Janmashtami Today: Know Puja Muhurat; Rohini Nakshatra, Rahu Kaal and Auspicious Timings

New Delhi: The wait for the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna is over. Janmashtami is being celebrated on Friday. On this day, preparations are made for the birth of Bal Gopal from temples to homes. Devotees will observe fast and remain absorbed in devotion to Krishna throughout the day and will celebrate the birth anniversary after puja during Nishith period at night. This year, there is also a coincidence of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra, which is considered special from religious point of view.

How long will Ashtami Tithi last?

According to the Panchang, Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha will start at 2:25 AM on September 4 and will continue till 12:13 AM on September 5. That means the fast and festival of Janmashtami will be celebrated on 4th September only. The tithi will end after midnight; hence, there will be a coincidence of Ashtami Tithi at the time of Krishna's birth.

What is the auspicious time to worship Kanha?

The most special puja of Janmashtami is done at midnight. The time of Nishith Kaal in Delhi is said to be from 11:57 pm to 12:43 am on 5th September. During this period, the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna will be celebrated. However, with change of city, there may be a difference of a few minutes in the timing of puja. For example, Nishith puja timings in Khanna, Punjab are from 12:02 am to 12:47 am.

How long will Rohini Nakshatra last?

The coincidence of Rohini Nakshatra on the day of Janmashtami is also in discussion. According to the Panchang, Rohini Nakshatra will remain till around 11:04 pm on 4th September. After this Mrigashira Nakshatra will start. Rohini Nakshatra is considered to be related to the birth of Lord Krishna, hence devotees are giving special importance to this coincidence.

What are the time of sunrise and sunset?

On September 4, sunrise is reported to be at around 6:13 am and sunset at 6:38 pm. The time of sighting of the moon will vary according to the city. Many devotees observing fast on Janmashtami break their fast after offering Arghya to the moon at night. Therefore, it is considered better to see the time of moonrise according to the local almanac.

When will Rahukaal last?

There may be some difference in the Panchang of different places regarding Rahukaal on Friday. In Delhi and surrounding areas it has been reported between morning and afternoon. There is a traditional belief of not starting any new auspicious work during this period. It is not considered to have any impact on the main worship of Janmashtami, because the worship of Krishna's birth takes place in the Nishitha period.

What are Abhijeet and other auspicious times?

There will also be Abhijeet Muhurta during the day. According to the given almanac, this time is around 12 noon. At the same time, Amrit Kaal has also been mentioned in the night. However, the most important time for Janmashtami is considered to be Nishith period. It would be appropriate to check the exact time of puja based on the sunrise and sunset of your city.

In which direction will Dishasul be on Friday?

According to the traditional calculations of the Panchang, Friday is considered to be the direction of west direction. According to astrological belief, it is advised to avoid travelling towards the west on this day. If travel is necessary, people take measures as per their family and religious traditions and leave home. It is important to keep in mind that Dishashul is a religious-astrological belief, there is no scientific evidence for it.

How to celebrate Janmashtami at home?

On Janmashtami, special preparations are made, from cleaning the home temple to decorating Laddus Gopal. At night, child Krishna is bathed with Panchamrit, dressed in new clothes and rocked in the cradle. Butter, sugar candy, fruits, milk and other satvik dishes are offered. During Nishith period, Prasad is distributed after Aarti and birth anniversary. Dahi Handi will also be organised at many places the next day.