Krishna Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, 16 August, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees across India and abroad observe this sacred day with fasting, night-long bhajans, and the grand Krishna Janmashtami Puja.
Performing the Janmashtami Puja Vidhi with devotion is believed to bring blessings, peace, and prosperity. The rituals follow the traditional Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi, the sixteen steps of worship to honour Baal Gopal, the child form of Shri Krishna.
Step-by-Step Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi
1. Dhyanam (Meditation): Begin by meditating on Lord Krishna, visualising His divine form with yellow garments, four arms holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus. Chant the Krishna Dhyana Mantra to invoke His presence.
2. Avahanam (Invocation): Invite Shri Krishna into the idol or picture placed on the altar by chanting the Avahan Mantra while joining your palms in Aavahan Mudra.
3. Asanam (Offering a Seat): Offer five flowers at the feet of the idol, symbolising a royal seat for Lord Krishna.
4. Padyam (Washing the Feet): Offer water to wash the divine feet of Shri Krishna, praying for His grace and protection.
5. Arghyam (Head Ablution): Offer water for Lord Krishna’s head abhishekam, acknowledging His supreme divinity.
6. Achamaniyam (Sipping Water): Present water for sipping, symbolising purity and respect.
7. Snanam (Holy Bath): Bathe the idol with clean water or panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), chanting the Snana Mantra.
8. Vastram (Offering Clothes): Dress Lord Krishna in fresh yellow garments, traditionally known as Pitambar.
9. Yajnopavitam (Sacred Thread): Offer the sacred thread (janeu), representing purity and dharma.
10. Gandhah (Fragrance): Apply sandalwood paste and other natural fragrances to the idol.
11. Abharanam (Jewellery): Adorn Lord Krishna with ornaments and crown, symbolising His royal stature.
12. Nana Parimala Dravyam (Various Fragrances): Offer different perfumed items like incense and herbal aromas.
13. Pushpam (Flowers): Present fresh flowers as a token of devotion.
14. Anga Puja (Worship of Divine Limbs): Offer flowers and akshata (rice grains) to each part of Krishna’s form, reciting the respective mantras.
15. Dhupah (Incense): Light incense sticks, filling the air with fragrance.
16. Deepah (Lamp): Offer a lit lamp to remove darkness and invite divine light.
17. Naivedyam (Food Offering): Serve bhog prepared with love – typically including makhan (butter), misri, kheer, and panjiri – as Naivedya to Lord Krishna.
18. Tambulam (Betel Leaves): Offer paan with betel nut and spices.
19. Dakshina (Offering): Offer coins or gifts as a sign of gratitude.
20. Mahanirajanam (Aarti): Perform the grand aarti with devotion, singing Krishna bhajans.
21. Pradakshina (Circumambulation): Walk around the altar in a clockwise direction, offering flowers.
22. Namaskarah (Prostration): Bow down completely, surrendering to Lord Krishna.
23. Kshamarpanam (Seeking Forgiveness): Conclude by asking forgiveness for any mistakes during the puja.
Bhog Items for Krishna Janmashtami
Popular offerings to Baal Gopal include:
- Makhan and Mishri
- Panchamrit
- Kheer or Payasam
- Panjiri
- Fruits and dry fruits
- Sweetmeats like laddoo, peda, and barfi
Chanting Krishna mantras during the puja brings spiritual upliftment. Some widely recited mantras include:
- "Om Shri Krishnaya Namah"
- "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare"
Krishna Dhyana Mantras from sacred scriptures.
Performing the Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi with devotion on August 16, 2025 allows devotees to connect deeply with Lord Krishna. The rituals are not just tradition – they are an expression of love, faith, and surrender to the divine child of Mathura. On this Janmashtami, prepare your altar, chant the holy mantras, and let your home fill with the joy and blessings of Shri Krishna’s birth.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
