Janmashtami

During Janmashtami, Hindus around the world celebrate the birth of our beloved Lord Krishna. The wonderful stories of Lord Krishna are recited to us all since childhood – and cherished! For example, we learn the value of true friendship through the story of Sudama and the tale of Kaliya the snake highlights how good always triumphs over evil.

Underlying all these numerous delightful tales, Lord Krishna, known by many names: Kanhaiyya, Gopal, Narayan, Madhav, Murari, and worshipped in a myriad of different forms like Bal Krishna, Yogeshwar, Ranchhod, helps navigate us all through our spiritual path to enlightenment.

As Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, the founder of Akram Vignan explains, "Lord Krishna was a Gnani. He became enlightened; He became a Gnani Purush (Narayan) from an ordinary human being (nara)."

Indeed in the Holy Scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna unveiled the ultimate science of the universe to Arjuna. He revealed the science of Self-realisation to him, being Self-Realised Himself. Due to this knowledge, Arjuna remained in the awareness given to Him by Lord Krishna. Though he fought in the Mahabharata, he did not bind a single karma and achieved ultimate salvation in the same life.

So, on this day, as we celebrate Janmashtami, the auspicious birth of Lord Krishna redouble your intent to attain moksha and ask Dada Bhagwan who resides within us all for the strength to accelerate this path. It is a gift that Lord Krishna bestowed upon Arjuna and one offered to us all.