Krishna Janmashtami celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna is a festival that ardent devotees all around the world mark with worship and joy.
Usually falling in August or September, this year Janmashtami falls on Friday, September 4th.
The eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Krishna was born to destroy evil and restore peace on Earth. From his childhood as a cowherd and killing his evil uncle Kansa as a youth to his life as the supreme lord of the golden city of Dwarka, the stories of Krishna never fail to excite and enchant the world.
Lord Krishna’s mystical connection with rain seems to be one such interesting story. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What is Lord Krishna’s connection with rain?
Lord Krishna was born in the month of Bhadrapad of the Hindu calendar – on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) – in the prison cell where Kansa had imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev, fearing for his life at the hands of her eighth child.
The night that Krishna was born, divine intervention allowed Vasudev to carry the newborn to Nand Gaon. And as he crossed the Yamuna river, carrying the infant in a basket, a heavy downpour began with Sheshnaag forming a shield to protect the baby. This incident is thought to be Lord Krishna’s first connection with rain.
In yet another connection, a young Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect the people and animals of Vrindavan from a massive storm.
Does it rain on Janmashtami every year?
There is no scientific proof that it rains on Janmashtami every year. However, because Janmashtami falls during peak monsoons in India, rains are common during the festival.
Despite there being no logical or scientific reason for the rains on Janmashtami, the idea that it always rains on the day of the festival is a popularly held belief rooted in divinity.
From a spiritual perspective, it is thought to be a mystical reenactment of the stormy night on which Lord Krishna was born.
What are your thoughts on the mystical connection between Janmashtami and the rain? Visit Lyrical Muse for more such cultural coverage.
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