The birth of Krishna was celebrated with great devotion in Amritapuri. As Amma said in her Sri Krishna Jayanthi message, “This is the sacred day on which the Paramātmā—which is beyond all limitations—chose to take avatāra, taking on all the limitations of human existence, for the upliftment of the world.”
From a young age, Amma had a great devotion for Krishna. Her family was amazed that she knew all of his lilas—stories of his playful exploits. It is no wonder that Amma’s devotees see his playful nature reflected in Amma.
Giving thanks to the cows
A bright, sunny day greeted the colourful Go Puja parade in which the ashram cows were honoured—garlanded, wrapped in cloth, and fed. Ashram children led the cow parade with much fanfare, singing Krishna bhajans and playing instruments, while the cows lowed loudly in accompaniment.
Prayers for the world
Amma entered the hall for meditation at around 3 pm, where many devotees had gathered for the festivities. She led the White Flower Meditation for world peace and gave her message, emphasising the need for prayer in this time of instability, as wars erupt and natural disasters increase.
An ancient joy arises
The festivities then moved to the steps of the Kali Temple, where the traditional Uriyadi pot-breaking games were held. Amma sat beneath a white parasol as parents brought their tiny Krishnas and Radhas to sit on her lap of divine love.
Children of all ages leapt high in friendly competition as the occasional smack of the stick made contact much to the audience’s delight. At the height of the games, young men formed human pyramids to reach the pot.
The afternoon also brought beautiful dances — most strikingly a rain dance by eight Brahmacharinis and Swaminis, unrecognisable in brilliant red, the colour of love and devotion, like the gopis for Krishna.
There was also the Gopika Nritham (Gopika Dance), a Kerala tradition in which young girls dressed as gopis, alongside Krishna and Balarama, performed dances with clapping and sticks, while young drummers kept a steady rhythm.
As the games came to a close, Amma filled all hearts with joy, singing the words of Mirabai’s indescribable love for Sri Krishna: “Ali ri mhane”, “Jogi mat ja”, and “Radha pyari de daro na”.
A love that remains forever
Just before midnight, the program in the Bhajan Hall began with the singing of Sri Krishna’s birth from the Bhagavatam in Malayalam. The stage was set beautifully with traditional arches and gentle illumination, while Brahmachari Devamrita Chaitanya from Delhi performed a Bala Gopala Puja with utmost reverence.
Lamps shone brightly, wrapped in pink blossoms, as Amma arrived quietly amid the gathering to listen to the Bhagavatam. As the clock struck 12, the story of Krishna’s birth was described, and conches and trumpets sounded in triumph.
The evening closed with more bhajans, followed by Amma serving payasam to all who had gathered. The sweetness of the payasam matched the sweetness of devotion in the evening air. As Amma said in her message, “The sweetness of divine love remains in the heart forever.”
Excerpts from Amma’s message
Amma bows down to all of you, who are the very embodiments of Pure Love and the Supreme Self.
Aṣṭamī Rohiṇī is the sacred day on which the Paramātmā—which is beyond all limitations—chose to take avatāra, taking on all the limitations of human existence, for the upliftment of the world.
Everyone who is born must one day die. In that sense, every birthday reminds us of our mortality. But the birth anniversary of an avatāra reveals something entirely different—it points us towards immortality. It calls on us to discover the immortal essence of our own being.
The birth of an avatāra on Earth is like the full moon rising on a new-moon night—an extraordinary event that’s beauty and impact are beyond compare. The very presence of such a being nourishes and enriches human life. We see the fullest expression of this in Bhagavān Sri Kṛṣṇa.
The incarnation of Kṛṣṇa was at once both ordinary and extraordinary, both human and divine. He was the very embodiment of perfection. For Rādhā and the gopīs, Kṛṣṇa was their very life’s breath. To the people of Aṁbādi, he was Kaṇṇa—the playful butter thief, delighting everyone with his mischievous ways.
For the gopīs and cowherds of Vṛndāvanam, Kṛṣṇa was the beloved friend who had captured their hearts. To Yaṣodā, he was her cherished Kaṇṇa—the very embodiment of love and affection.
The incarnation of Kṛṣṇa was at once both ordinary and extraordinary, both human and divine.
Amma
To the people of Mathurā and Dvārakā, Kṛṣṇa was an exemplary king. Uddhava, Vidhura, Bhīṣma, Nārada and many others saw Kṛṣṇa as the complete and perfect embodiment of the Divine. To devotees, Kaṇṇa was their ever-present protector, the one who would rescue them from every danger.
To the wise, he was the Supreme Guru, who revealed the highest truth in the most beautiful and profound way. To the yogīs, he was Yogeśvara—the Lord of Yoga. For the world today, Kṛṣṇa is a guide on the journey of life and a great sadguru. His Bhagavad-Gītā remains the timeless crown jewel of all spiritual teachings.
Whatever each person says or imagines about Kṛṣṇa is shaped by their own perspective. In truth, Kṛṣṇa is all of these things—and yet He is far beyond them all as well.
Without divine love, life has neither beauty nor peace. True devotion arises when our attention and interest are wholly turned towards the Lord. When we become so absorbed in our devotion that everything else fades away, life becomes filled with joy. The sweetness of divine love remains in the heart forever.
May all my children rise to the bliss of that fulfilment. May divine grace shower blessings upon all my children.
