What is Radhashtami?
Radha Ashtami is also known as Radhashtami. Shri Radha Ashtami is a revered festival that fills the hearts of devotees with love and devotion. It is the birthday of Shri Radha Rani. She is an epitome of love, compassion, and devotion in Hinduism. She was born in Barsana, near Vrindavan. Shri Radha holds a special place in the hearts of all devotees, especially in Braj Bhumi where they worship the love of Lord Krishna. The day is not just a celebration but a spiritual reminder of pure love and devotion to Lord Krishna.
When is Radha Ashtami Date in 2024?
Radha Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the Moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2024 ISKCON Radha Ashtami comes on Wednesday 11th September. This day is celebrated with great devotion especially in Vrindavan and Barsan. The significance of the divine love between Shri Radha and Shri Krishna is still felt.
Significance of Radha Ashtami
The significance of Radha Ashtami goes beyond just celebrating the appearance day of Shri Radha Rani. It expresses the final union of the soul with the super soul. Shri Radha’s love for Shri Krishna is seen as the highest level of devotion, where the devotee becomes one with the divine. This day reminds us of true devotion, like that of Radha, is total devotion to God. It is believed that worshiping Shri Radha on this day brings great spiritual benefits like forgiveness of sins and fulfilment of desires.
Story of Radha Ashtami
The story of Radha Ashtami is profoundly immersed in the divine love story of Shri Radha and Shri Krishna. Shri Radha was born to King Vrishabhan and Queen Kirtida in the village of Barsana. It is said that she was not born in the usual way but appeared as a divine sage in a lotus. From birth he displayed divine qualities and great love for Lord Krishna. The love between Radha and Krishna is not just a tale of romance but a spiritual connection that reflects the bond between the real man and the Supreme. Their love is celebrated as the ultimate devotion and sacrifice, where Shri Radha is seen as thoroughly immersed in the love of Shri Krishna.
Radha Ashtami Vrat Katha
Radha Ashtami Vrat Katha expresses about the importance of fasting on this holy day. According to the Vrat Katha, a devotee whose name was Sudama, once observed a fast on the Radha Ashtami with devotion and attained great wealth and prosperity. It is believed that those who observe this fast with faith and devotion are blessed with the grace of Shri Radharani for happiness and prosperity. The Vrat Katha also expresses the significance of purity of heart, mind, and body along with fasting. Devotees avoid grains and concentrate on chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra throughout the day if possible, or at least 16 rounds.
Radha Ashtami Pooja Vidhi
Radha Ashtami Pooja Vidhi is a holy ritual devoted to Radha Rani. Shri Radha is worshiped with deep faith and devotion following specific steps in honor of her heavenly presence.
- Purification: Start the day with a bath to cleanse yourself physically and spiritually. Wear clean, traditional clothing.
- Altar Preparation: Place a clean altar with an idol or image of Radha and Krishna. Use Radha’s favorite flowers including lotus to adorn the altar.
- Kalasha-arrangement: Place a kalasha (pot) full of water, coconut oil and mango leaves next to the altar.
- Invocation: Start the service by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Then they chant the mantras taught by Radha Krishna, and their blessings.
- Prayer Offerings: Offer prayers by reciting Radha Ashtami Vrat Katha or listening to devotional songs dedicated to Radha Krishna.
- Bhoga Arpana: Prepare sattvic (pure) food offerings like fruits, sweets, kheer etc. Avoid using onions, garlic and other tamasic ingredients. With a pure heart take pleasure in Radha and Krishna.
- Aarti: Do Aarti (waving lamps) while singing bhajans. This is a major religious expression of deep devotion.
- Japa-Dhyana: Spend time in meditation by chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. This deepens your relationship with God.
- Closing the puja: After apologizing for any mistakes, complete the puja by distributing prasad (holy food) to all present.
Significance of Donation on Radha Ashtami
Donations play a significant role in Radha Ashtami, as they symbolize the spirit of giving and compassion, qualities that Radha personified. The act of giving on this day is believed to purify the soul and bring immense spiritual merit.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 17, Verse 20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् || 17.20 ||
Transliteration:
dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe
deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam
Explanation:
In this verse, Lord Krishna emphasizes the qualities of a true donation (Dāna). We should donate without any intention of recognition or reward. It should be given at the right time, in the right place, and to the right person (a worthy recipient). Such donations are considered Sattvic, meaning they are pure and elevate the giver spiritually.
Types of Donations on Radha Ashtami
- Food Donation: Offering food to the poor and needy is considered one of the highest forms of charity. Radha Rani is known for her compassion, and feeding the hungry on this day invokes her blessings. You can search an orphanage near me to donate food or donate online to temples or others organizations.
- Clothing Donations: Donating clothes to those in need reflects the act of covering someone’s physical and emotional vulnerabilities, just as Radha’s love covers the devotee’s imperfections.
- Financial Donations: Contributing financially to temples or spiritual organizations helps in maintaining the sanctity of the places where Radha and Krishna are worshipped.
- Educational Support: Providing educational assistance to children, especially in rural areas, is seen as a noble deed. Radha’s love is nurturing, and supporting education nurtures the future.
Spiritual Benefits of Donations on Radha Ashtami
Donating on Radha Ashtami is believed to remove past sins and provide spiritual upliftment. It brings inner peace, prosperity, and contentment. The act of giving connects the soul to the Divine, making the heart more receptive to Radha’s grace. By donating selflessly, devotees align themselves with the principles of Dharma, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita.
