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{{short description|Hindu festival commemorating birthday of goddess Radha}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name = Radhashtami
| image = Radha Syamasundar Vrindavan Radhastami 2004.jpg
| caption = Radhashtami celebration at [[ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan ]]
| type = Hindu
| nickname = Radha Ashtami, Radha Jayanti
| observedby = [[Hindus]]
| longtype = Religious, Cultural
| celebrations = Noontime [[Sringara]] in temples, [[Aarti]], Manimahesh [[Yatra]]<ref>[https://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/predictions/festivals/radha-ashtami/Radha Ashtami- Significance And Celebrations][https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/uttar-pradesh/agra/birth-celebrations-of-radha-in-barsana-mathura-on-radha-ashtami-2019]</ref>
| duration = 1 day
| frequency = Annual
| date2020 =
| date2021 = 14 September (Tue)
| date2022 = 3 September (Saturday)<ref>[https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/radha-ashtami/radha-ashtami-date-time.html?year=2022 Radha Ashtami 2022]</ref>
| date2023 = 23 September (Saturday)<ref>[https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/radha-ashtami/radha-ashtami-date-time.html 2023 Radha Ashtami]</ref>
}}
{{Hinduism}}

'''Radhashtami''' ({{Lang-sa|राधाष्टमी}}) is a [[Hindu]] religious day commemorating the birth anniversary of the goddess [[Radha]], the chief consort of the god [[Krishna]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Lochtefeld |first=James G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z |date=2002 |publisher=Rosen |isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4 |pages=544 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Ph.D |first=Lavanya Vemsani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&q=Barsana-+Krishna+in+History%2C+Thought%2C+and+Culture+An+Encyclopedia+of+the+Hindu+Lord+of+Many+Names&pg=PP1 |title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names |date=2016-06-13 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-61069-211-3 |pages=223–224 |language=en}}</ref> It is celebrated in her birthplace [[Barsana]] and the entire [[Braj]] region on the eighth day (''[[ashtami]]'') of the bright (waxing) half of the lunar month of [[Bhadrapada]] (August - September).<ref name=":0" /><ref>[https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/festivals-bhadrapada.html Bhadrapada Festivals]</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/patna/radhastami-celebrations-at-iskcon-temple-today/articleshow/70999277.cms|title=Radhastami celebrations at ISKCON temple today|date=6 September 2019|access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref> Radhashtami falls fifteen days after [[Krishna Janmashtami]].<ref name=":1" />

In [[Vaishnavism]], Radha is revered as the eternal consort of Krishna and worshipped for her unconditional love and unwavering devotion towards him.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |last=Lochtefeld |first=James G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z |date=2002 |publisher=Rosen |isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4 |pages=544 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite book |last=Ph.D |first=Lavanya Vemsani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&q=Barsana-+Krishna+in+History%2C+Thought%2C+and+Culture+An+Encyclopedia+of+the+Hindu+Lord+of+Many+Names&pg=PP1 |title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names |date=2016-06-13 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-61069-211-3 |pages=223–224 |language=en}}</ref> The festival of Radhashtami suggests that goddess Radha is significant aspect of the cultural-religious faith system, governing the social life of people.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mohanty|first=Prafulla Kumar|date=2003|title=Mask and Creative Symbolisation in Contemporary Oriya Literature : Krishna, Radha and Ahalya|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23341400|journal=Indian Literature|volume=47|issue=2 (214)|pages=181–189|jstor=23341400|issn=0019-5804}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Bal Radha.jpg|thumb|Bal Radha in Shri Laadli Lal temple, Rawal]]

The Chapter 7 of ''Bhumi Khanda'' of the Sanskrit scripture [[Padma Purana]] (Volume 5) provides the detailed information and rituals related to the festival of Radhashtami.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vyasa |first=Veda |url=http://archive.org/details/purana-padma-purana-eng |title=Padma Purana in English Translation PDF |location=[[India]] |pages=1583–1584 |language=English}}</ref>

In the ''Viṣṇu Khaṇḍa'' of the [[Skanda Purana]], it is mentioned that God [[Krishna]] had 16,000 [[Gopi|gopis]] out of which Goddess [[Radha]] was the most prominent one.<ref>[https://www.pandit.com/what-is-the-reason-behind-to-celebrate-radha-ashtami-festival/ Radha Ashtami festival]</ref> Goddess Radha was found on the golden lotus in the pond by king [[Vrishabhanu]] and his wife Kirtida. As per folktales, Radha did not open her eyes to see the world until Krishna himself appeared in front of her.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/radha-ashtami-2017-significance-mahurat-timings-prasad-and-pooja-rituals-1743444|title=Radha Ashtami 2017: Significance, Mahurat Timings, Prasad and Pooja Rituals|date=30 August 2017|access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref>

== Celebration ==
[[File:Radha krishna 2.jpg|thumb|Idols of [[Radha Krishna]] decorated on Radhashtami]]
Radhashtami is celebrated in various temples associated with traditions - [[Radha Vallabh Sampradaya]], [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]], [[Nimbarka Sampradaya]], [[Pushtimarg]] and Haridasi Sampradaya. In the [[Radha Vallabh Temple, Vrindavan]] and Seva kunj, celebrations last for nine days. Rituals involve organizing a procession of Radha and Krishna, distribution of food and clothes, music and dance. <ref name=":12" />

Traditionally, followers of [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]] (which includes [[ISKCON]] devotees) and devotees of goddess Radha observe the Radha Ashtami Vrat (fast). Devotees usually follow a half-day [[Fasting|fast]] on this day. But, like ''[[ekadashi]]'', some devotees observe this fast for full day and some even without water. In [[ISKCON]] temples ''[[Abhisheka|mahabhishek]]'' (a bathing ritual) of Radharani is done on this day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/patna/radhastami-celebrations-at-iskcon-temple-today/articleshow/70999277.cms|title=Radhastami celebrations at ISKCON temple today|date=6 September 2019|access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chandigarh/An-ashtami-that-marks-Radhas-birthday/articleshow/4938628.cms|title=An ashtami that marks Radha's birthday|date=27 August 2009|access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/radha-ashtami-2017-significance-mahurat-timings-prasad-and-pooja-rituals-1743444|title=Radha Ashtami 2017: Significance, Mahurat Timings, Prasad and Pooja Rituals|date=30 August 2017|access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref>

Radhashtami is ceremoniously celebrated in the [[Braj]] area. On Radhashtami, [[Radha Krishna]] idols are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Additionally, Radhashtami is the only day on which devotees may receive ''[[Darshan (Indian religions)|darshan]]'' (viewing) of Radha's feet. On all other days, they remain covered.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chandigarh/An-ashtami-that-marks-Radhas-birthday/articleshow/4938628.cms|title=An ashtami that marks Radha's birthday|date=27 August 2009|access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref>

Radhashtami begins with a ritual bath. In homes and temples, idol of goddess Radha is bathed with [[Panchamrita|''panchamitra'']] - a combination of five different foodmixes of milk, ghee, honey, sugar and yogurt and then she is dressed in new attire. She is then offered ''[[bhog]]'' (food). On this day, devotees sing devotional songs in praise of the divine couple [[Radha Krishna]] and their pastimes. Later, feast is served as [[Prasāda|''prasada'']] to celebrate this day.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Melton |first=J. Gordon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&dq=Religious+Celebrations:+An+Encyclopedia+of+Holidays,+Festivals,+Solemn+Observances,+and+Spiritual+Commemorations+%5B2+volumes%5D:+Radhashtami&pg=PA732 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-205-0 |location=United States of America |pages=732–733 |language=English}}</ref>

The mantras which are chanted on Radhashtami are: ''Aum Vrashbahnujaye Vidmahe, Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodaya'' and ''[[Radhe Radhe]]''.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}

=== Significance ===
[[File:Radha Krishna Vrindavan.jpg|thumb|Radha Krishna idols on Radhashtami in temple of [[Vrindavan]]]]
Radhashtami is particularly important for the holy pilgrimage to [[Manimahesh Lake]], called ''Manimahesh [[Yatra]]'', which is sponsored by the Government of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. It is preceded by the "holy chhari", (holy stick carried by the pilgrims on their shoulders). The pilgrims barefooted, singing and dancing to the hymns of God [[Shiva]], undertake this trek of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of Hadsar,<ref>Village Hadsar in [[Chamba district]] [http://wikiedit.org/India/Hadsar/818/]</ref> to the Manimahesh Lake.
The [[Manimahesh Lake|Manimahesh Yatra]] that starts from [[Krishna Janmashtami]], ends after fifteen days with Radhashtami.<ref>[https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/radha-ashtami-2017-what-is-radha-ashtami-why-is-it-celebrated-in-india/831071/ Radhashtami is fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami ]</ref>
[[File:Radharani Temple.jpg|thumb|220px|Inside view of Radharani temple, also called Shreeji temple, [[Barsana]].]]

== See also ==
* [[Krishna Janmashtami]]
* [[Radha Rani Temple]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{cite web
|url=http://www.sdgonline.org/radha/radharani_prabhupada.html
|title=Srila Prabhupada's Presentation of Srimati Radharani - First Radhastami celebration in ISKCON
|publisher=www.sdgonline.org
|accessdate=2008-09-08
}}
* Sri [https://www.iskconbangalore.org/sri-radhashtami/ Radhashtami] celebration.
*{{cite web
|url=http://www.krishna.com/radhastami
|title=Radhastami
|publisher=www.krishna.com
|accessdate=2013-09-03
}}
*{{cite web
|url=http://www.radhavallabh.com/Radhashtami.htm
|title=Celebration of Radhashtami festival in Vrindavan
|publisher=www.radhavallabh.com
|accessdate=2008-12-04
}}

{{HinduFestivals}}

[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Hindu holy days]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in India]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]
[[Category:Birthdays]]
[[Category:August observances]]
[[Category:September observances]]

{{Hindu-theo-stub}}

Radhashtami - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article