how to fast for radha ashtami

Appearance of Radha in Goloka: Divine Leela and Form of Love

In ancient times, Lord Krishna was seated on the Ratnasimhasana in the Ras Mandala of Vrindavan in Golokdham. At that very moment, the yearning of love arose in His heart, and this loving desire became embodied and manifested in the form of Radha. This manifestation was unique because Lord Krishna divided His right and left side—from the right came the form of Krishna and from the left came the form of Radha. Hence, Radha was called ‘Krishnavamangasambhuta’, which means “appeared from the left side of Krishna.”

The naming of Radha also took place from a divine leela. When Radha sees Krishna, she immediately runs towards him, hence she became famous as ‘Radha’. The meaning of this name of Radha Ji is, “one who is worthy of worship and who is the beloved of the Lord.”

The radiant and formless form of Shri Krishna and Shri Radha

In Brahmavaivart Puran, Lord Krishna himself tells Shri Radha, “When I am in the radiant form, you are also in the radiant form. And when I am in the formless form, you are also in the unmanifest form.” This proves that Shri Radha and Shri Krishna are one and the same, but appear in different forms. They are unique symbols of love and bliss—where there is love, there is bliss, and where there is bliss, there is love.

Radha Ashtami: The Incarnation of Shri Radha

Shri Radha was born on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Bhadrapad, which is celebrated as ‘Radha Ashtami’. According to the story, at the time of Raksha Bandhan, Shri Radha’s mother Kirti Rani went to tie a Rakhi to her brother. One day when she was bathing on the banks of Yamunaji, due to the divine play of God, the radiance of her womb went into the Yamuna and a beautiful girl appeared in the water. Vrishbhanu saw the divine girl and took her in his lap. This girl later became Radha, and when she was brought home, the whole of Braj was filled with joy.

Cradle and Abhishek of Radha

King Vrishbhanu built a cradle made of sandalwood, studded with jewels for Radha, which was adorned with peacock creepers made of sapphire. Radha Ji was born in the auspicious Moola Nakshatra, so special forest herbs, cow milk, curd, ghee, perfume and fragrant water were used for her Abhishek. After this, she was dressed in beautiful clothes and ornaments and there was a festive atmosphere in the whole of Braj.

Radha Ashtami Vrat

Radha Ashtami is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Radha Rani, the eternal wife of Lord Krishna. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi (Ashtami) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Devotees, especially those who have faith in Radha-Krishna, celebrate this day with great reverence, especially through fasting and special prayers. In this blog, we will learn how to observe a fast on Radha Ashtami and its spiritual significance as mentioned in the Padma Purana.

Benefits of Radha Ashtami Vrat

According to Padma Purana, observing Radha Ashtami Vrat with utmost devotion and selflessness grants entry into Radha Rani’s abode Golok Dham.

Even sins like Brahma Hatya of millions of births are destroyed by observing this fast faithfully just once.

The amount of merit obtained by multiplying the merit of 1000 Nirjala Ekadashi by 100 times, is 1000 times more than that obtained by observing this fast alone.

The virtue that is obtained by donating gold equal to Mount Sumeru, is obtained by observing this fast.

The virtue that is obtained by donating 1000 girls is obtained by observing this fast.

The virtue of bathing in all the holy rivers like Ganga etc. is 1000 times more than this fast.

If someone observes this fast even without any hesitation, his entire family becomes entitled to the abode of God.

How to observe fast on Radha Ashtami

How to observe fast on Radha Ashtami: Complete guidance

The festival of Radha Ashtami, which will be celebrated this year on Wednesday, September 11, is the holy day of Radharani’s birth. Fasting on this day is considered especially virtuous and this fast is observed in the same way as Ekadashi or Janmashtami fast. Radharani is worshipped by observing fast on this day and the fast should be broken by offering fruits, sweets and Tulsi. Those who observe this fast receive the infinite blessings of Radha Rani and Shri Krishna. Let us know how to keep fast on Radha Ashtami and what is its importance.

How to keep Radha Ashtami fast:

Fixed day: This year Radha Ashtami fast will be kept on Wednesday, September 11.

Before keeping Radha Rani’s fast, put a yellow flag on the roof of your house and after that install Kalash etc.

Abandonment of grains: In this fast, grains should not be eaten like Ekadashi. Consumption of grains is forbidden, so fruits, milk, and other fasting materials are consumed.

Fasting with Nirjala or water: You can fast Nirjala (without water) or Phalahar (milk, fruits,) according to your ability and health. If you are fasting with water, then you can drink water throughout the day, but keep in mind not to consume grains.

Time to break the fast: The fast will be opened the next day after sunrise and before 9 am. Its purpose is to get the grace of Radharani and get blessings with the completion of the fast.

Before breaking the fast: Next day before breaking the fast, offer rose flowers to Radha Rani and worship Radha Krishna couple image and recite Radha Kripa Kataksh

Happiness of Gop-Gopis and Dadhikanda Festival

Hearing the news of Radha Ji’s birth, the people of Braj were filled with immense joy. Gop-Gopis started showering curd, milk and butter (Dadhikanda). Everyone was singing in ecstasy:

Radha Rani ne janam liyo hai,
Sab Sukhdani ne janam liyo hai.
Bhanu Dulari ne janam liyo hai,
Kirti Kumari ne janam liyo hai.

Radha and Krishna: Symbols of Love and Bliss

Sri Radha is the embodiment of love and Sri Krishna is the embodiment of bliss. Where there is love, there is bliss, and where there is bliss, there is love. It is mentioned in the Radhikopanishad that Sri Krishna worships Sri Radha daily, and Sri Radha also worships him completely. Thus, the relationship between Sri Radha and Sri Krishna is a unique union of love and bliss.

This divine birth of Sri Radha gives the message to the world that love and devotion are the highest ideals of life. The joy of the gop-gopis and their praises at her birth celebration reveal the truth that the loving Radha and the blissful Krishna complement each other.