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Radha Ashtami Festival 2009 ' Radhashtami
Radha Ashtami or Radhashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated as the birthday of Srimati Radha, the principal devotee and divine consort of Lord Krishna. Radha Astami is celebrated on Ashtami thithi (eighth day) in Shukla Paksh during the month of Bhadrapad (August ' September). Radha Ashtami falls 15 days after Sri Krishna Jayanati. In 2009, Radhashtami Festival falls on 27th August 2009.
History of Radha Ashtami Festival
History of Radha Ashtami Festival
According to Vaishnava tradition, Radha Rani was born in village Barsana (or Rawal) situated 8
km from Vrindavan. Raja Vrishabhano, the king of cowherds, and Rani Kirati (or Kalavati) are the parents of Radha. Legend has it that Raja Vrsabhanu and Kalavati were the partial incarnations of Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees believe that Radha was dedicated and devoted to Lord Krishna as she was not opened her eyes until Krishna was born on the Earth. Hindu scriptures described that Radha and Sri Krishna's relation was a pure form of spirituality. Their sacred relationship and dedication towards each other have great spiritual energy.Radha Rani's worship is of much importance in Vrindavan (or Brindavan) situated about 15 km from Mathura where Lord Krishna took birth and lived for over 5000 years ago. Vrindavan houses hundreds of temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna.
Radha devi is also known by other names as Radharani (Radha Rani), Radhika, Srimati, Gandharvi, Krishnamayi, Vrndavaneshvari, Vrajrani, and Gokula Taruni. Radha Rani is one of the main incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi.
Radha Ashtami Rituals & Celebrations
On Radhastami day, Sri Radha Krishna deities are beautifully decorated with flowers and devotees worship Radha along with Lord Krishna. It must be noted that this is the only day devotees may receive the auspicious darshan of Radha's lotus feet. All other days Radha Rani's feet remain covered.
Radha Ashtami festival is popular in North Indian states and is celebrated mainly by Vaishnava sect. Devotees fast on this day, recite Radha Stuthi, and sing Hindu devotional songs of Lord Krishna and Radha. In some places, a feast is also severed which includes the famous Radha Red Plum Chutney (a spicy and delicious chutney).
Radha devi is also known by other names as Radharani (Radha Rani), Radhika, Srimati, Gandharvi, Krishnamayi, Vrndavaneshvari, Vrajrani, and Gokula Taruni. Radha Rani is one of the main incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi.
Radha Ashtami Rituals & Celebrations
On Radhastami day, Sri Radha Krishna deities are beautifully decorated with flowers and devotees worship Radha along with Lord Krishna. It must be noted that this is the only day devotees may receive the auspicious darshan of Radha's lotus feet. All other days Radha Rani's feet remain covered.
Radha Ashtami festival is popular in North Indian states and is celebrated mainly by Vaishnava sect. Devotees fast on this day, recite Radha Stuthi, and sing Hindu devotional songs of Lord Krishna and Radha. In some places, a feast is also severed which includes the famous Radha Red Plum Chutney (a spicy and delicious chutney).
Vrindavan Lila
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Qualities of Srimati Radharani
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As explained in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (Nectar of Devotion), Krishna possesses sixty-four transcendental qualities. Srimati Radharani has twenty-five transcendental qualities, but She can control even Krishna by them. Her transcendental qualities are as follows: (1) She is sweetness personified; (2) She is a fresh young girl; (3) Her eyes are always moving; (4) She is always brightly smiling; (5) She possesses all auspicious marks on Her body; (6) She can agitate Krishna by the flavor of Her person; (7) She is expert in the art of singing; (8) She can speak very nicely and sweetly; (9) She is expert in presenting feminine attractions; (10) She is modest and gentle; (11) She is always very merciful; (12) She is transcendentally cunning; (13) She knows how to dress nicely; (14) She is always shy; (15) She is always respectful; (16) She is always patient; (17) She is very grave; (18) She is enjoyed by Krishna; (19) She is always situated on the highest devotional platform; (20) She is the abode of love of the residents of Gokula; (21) She can give shelter to all kinds of devotees; (22) She is always affectionate to superiors and inferiors; (23) She is always obliged by the dealings of Her associates, (24) She is the greatest amongst Krishna's girl friends; (25) She always keeps Krishna under Her control. Krishna means 'all attractive', since He attracts every one to Him. But Srimati Radharani attracts even Krishna. Although Krishna says vedaham samatitani - "I know everything" - He fails to understand Radharani. Krishna is achyuta (inconceivable), but for Him Radharani is inconceivable. Radharani is so great. Krishna thought, "I am full. I am complete in every respect, but still I want to understand Radharani." This question obliged Krishna to accept the propensities of Radharani to understand Himself. **************************
The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is in fact a prayer to Srimati Radharani. The word 'Hare' is derived from 'Hara' which denotes the internal energy or Hladini Sakti of Krishna. This is none other that Srimati Radharani. When one is chanting the maha-mantra, one is saying: "O Krishna ! O Radha !! Please engage me in your devotional service". Krishna is difficult to approach directly, but He is bhakta-vatsala, always eager to please His devotees. Thus the mood of a devotee is to invoke the compassion of Srimati Radharani Who then recommends the devotee to Sri Krishna. Since Krishna is easily pleased by Srimati Radharani, He then readily accepts the devotee in His service.
Mercy of Srimati Radharani
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All glories to Srimati Radharani !!
Radhe-Radhe...👏👏
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
