How to perform ritualistic worship of ‘Shrikrushna Janmashtami’ at home with devotion, since it is not possible to perform it collectively in current adverse times ?

‘Shrikrushna Janmashtami’ (Birthday of Shrikrushṇa according to the Hindu lunar almanac) is celebrated at a large scale every year.

1. Period of worship of Shrikrushna

Birth time of Shrikrushna is at 12:00 am at midnight. Therefore, the preparation of the worship should be completed prior to this time. If possible, one should play the song of Shrikrushna palna (cradle) at 12:00 am.

2. Worship of Shrikrushna

A. After the playing of Shrikrushna cradle song is over, one should begin the worship idol or picture form of Shrikrushna.

B. Shoḍashopacharpujan (Ritualistic worship involving sixteen specific substances) : As per one’s capacity, one should perform Shoḍashopacharpujan of Shrikrushna.

C. Panchopcharpuja (Ritualistic worship involving five steps) : Those who are unable to perform Shoḍashopacharpuja, they should perform Panchopcharpuja. While performing the puja, one should recite Naammantra ‘सपरिवाराय श्रीकृष्णाय नमः ।‘, and offer each step of the worship to Shrikrushna. Naivedya (Holy sacrament) made of curd and puffed rice and butter should be offered to Shrikrushna. Arati (A ritual of waving a lit lamp accompanied by singing of hymns) of Shrikrushna should be performed thereafter.

(Panchopcharpuja : Ritualistic worship should be performed in following sequence – Sandalwood paste, turmeric-vermillion, flowers, dhoop (Incense stick) and naivedya)

3. Mental worship of Shrikrushna

For some reason, those who are unable to perform actual ritualistic worship of Shrikrushna, they should perform His mental worship (Meaning of ‘mental worship’ is to offer all the elements of ritualistic worship mentally to Shrikrushna, if the actual worship is not possible).

4. Chanting the Name of Shrikrushna post His ritualistic worship

After performing ritualistic worship of Shrikrushna, one should chant the Name of Shrikrushna ‘ॐ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः ॐ ॐ ।‘ for some time.

5. Offer a dedicated prayer to Shrikrushna

One should remember the assurance given by Shrikrushna in Shrimadbhagwadgita, ‘न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति ।‘, which means that my devotees will never perish, and pray to Shrikrushna to provide us the ability to develop highest form of devotion akin to His great devotee Arjun, in oneself.

– Shri Siddhesh Karandikar, Sanatan Priest School, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi, Goa (11.7.2020)

Read more about Shri Krushna, click here Shri Krushna Janmashtami