Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2025: This year, Janmashtami will be observed on Friday, August 15, 2025, marking the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The most auspicious time for Nishita Puja, considered the divine moment of Lord Krishna’s birth, will be from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16, lasting 43 minutes.
Other key timings as per Drik Panchang include:
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 11:49 PM, August 15, 2025
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 09:34 PM, August 16, 2025
Chandrodaya Moment: 10:46 PM on Krishna Dashami
Dahi Handi Celebration: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Parana Time (as per Dharma Shastra): After 09:34 PM, August 16, 2025
While the celebrations are filled with music, fasting, and devotion, the offering of Panchamrit or Charanamrit during puja holds deep spiritual meaning.
Panchamrit vs Charanamrit: What’s the Difference?
Though the words are often used interchangeably, Panchamrit and Charanamrit differ slightly in purpose and tradition:
Panchamrit:
1. Made from five key ingredients – milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
2. Symbolises purity, prosperity, and divine blessings.
3. Primarily prepared to bathe the deity (Abhishekam) during puja, and later offered as prasad.
Charanamrit:
1. Usually made after the deity’s Abhishekam, using the same Panchamrit, sometimes with added Tulsi leaves, cardamom, or dry fruits.
2. Known as “the nectar of the Lord’s feet” as it is sanctified during worship.
3. Consumed by devotees after touching the deity’s feet during rituals.
In short: Panchamrit is the offering, Charanamrit is the blessing.
Correct Way to Make Panchamrit for Janmashtami
Here’s the traditional recipe followed by many temples and households:
Ingredients:
→ 1 cup fresh cow’s milk
→ ½ cup fresh curd (yogurt)
→ 1 tsp pure ghee
→ 1 tsp honey
→ 2 tsp powdered sugar (or mishri)
→ A few Tulsi leaves (optional)
Method:
→ Take a clean silver, copper, or steel vessel.
→ Add milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar one by one.
→ Mix gently with a spoon, avoid vigorous stirring to maintain purity.
→ Add Tulsi leaves for a spiritual touch.
→ Offer the Panchamrit to Lord Krishna during the Nishita Puja Abhishekam.
Once the deity’s bathing ceremony is complete, the same Panchamrit transforms into Charanamrit, ready to be distributed as prasad.
Devotional Significance
Offering Panchamrit is more than just a ritual, each ingredient has spiritual symbolism:
Milk: Purity and selflessness
Curd: Prosperity and happiness
Ghee: Knowledge and wisdom
Honey: Sweetness and unity
Sugar: Bliss and contentment
By consuming Charanamrit, devotees believe they receive the divine blessings of Lord Krishna for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
