- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 23 Sep 2023 10:56 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Radha Ashtami 2023: The auspicious day of Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti is commemorated as the birth anniversary of Shrimati Radha Rani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. This event is celebrated with the same fervour as Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The occasion of Shrimati Radha Rani’s birth is marked 15 days prior to Janmashtami every year, According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of the moon), which falls in the month of Bhadrapada. In Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana, the Radha Ashtami celebrations are even more extravagant. This year, the vrat of Radha Ashtami will be observed on 23rd September 2023.
Radha Ashtami is a significant day, and it's believed that individuals who fast on this day will be granted happiness and success in their lives. Fasting on this auspicious day will bring you many benefits, including a prosperous life, freedom from troubles, assistance in achieving material success and, most importantly, "salvation”. However, there are certain dos and don’ts of observing a fast on this sacred day to seek the blessings of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
Radha Ashtami 2023: Do’s And Don’ts Of Radha Ashtami Vrat
1. The observer of the fast must wake up at the Brahm Muhurat on the day of Radha Ashtami. After taking a bath, one can take part in the Mangala Arti and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha to uphold the fast.
2. Devotees can keep the fast until Madhyahna Kaal (Puja time in the afternoon) or for the whole day at their convenience. If one is observing the fast for the whole day, the paaran of the fast must be done in the Brahm muhurat (early morning) the next day.
3. The worshippers must consume a sattvic diet while fasting and only consume water and fruits until the abhishek of the idols of goddess Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
The sacred Hindu scriptures suggest that the observer of the auspicious Radha Ashtami fast will be blessed with good fortune and abundance. (Image Source: Instagram/ISKCON Vrindavana)
4. Devotees must abstain from consuming any Tamasic items such as onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food items on the day of Radha Ashtami.
5. The individuals upholding the fast must also abstain from consuming tea and coffee. However, they can consume milk, and meethi chaas (sweet buttermilk).
6. During the Madhyahna Kaal Puja, it is very important to perform Abhishek just as Janmashtami. If you have the idol of Yugal Sarkar (the pair of Radha Rani and Krishna), you can perform their abhishek from Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, sugar powder, Yamuna/Ganga jal, honey and Tulsi leaves). However, even if you have the idol of Laddu Gopal ji, you can also perform Abhishek with Panchamrit as Goddess Radha Rani and Lord Krishna are considered to be united as one.
7. Make sure to perform beautiful Shringar of the deity idols. Devotees must also recite the Radha Kripa Kataksh Stotam, Radha Gayatri Mantra, and Radha Ashtami Mantra and perform the aarti. The devotees who do not possess any idol of the lord can also visit their nearest temple or the ISKCON temple to pray, witness the Maha Abhishek of the deities and celebrate the festival with great grandeur.
8. Prepare delicious Bhoga (Prasad) for the deities, especially Malpua as it is the favourite delicacy of Shrimati Radha Rani. Make sure to offer the bhoga with love by adding Tulsi Leaves as Lord Krishna and Radha Rani don’t accept any offering without Tulsi Patra.
9. The devotees must engage in Harinam Sankirtan and recite the glories of Goddess Radha Rani and Lord Krishna on the day of Radha Ashtami to accumulate great good fortune.
10. The devotees must refrain from speaking false words, abusing someone and getting angry while fasting on this auspicious day.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)