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In Sanatan Dharma and Vaishnav tradition, the festival of Radha Ashtami is considered the culmination of devotion, love and dedication. Exactly 15 days after the birth anniversary (Janmashtami) of Lord Shri Krishna, the appearance day of Vrishabhanu Dulari, the beloved Radharani of Barsana, is celebrated on the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. It is clearly said in the scriptures that worship of Lord Shri Krishna is incomplete without Radharani. According to ‘Narad Panchratri’, the person who only worships Shri Krishna but does not take shelter of Radharani, his devotion never bears fruit.
Radha element is not just a form, but is the actual Hladini Shakti, which makes even Govind himself happy. It is believed that on this auspicious day, the devotee who comes selflessly in the shelter of Radharani, poverty, domestic troubles and mental anguish go away from his life forever.
While Lord Krishna was born at midnight, Radharani is believed to have appeared at midday (12:00 noon). Therefore, the best time for the main puja and anointment of Radha Ashtami is in the afternoon.
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Panchamrit Abhishek: In the afternoon, anoint the couple idol of Shri Radha-Krishna with Panchamrit made of milk, curd, ghee, honey and Ganga water.
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Favorite makeup colors: Radharani is very fond of blue (cloudy color) and yellow colors. Offer them beautiful blue or golden clothes and apply perfume (especially sandalwood or rose).
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Special Naivedya (Offering): Arbi vegetable, Malpua, mawa pedas, rabri and fruits are offered to Radharani. Keep in mind that there must be Tulsi leaves in the offering, because without Tulsi, Govind and Radha Rani do not accept the offering.
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Couple form worship: Never worship Radha Rani alone, always worship the couple form of Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Radha.
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Recitation of Radha Kripa Kataksh Stotra: By reciting ‘Radha Kripa Kataksha Stotra’ written by Lord Shiva 3 or 7 times today, Shriji’s immense mercy is showered on the person.
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Chanting the name ‘Radha’: It is mentioned in Padma Purana that by chanting the name ‘Radha’ just once with a concentrated mind, the sins of crores of births are burnt away. Mentally remember ‘Radhe-Radhe’ throughout the day.
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Kanya Puja and donation to married women: Radharani is considered the embodiment of love and affection. Today, feed kheer to 7 little girls and donate red clothes, bangles or wedding items to married women.
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Deepdan: In the evening, light a lamp of pure cow’s ghee near the Tulsi plant, the temple of the house and the main entrance.
It is considered mandatory to take some special precautions during the fast and worship of Radha Ashtami:
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Do not worship Krishna without Radha ji: Do not ignore Radha ji by worshiping only Laddoo Gopal on this day. Krishna is incomplete without Radha Rani.
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Do not break the fast before noon: Since Shriji’s appearance took place at 12 noon, do not break the fast without eating fruits or performing the midday puja and aarti.
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Disrespect for women power: Radharani never resides in a house where women, mother, sister or wife are insulted. Avoid any kind of anger, discord and bitter words today.
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Complete abstinence from Tamasic food: Keep the entry of tamasic things like meat, liquor, onion, garlic prohibited in the house and follow the rules of celibacy.
After completing the puja, chant one rosary (108 times) of this simple and divine mantra:
“Taptakanchangaurangi Radhe Vrindavaneshwari. Vrishabhanusute Devi Pranamami Haripriya.”
The devotee who calls Shriji with a true heart while sitting in the temple of Barsana, Mathura, Vrindavan or in his home on this day, Radha Rani automatically grants the blessings of love, peace and salvation in his life.