Share
Devotees believe that if you are in the Braj region, you are in the presence of Radha-Krishna, closest to the Hindu deities who symbolise selfless love. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura and Goddess Radha in Barsana. The two cities are among the sacred pilgrim centres for Hindus.
Also called Janmabhoomi (birthplace in Hindi), Mathura along with the entire Braj region witnesses a grandiose celebration of Janmashtami. Streets and houses are decorated with lights, temples are adorned with fresh flowers, deities are dressed in the finest new clothes and ornaments, sweets shops prepare a hundred kinds of delicacies, and devotees observe fast and participate in processions.
Video Credit: Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana/ YouTube
The Hindu scriptures and texts indicate that Lord Krishna was fond of milk and milk-based products and sweets. Many sacred texts and countless mythological stories talk about Krishna being the Makkhan (or makhan) Chor, the one who used to steal the white butter. He used to gather his friends and steal makkhan in his neighbourhood.
Reportedly, women started hanging the milk-based delight from the ceiling so that children of Lord Krishna’s age and height could not recipe but such was his magic, that he used to make a human pyramid with his friends to steal makkhan.
Hence, the makkhan along with mishri has a special significance in the celebration of Janmashtami in the Braj region and other parts of India. Slurrp spoke with Gauranga Das Prabhu, a member of ISKCON's Governing Body Commission and the director of ISKCON’s Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), to under how makkhan is among the centre of hundreds of delights offered to Lord Krishna as prasad.
Significance Of Makkhan In Janmashtami Celebration In Braj Region
kvacid dhaiyaṅgava-stainye
mātrā baddha udūkhale
gacchann arjunayor madhye
bāhubhyāṁ tāv apātayat
Gauranga Das Prabhu quoted the above verse from Srimad Bhagavatam (popularly referred to as Bhagavad Gita) and explained that Krishna loves butter so much that he used to steal it from the homes of Brajvasis (people living in Braj).
He added, “So, on the day of Janmashtami, the birthday boy Krishna at his birthplace relishes his favourite food of Makkhan Mishri. Makkhan is white which signifies purity. Similarly, if we purify our hearts like that of butter, then Krishna will steal it as well.” In other words, if your heart is pure, Lord Krishan will bless you.
Gauranga Das Prabhu added that it is not only on Janmashtami that makkhan is offered to Lord Krishna. It is a crucial part of traditional bhog offered to him every day, especially in the morning. It is also offered on various auspicious occasions like Nandotsav, Gopashtami, Govardhan Puja, and more.
Janmashtami Bhog And Its Relation With Labor Pain
Gauranga Das Prabhu explained that the prasad prepared for the Janmashtami celebration also considers the labour pain that Mata Devaki went through during childbirth. It is also associated with the selfless love that Mata Yashoda showered Krishna with.
The bhog offered to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami includes panjiri, saunth ka ladoo, sugar jira barfi, coconut powder ladoo, mohanthal, mathri, magaj, jalebi, chandra bata, papchi, churma, makhan bada, and more. Among milk sweets offered to God on his birthday include almond barfi, pistachio barfi, almond Mysore, makhan bura, mewabati, kalakand, mawa ka peda, cashew Mysore, rasmalai, basundi, etc.
Bhog is not saturated with sweet delights, Lord Krishna is also offered savoury delights like badi gujiya, aloo ke pakore, moon ki dal, rice, safed dhokla, palak ki sabzi, namkeen sev, puri, palak ke pakore, laal chana, peela dhokla, dahi vada, and many more dishes.
Celebration Of Janmashtami In The Braj Region
Chef Samrat Banerjee, partner - ABV Hospitality, explained that Janmashtami is not just the celebration of Lord Krishna but also his teachings. "When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna on this Earth, he taught people the importance of cow and nature. He was the Gwala (keeper of cows)," he added.
The chef explained that Lord Krishna is offered milk-based sweets not because they are his favourites but also because he taught that a cow can feed an entire family. It gives milk which can be used to prepare makkhan, curd, buttermilk, paneer, chhena, and more.
Slurrp also connected with Anoop Singh Bisht, Executive Chief of Govinda's Restaurant at ISKCON Dwarka who shared light on the celebration of Janmashtami in the Braj region. Along with sweets and savouries prepared on this day, devotees also participate in various sacred rituals. The idols of Krishna and Radha are bathed in yoghurt, milk, ghee, and honey. Devotees sing bhajan, sit for kirtan, and chant Hare Krishna mantra.
According to mythology, Lord Krishna was born around midnight, therefore, people stay awake till then to witness the midnight aarti in which priests and devotees offer prayers and flowers to the deities.
He added, “In some temples, especially in Vrindavan, deities are placed on a beautifully decorated swing, and devotees take turns swinging the Lord, symbolising his playful nature. This is called jhulan yatra.”
