Radhashtami
Hindu festival commemorating the appearance day of goddess Radha
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In Vaishnavism, Radha is revered to as the eternal consort of Krishna and worshipped for her unconditional love and unwavering devotion towards him. The festival of Radhashtami suggests that goddess Radha is a significant aspect of the cultural-religious faith system, governing the social life of people.
History
The Chapter 7 of Bhumi Khanda of the Sanskrit scripture Padma Purana (Volume 5) provides the detailed information and rituals related to the festival of Radhashtami.
In the Viṣṇu Khaṇḍa of the Skanda Purana, it is mentioned that God Krishna had 16,000 gopis out of which Goddess Radha was the most prominent one. Goddess Radha was found on the golden lotus in the pond by king Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirtida. As per folktales, Radha did not open her eyes to see the world until Krishna himself appeared in front of her.
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Radhashatami
Radhashtami is celebrated in various temples associated with traditions - Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Nimbarka Sampradaya, Pushtimarg and Haridasi Sampradaya. In the Radha Vallabh Temple, Vrindavan and Seva kunj, celebrations last for nine days. Rituals involve organizing a procession of Radha and Krishna, distribution of food and clothes, music and dance.
Traditionally, followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism (which includes ISKCON devotees) and devotees of goddess Radha observe the Radha Ashtami Vrat (fast). Devotees usually follow a half-day fast on this day. But, like ekadashi, some devotees observe this fast for full day and some even without water. In ISKCON temples mahabhishek (a bathing ritual) of Radharani is done on this day.
Radhashtami is ceremoniously celebrated in the Braj area. On Radhashtami, Radha Krishna idols are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Additionally, Radhashtami is the only day on which devotees may receive darshan (viewing) of Radha's feet. On all other days, they remain covered.
Radhashtami begins with a ritual bath. In homes and temples, idol of goddess Radha is bathed with panchamitra - a combination of five different food mixes of milk, ghee, honey, sugar/jaggery and yogurt and then she is dressed in new attire. Braj cuisines like Panchamrit are also prepared as an offering. She is then offered bhog (food). On this day, devotees sing devotional songs in praise of the divine couple Radha Krishna and their pastimes. Later, feast is served as prasada to celebrate this day.
The mantras which are chanted on Radhashtami are: Aum Vrashbahnujaye Vidmahe, Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodaya (Radha Gayatri Mantra) and Radhe Radhe.
Significance
Radhashtami is particularly important for the holy pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake, called Manimahesh Yatra, which is sponsored by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is preceded by the "holy chhari", (holy stick carried by the pilgrims on their shoulders). The pilgrims barefooted, singing and dancing to the hymns of God Shiva, undertake this trek of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of Hadsar, to the Manimahesh Lake. The Manimahesh Yatra that starts from Krishna Janmashtami, ends after fifteen days with Radhashtami.