Krishna Puja

In Hinduism, Krishna Puja is a holy ritual performed in honour of Lord Krish, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Krishna is highly regarded for his divine leelas, the lessons he imparted in the Bhagavad Geeta and his functions as a lover, guardian and advisor to his believers. Devotees of Krishna offer prayers in the hope of receiving blessings for protection, love, wealth, enlightenment and elimination of barriers. 

Significance and Benefits of Krishna Puja

Lord Krishna symbolizes love, wisdom and divine guidance. Krishna Puja holds great significance and benefits in Hindu households.

• The Bhagavad Gita contains teachings from Krishna that can be used as a spiritual manual for living a moral life.
• It is said that worshipping Krishna will shield you from bad energy and impediments.
• Krishna Puja promotes dharma (righteousness), surrender, and devotion as means of fostering spiritual growth.
• Frequent worship promotes tranquillity, calmness, and a reduction in tension.
• To obtain Krishna's blessings for wealth, success, and pleasure in both their personal and professional life, devotees frequently do Krishna Puja.

Krishna Puja during Festivals

Krishna Puja is a joyful and profoundly spiritual event that brings protection, love and devotion to one’s life. Whether Krishna puja is performed daily or during festivals, it connects devotees to the divine wisdom of Lord Krishna, fostering peace and prosperity. 

1. The most significant occasion for Krishna Puja is Janamastami, the day Lord Krishna was born. 
2. Govardhan Puja which falls a day after Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan to protect the villagers from heavy rains.
3. Gita Jayanti, on this day devotees read and meditate on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, seeking Krishna’s wisdom to resolve life’s dilemmas and challenges.

Key rituals of Krishna Puja

The key rituals involved in Krishna Puja, which are performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna:

• Bathe the Krishna idol with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee. This purifies and honours Krishna.
• Dress the Krishna idol in new clothes and adorn it with flowers, jewellery, and a peacock feather.
• Light an oil lamp and place it near the idol to remove darkness and invite divine energy.
• Offer Krishna his favourite foods like butter, milk, curd, and sweets (like laddoos and kheer). This food becomes Prasad after the puja.
• Offer fresh flowers or garlands to the idol while chanting Krishna’s name.
• Recite Krishna mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and sing devotional songs.
• Perform Aarti by waving a lit lamp in front of Krishna’s idol while singing Aarti songs to honour him.
• Sit in silence, meditate on Krishna’s form, and offer prayers for his blessings and protection.
• Distribute the food offered (Prasad) to family and friends as a blessing from Krishna.