Gopashtami is an important Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Lord Krishna in his infant form as Gopal or Gopala. It is celebrated on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik as per the traditional Hindu calendar.
In 2024, Gopashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, November 09th. On this auspicious day, devotees observe a fast, perform puja, and offer prayers to little Krishna. The festival holds great significance in the Hindu religion as it commemorates the day when Krishna lifted the massive Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains.
Date and Time of Gopashtami 2024:
- Gopashtami Date: Saturday, November 09th, 2024
- Gopashtami Tithi Begins - 11:56 PM on November 08th, 2024
- Gopashtami Tithi Ends - 10:45 PM on November 09th, 2024
What is the significance of Gopashtami?
Cows hold an exalted position in Hinduism and are revered as sacred symbols of dharma. They are considered manifestations of the divine, with various gods and goddesses believed to reside within them. Hindu scriptures emphasize the sanctity of cows and state that worshipping cows on Gopashtami bestows devotees with happiness, fortune, and fulfillment of desires. Cows are regarded as maternal figures representing the divine Mother Earth, whose blessings nurture life. Honoring cows on this auspicious occasion connects Hindus with the sacred feminine power.
Also Read: Govardhan Puja 2024: Date, Puja Vidhi, Story, and Importance
Significance and Story Behind Gopashtami:
According to legends, Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. When Krishna was a small child, he along with his friends used to get upset with the worship of Indra during Indra Puja. They felt that mountains provided the real resources for agriculture and livestock and not Lord Indra.
So, little Krishna convinced the villagers of Vrindavan and Gokul to stop worshipping Indra and instead pray to Govardhan Hill and offer their puja and offerings to it. This made Indra furious and he unleashed his anger through torrential rains and storms on the people.
To protect his villagers and devotees, Krishna lifted the massive Govardhan hill on his left little finger when he was just seven years old and gave refuge to the people and cattle under it for seven days till Indra calmed down. Hence, this day signifies this legend and shows how from a very young age, Krishna protected his devotees.
How Gopashtami is Celebrated:
- Devotees keep a strict fast on Gopashtami from sunrise to moonrise. They only consume milk, fruit, sabudana khichdi, potatoes, and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).
- The fast is broken after Moonrise by having milk, fruits, and great recipes.
- People decorate their homes with fresh flowers, mango leaves, and lights. Small footprints of Lord Krishna are drawn from the front door to the puja altar to symbolize his arrival.
- An elaborately decorated cradle is kept and the little feet of Krishna are imprinted on it with perfume. His favorite childhood foods like makhan (white butter), dahi (curd), and pedhas are also offered.
- The main puja is performed during Nishita Kaal which is late midnight. The idol of infant Krishna is given a purification bath with panchamrita, dressed in new clothes and jewelry, and placed in the cradle.
- Bhog of milk, kheer, pedhas, and other milk-based sweets are offered to Krishna amidst the chanting of mantras and devotional songs.
- After the completion of puja, devotees break their fast and the prasad is distributed.
- In places associated with Krishna’s childhood like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul, pilgrims take a holy dip in River Yamuna, offer prayers in temples, and celebrate Gopashtami with great fervor.
What is the story of Gopashtami?
Gopashtami marks the day Nanda Maharaj first sent young Krishna and Balarama, now entering their pauganda years between ages 6-10, to herd cows in the pastures of Vrindavan. Hindu texts state that cows were Lord Krishna's most cherished companions. From this day onward, the cowherd boys joyfully took on the duty of caring for the cows, whose protection was always paramount to Krishna. The festival thus commemorates Krishna's deep affection for cows and his role as a humble cowherd, a time that would be filled with many of his childhood miracles and adventures. For devotees, celebrating Gopashtami is a way of remembering Krishna's bond with cows and rural life in Vrindavan during his early youth.
According to legend, Indra, filled with arrogance, wanted to display his might to the people of Vrindavan. To make the villagers bow down before him, he unleashed seven days of heavy torrential rains flooding the region of Braj. Indra was angered that the people had begun worshipping Govardhan Hill instead of him. Out of jealousy, he decided to flood Vrindavan with a nonstop downpour to force the people into submission and recognition of his supremacy. But his plans were foiled by young Krishna, who effortlessly lifted Govardhan hill to protect the people and cattle from Indra's wrath.
Seeing the people and animals of Vrindavan suffering under Indra's relentless rains, Krishna knew he had to intervene. Though just a young boy, he effortlessly lifted Govardhan hill with his little finger to create shelter for all. For seven days, everyone remained protected under the hill while Indra's downpour continued. Finally realizing his mistake, Indra begged forgiveness from Krishna on the eighth day. The cows bathed Indra and Krishna with their milk, declaring Krishna as Govinda – the Lord and protector of cows. Though this occurred on Ashtami, the eighth day, Krishna's act of lifting the hill as a child to save others is gloriously commemorated annually as Gopashtami.
Gopashtami Puja Vidhi and Rituals:
The main rituals of Gopashtami are:
- Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Decorate the altar with a beautiful cradle, flowers, mango leaves, etc. Place the idol of infant Krishna in it.
- Offer yellow clothes, garlands, and ornaments to the Lord.
- Light an oil or ghee diya. Pour some milk into a small container and place it near the cradle as Krishna’s childhood food.
- Offer milk, fruits, kheer, perhaps, and sing the Aarti.
- Recite the Gopala Mantra 108 times on a mala jap:
“Om Nandgoppriya Govindaya Balakrishnaya Svaha”
- Hear or narrate stories of Krishna’s childhood pastimes in Vrindavan and Gokul.
- At night, give Krishna a purification bath with panchamrita while chanting the mantras. Dress him in new clothes, do his arti and put him in the decorated cradle.
- Offer bhog of milk, sweets, tulsi leaves and fruits. Seek his blessings and end the fast after the puja is over.
- Donate food, clothes, money, sesame seeds, blankets, and grooming items to poor children on this day.
Significance of Observing Gopashtami Vrat:
- Devotees can gain Lord Krishna’s grace and blessings by sincerely observing the Gopashtami fast with devotion.
- It helps in the purification of the mind, body, and soul. The fasting and rituals bring one closer to the supreme God.
- Krishna bestows happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires on those who remember him with love on this special occasion.
- Performing puja and donating to poor children pleases Krishna and he removes all obstacles from the devotee’s path.
- Mothers keeping this fast for their children are believed to be blessed with virtuous and mischief-free kids like Krishna.
- Unmarried girls who fast and pray on Gopashtami get their desired life partner blessed with Krishna-like qualities.
Gopashtami Celebrations in Famous Temples:
Bankey Bihari Temple, Vrindavan: Thousands gather to see the beautiful altar of infant Krishna and Radha. The temple remains open throughout the night for worship.
ISKCON Temples: Grand abhisheka and maha aarti of Laddu Gopal idols are performed. Krishna art & craft exhibitions, dance drama, and harikatha are also held.
Udupi Krishna Mutt: Lord Krishna is given a special milk bath, Malankara, and offerings on his golden cradle. Chanting of Vedic hymns and devotees’ processions happens on the streets.
Guruvayur Temple, Kerala: Special pujas are done for Lord Krishna adorned as little Gopal in traditional Kerala style. A grand procession is taken out at night around the temple.
Nathdwara Temple, Rajasthan: Intricately decorated swings with the cradle are set up for Shrinathji. He is dressed up like a small cowherd boy and offers makhan, dahi, berries, etc.
Gopashtami celebrates the playful childhood avatar of Lord Krishna in the most devotionally charged atmosphere in temples and homes. By remembering little Gopal’s love and pastimes and observing the fast sincerely, devotees can attain his blessings for a happy and peaceful life.
Conclusion
Gopashtami is a beautiful festival that allows devotees to establish a sweet connection with Lord Krishna in his endearing infant avatar Gopal. By observing the fast, performing rituals, hearing his childhood pastimes, and offering him favorite foods like white butter, one can please him and gain his abundant blessings.
Krishna’s love and protection for his devotees starting from such a young age sets a wonderful example. Gopashtami is the perfect occasion to remember baby Krishna’s bravery in lifting Govardhan Hill and unconditional love for his bhaktas. By sincerely celebrating this festival, may we all become deserving of the supreme Lord’s grace and affection.
FAQs
What is the date of Gopashtami in 2024?
In 2024, Gopashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, November 09th.
Who celebrates Gopashtami?
Gopashtami is celebrated mainly by Hindus across India and devotees of Krishna worldwide.
What should you eat on Gopashtami?
Devotees should eat Vrat recipes like sabudana khichdi, aloo, singhara ka atta, milk, fruits, etc., and avoid grains, lentils, and spices.
How is Gopashtami celebrated?
Key celebrations include keeping fast, doing Krishna puja at home or at temples, preparing special food offerings, singing bhajans, and hearing stories of Krishna's childhood.
What is the significance of Gopashtami?
It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill as a child to protect villagers from Indra's wrath and shows his love for devotees from a very young age.
