Re: New to Krishna Janmashtami
I am low on money, puja supplies and live on my Universities campus. What are some small rituals I can do to celebrate Krishna's birth? Any simple traditions? What are the bare essentials?
Namaste WTyler,
I can understand how hard it can be to observe these religious festivals when you are away at college with not much money or resources. I remember reading from your other post that you are quite a bit away from any Hindu temple, so that's probably not a feasible option. I know during Janmashtami that devotees observe a 24 hour fast, and hold an all night vigil for the birth of Sri Krishna. A murti of baby Krishna is worshipped, and at midnight after He has been bathed and clothed, He is placed inside a cot and sung to with bhajans and hymns. I assume you have internet connection from being able to post here, so maybe you could use Youtube to play songs with. Read from the Bhagavad Gita on this night, or other tales about the life of Krishna. If you can make a small offering, even as small as lighting a lamp and offering water, then do so. If you're not a diabetic and it's not going to cause you harm, then why not try a water fast? Whatever you do, remember that what's most important is the love you bring before Krishna. All other things pale in comparison with this bhakti you have in your heart for Him.
"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it."
Om namah Shivaya
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye namah
लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु ।
Lokaah SamastaaH Sukhino Bhavantu
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