significance of this auspicious day.
As Mumbaikars embrace the rain on Janmashtami 2023, they also embrace the blessings and teachings of Lord Krishna, reinforcing the belief that good always triumphs over evil and love conquers all.