Why is Radha Ashtami Celebrated and Why is it So Important

1. Why is Radha Ashtami Celebrated and Why is it So Important? Radha Ashtami is an extremely joyous occasion held every year. This festival is celebrated with the same zeal as Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary. The birth anniversary of “Shri Radha Rani” is known as occurs on Radha Ashtami. She is a manifestation of the Goddess, Lakshmi. In the month of Bhadrapada, Radha Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha. Radha Jayanti is another name for Radha Ashtami. Radha Ashtami is celebrated 15 days after ‘Janmashtami’, the birth anniversary of Sri Krishna. It is celebrated on the ‘Ashtami’ (8th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of the moon) during the month of ‘Bhadrapada’ in the Hindu calendar. The celebrations of Radha Ashtami are even grand in Mathura, Vrindavan, and especially Barsana. The Significance of Radha Ashtami: Radha Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or www.jkp.org.in

2. September. This day marks the appearance or birth of Radha. The celebration of Radhashtami mirrors that of Janmashtami, where the birth of Lord Krishna is commemorated with grand festivities. However, on Radhashtami, the spotlight shifts to Radha Rani, emphasizing the understanding that Radha and Krishna are not two separate entities but rather one divine soul inhabiting two distinct forms. Why is it so important? Commemorating Radha's Birth: Radha Ashtami is primarily celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Radha, the eternal and divine consort of Lord Krishna. Radha's profound presence, celebrated through Radha Naam and Mahima, resonates within the ancient Vedic scriptures. On this auspicious day, we must revel in her divine glory, recognizing our immense fortune in knowing a personality as sublime as hers. This day serves as a reminder of her timeless significance. Spiritual Enlightenment through Bhakti: Radha's devotion to Krishna transcends material attachments and underscores the path of Bhakti (devotion) as a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment. Her unwavering commitment to the divine teaches us that a deep, loving connection with God can lead to the highest states of consciousness and realization. Source of Divine Knowledge: Radha Ji is revered as the source of profound Vedic wisdom and spiritual insights. Her teachings reveal the hidden mysteries of the divine and guide seekers toward a deeper understanding of God and self. Her significance lies in her role as a spiritual guide, illuminating the path to spiritual realization to the devotees. Devotee's Connection with the Divine: The celebration of Radha Ashtami encourages devotees to deepen their www.jkp.org.in

3. connection with Radha and Krishna. It's a day when devotees visit temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna, offer their prayers, and participate in bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (spiritual music) that recount the divine love story. These practices help foster a profound sense of devotion and spiritual connection. The Divine Feminine: Radha is often seen as the embodiment of the divine feminine energy, known as Shakti. She represents the nurturing, compassionate, and loving aspects of the Divine Mother. Radha's qualities inspire devotees to cultivate these divine qualities within themselves and to approach the Divine with love and compassion. Conclusion: The birth anniversary of “Shri Radha Rani” occurs on Radha Ashtami. It serves as a reminder of the profound devotion that exists between the individual soul and the Supreme. The festival encourages devotees to follow Radha's unwavering love and devotion in their spiritual journeys, making it a deeply significant and cherished occasion in the Hindu calendar. Radha Ashtami is a beautiful reminder that, through devotion and love, we can attain a spiritual connection with the Divine that transcends the boundaries of the material world. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj has played a pivotal role in unveiling the hidden treasures of Vedic scriptures, sharing this profound wisdom with devoted seekers. His teachings have been instrumental in illuminating the greatness of Shri Radha Rani. Through his spiritual guidance, he has fostered a deeper understanding of Radha Rani's significance, nurturing a profound connection to her eternal love and devotion. www.jkp.org.in