Radha ashtami - Story of Radha's birth

Story

Gopi, the 9-year-old was very excited as he was travelling with his parents, Vasu (father) and Devi (mother) to Braj in Uttar Pradesh for the divine darshan of Lord Krishna. On reaching there, he saw that the entire Braj bhumi (land) was lit up and each house was decorated with colourful flowers and beautiful decorative hangings.

The whole place was celebrated with the sounds of Bhajans and Mantras. Gopi and his family were mesmerized by the divinity of this place. But, today was neither Krishna Janmashtami nor Holi, nor any other festival Gopi knew of. His curiosity for the occasion led to a series of questions to his parents.

Gopi asked his father, “What is the occasion today father? Why is the entire place lit up, and decorated and people are singing melodious songs?”

Vasu replied, "Gopi, today is Radhashtami, it is also known as Radha Jayanti. This is a festival celebrated as the birthday of Radha Ji (Goddess Radha Rani). She is a dear friend of Lord Krishna and believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Laxmi. It is celebrated in her birthplace Barsana on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the month of Bhadrapada (August - September). And you know what, Radhashtami is celebrated fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami."

Gopi's mother couldn't hold on to her excitement, she added, "Radha Ashtami marks the special day when Radha was born to King Vrishbhanu and Queen Kirti. There is a beautiful tale in Padma Purana, King Vrishbhanu, while cleaning the floor to organize a Yagya found Radha Ji in a Lotus basket. Vrishbhanu considered Radhaji as his daughter and took her home to his wife Kirti. They both took care of her."

As Gopi continued to take in the sights and sounds of the festival, Devi shared how Radhashtami is celebrated,

"Devotees wake up before sunrise and spend the day worshipping Goddess Radha. Some devotees also fast on this day. The idol of Goddess Radha is bathed, and an Abhishek (auspicious bath of a deity) is performed with

Panchamrit (a holy drink made with five ingredients). The idol is graced with new clothes, jewellery, and flowers. The devotees offer Shringar (ornaments and other makeup things), dhoop, and Bhog (food that we offer to God) to Radhaji. Devotees offer prayers to Radha Ji and Lord Krishna. and recite their names together."

In the evening, the entire family went to Barsana and took an active part in the celebrations of Radhashtami. They chanted mantras with the other devotees and offered flowers, new clothes and Bhog to Radha-Krishna.

They understood the significance of celebrating Radha Ashtmi. It is a celebration of true love and friendship.

Radhaji symbolises mortality, which paves the path to immortality, Krishna himself.

After absorbing the divinity from this holy place, the family returned home.