Janmashtami Puja Vidhi (जन्माष्टमी पूजा विधि)
How to do Shri Krishna Janmashtami puja at home: abhishek of Laddu Gopal, the swing, bhog, midnight birth celebration and aarti.
When to do it
- Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami
- The puja is mostly at midnight
Puja materials checklist
Puja method (step by step)
Bath and purification
Bathe and wear clean, preferably freshly washed clothes. Keep the mind calm and put your phone away.
Prepare the place
Clean the place of worship. East or north-east is considered best. Spread a clean cloth on a low wooden seat (chowki) and install the idol or picture.
Lamp and achaman
Light the lamp and incense. Take water in the right palm and sip it three times (achaman).
Sankalp (resolve)
Holding water, rice grains (akshat) and a flower in your hand, say silently your name, gotra (if known) and the purpose of the puja, then pour the water on the ground. A resolve in simple language is also valid.
Ganesh vandana
Remembering Ganesha before any puja is considered auspicious in tradition.
Decorate the swing
Decorate Laddu Gopal’s swing with flowers and peacock feathers.
The birth hour
At midnight celebrate the birth with conch, bell and cheers. Seat the infant form in the swing.
Abhishek
Bathe him in order with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar, then with clean water.
Clothes and adornment
Offer new clothes, a crown, a flute and a tilak.
Bhog
Offer makhan-mishri, panjiri, fruit and kheer, and place a tulsi leaf on it.
Aarti
Perform aarti with a ghee lamp. Let all family members stand together, and take the aarti at the end.
Prayer for forgiveness
Ask humbly for forgiveness for any mistake made during the puja.
Prasad and closing
Share the prasad with everyone and take some yourself. Take the blessings of elders. Immerse flowers and other puja materials in flowing water or under a tree, rather than throwing them in the trash.
Mantras
✔ Do
- Bathe and wear clean clothes before the puja
- Sit with a calm mind and faith
- Keep the bhog clean and prepared at home
- Share the prasad with everyone after the puja
- Tell children the katha
- Swing the cradle and sing bhajans
✘ Do not
- Do not get distracted by your phone or conversation during the puja
- Avoid anger, gossip and harsh speech
- Do not offer stale or impure flowers and bhog
- Do not place the idol or picture directly on the floor
- Do not eat grain during the fast (tradition)
Common mistakes
- Skipping the panjiri and makhan-mishri bhog
- Being on the phone at the time of birth
Auspicious muhurat
The Ashtami tithi and Nishita Kaal are fixed according to the panchang. Check the time for your city.
Related aarti, katha and mantra
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Janmashtami puja at night?
What bhog should be offered to Laddu Gopal?
Is fasting necessary?
When should the fast be broken?
How should the swing be decorated?
Other puja vidhis
Note: puja methods vary by family, region and sect. The method given here is a simple, general form. Give priority to your family tradition or your pandit’s guidance.