Providing shelter is the purpose of Sri Krishna’s appearance, as He Himself boldly declares, “Whenever there is a decline in Dharma and upsurge of adharma, I appear again and again.” ( BG 4.7)

The purpose of an Avatara is to create a harmonious and livable place in this material, ephemeral world, so that the living beings’ temporary time here is supported to perform their duties with loving devotion and a consciousness that is pervaded with divinity – which in turn allows them to leave behind an integrated legacy. Hence, Sri Krishna will always appear to answer the call or need of his devotees. The celebration of this purpose of His birth while expressing gratitude for his benevolent protection, is known as “Janmashtami”.

Sri Krishna appears in a human form of life even though He is beyond human frailties; he acts and plays as any ordinary person to fascinate the devotees, bewilder the logicians, cheat the atheists and teach human society about life and how to live.

Sri Krishna’s divinity is shown simultaneously with His humanness to help us learn and absorb in Himself. Learning from His life supports the needed detachment while performing our duties; loving His life, induces attachment to Him, His lilas and supports transcendence from this world.

Janamashtami is meant to recollect the teachings of Sri Krishna to be alert, conscious and active; it is a time to evoke feelings of love, affection and devotion to absorb in Krishna’s consciousness. When sincerely celebrated, Janmashtami assures deep absorption in Sri Krishna’s love and the needed alertness to deal with a dual world.

Foundationally, Janmashtami is Sri Krishna’s re-gifting the human society with his repeated janmas and lilas. Let us pray that may He always appear, and protect Dharma and our Prema for Him.?

– Govind Das (ISKCON MEMBER)