Jayanti Nirnaya
रोहिण्यामर्धरात्रे तु यदा कालाष्टमी भवेत् ।
जयन्ती नाम सा प्रोक्ता सर्वपापप्रणाशिनी ।।
Lord Sri Maha Vishnu incarnated as Lord Sri Krishna in the Dvapara Yuga to free the earth from the clutches of the evil. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 8th Day of the 2nd fifteen day cycle of Shravana Masa as per the lunar calendar. This day is celebrated as Sri Krishna Janmasthami also sometimes called as Sri Krishna Jayanti by all followers of Sanatana Dharma. Sri Madhwacharya has composed a small work, metrical work, containing seventeen verses. This work highlights the significance and the practices involved on Sri Krishna Jayanti.
Sri Krishna Jayanti
Sri Madhwacharya begins by specifying when Sri Krishna Jayanti occurs. The Ashtami falling on Krishna Paksha of Shravana Masa is normally known as Sri Krishnashtami. But, in a special coincidence, if the Star Rohini happens to be present during the time of moon rise on Ashtami, then it is known by the name Sri Krishna Jayanti, which is most auspicious.
The significance of Sri Krishna Jayanti
Lord Sri Krishna has incarnated as the son of Devaki and Vasudeva on the auspicious Sri Krishna Jayanti. Therefore, this day is considered to beget great merits and burn off our sins.
Observing fast on Sri Krishna Jayanti is a must
Sri Madhwacharya states that everyone should fast without fail on this auspicious day. Fasting is a means to purification of our body. It is to be observed from the stipulated time mentioned in the Panchanga by everyone to keep their bodies pure at the time of worship at Midnight. Partaking food on this day is considered to be very sinful. Hence, one should observe fast with lot of faith on this day.
Morning Duties
After cleansing oneself, one should take bath in the morning reciting the Mantra -
योगाय योगपतये योगेश्वराय योगसम्भवाय श्रीगोविन्दाय नमो नमः
One should complete his morning oblations by remembering God. One should again take bath in the afternoon and in the evening reciting the same mantra.
Worshipping Lord
In the afternoon, after taking bath, one should perform Pooja of the Lord with devotion by reciting the following mantra -
यज्ञाय यज्ञपतये यज्ञेश्वराय यज्ञसम्भवाय श्रीगोविन्दाय नमो नमः ।
Special Worship to Lord Sri Krishna and other deities
In the night, Lord Sri Krishna, Balarama, Vasudeva, Devaki, Nanda Gopa, Yashoda and Subhadra are to be worshipped.
Arghya to Lord Sri Krishna
At the time of Moon Rise, one should offer Arghya to Lord Sri Krishna while reciting the following Mantra
जातः कंसवधार्थाय भूभारोत्तारणाय च ।
कौरवाणां विनाशाय दैत्यानां निधनाय च ।।
पाण्डवानां हितार्थाय धर्मसंस्थापनाय च ।
गृहाणार्ध्यं मया दत्तं देवक्या सहितो हरे ।।
Arghya to Chandra
As Lord Sri Krishna is born in the race of Moon, Arghya is to be offered to Chandra.
क्षीरोदार्णवसम्भूत अत्रिगोत्रसमुद्भव
गृहाणार्घ्यं मया दत्तं रोहिण्या सहितः शशिन् ।।
Retire for the day
After completing all the worship during the night, one should retire to bed while chanting the mantra
विश्वाय विश्वपतये विश्वेश्वराय विश्वसम्भवाय श्रीगोविन्दाय नमो नमः ।
Parana next day
After walking up the next day, one should duly complete Ahnika and offer Daana. After the end of the tithi/nakshatra as per the calendar one should partake food while reciting the mantra
सर्वाय सर्वपतये सर्वेश्वराय सर्वसम्भवाय श्रीगोविन्दाय नमो नमः ।
Samarpana
After the completion of the Parana one should offer the merits accrued to the Lord by reciting the Mantra
धर्माय धर्मपतये धर्मेश्वराय धर्मसम्भवाय श्रीगोविन्दाय नमो नमः ।
Conclusion
Sri Krishna Jayanti is a very auspicious festival for all followers of Sanatana Dharma. Lord Sri Krishna is the remover of all our defects and sorrows. Let us all propitiate Him on this day and become free from sorrows.
सर्वायेति च मन्त्रेण ततः पारणमाचरेत् ।
धर्मायेति ततः स्वस्थो मुच्यते सर्वकिल्बिषैः ।।