The ancient calls of the Gopis to Shri Krishna resounded in Amritapuri with colours of joy and happiness. Amma’s brilliant smile in the celebrations of His birth brought hope to all that a new era of love, compassion and kindred spirit can dawn in the world again.
“The word kṛṣṇa means ‘one who attracts and gives joy.’ From the moment Krishna took birth in Kamsa’s dungeon to the moment He ascended to heaven, all His actions were heart-captivating,” said Amma in her message for Janmashtami.
“His actions uplifted and gave enormous joy to humankind. Krishna was a purṇāvatāra—a complete and perfect incarnation of the Divine.”
Janmashtami’s most auspicious time is when Shri Krishna’s birth is honoured at midnight, the moment He arrived during a dark time for the world. Along with Amma, all gathered in the Bhajan Hall to express their reverence and gratitude, especially during singing of bhajans.
As the prayerful songs continued, devotion blossomed in people’s hearts. Amma, as though transported to another realm, spontaneously rose into a dance with a look of eternal peace and happiness upon her face.
“Krishna’s life had the splendour of the peacock feather, the perfect harmony of the songs flowing out of His flute, and the purity of the Tulasi leaf. His life was a commentary on the Vedāntic principles and an interpretation of the dharma that befitted the age. Interaction with Bhagavān became a yoga—divine union—for everyone,” shared Amma.
“Shri Krishna’s life was a flow. In the grand flow of His life, He did not reject any part or role assigned to Him. He fully immersed Himself in every role He undertook and played it to perfection. This is why He was able to face every circumstance with a smile.”
With sincere devotion to this Divine Love, everyone took part in the other traditions of Shri Krishna’s birth throughout the day. This included Go Puja to thank the cows for all they give. As a sacred worship, they are honoured as mothers of the Earth. Even the children dressed up as Shri Krishna and Gopis in remembrance of the Lord’s childhood days as a humble cowherd.
In the afternoon, people gathered to play the game of Uriyadi – the breaking of clay pots to symbolise destruction of the ego. Along with Amma in front of the Kali Temple, the sport inspired laughter and family love as participants of all ages tried and tried. Some brave young men even formed human pyramids to reach the goal.
As an endearing example of the unity in all, Lakshmi, the Ashram elephant, joined in the events. She was especially happy when Amma took a break from giving darshan to feed her.
