Yogastami: A Day of Deep Spiritual Significance*
*Ref: Anubhutimala by Mrs. Ujwal Kunte
Tomorrow (Wednesday, 11th September 2024, in India), we celebrate Radha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami or Yogastami. Radha Ashtami, also known as Radhashtami or Radha Jayanti, is a revered Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Goddess Radha, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. Celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), this festival holds profound spiritual significance, especially in the Braj region, encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana
Significance of Radha Ashtami
Goddess Radha is venerated as the embodiment of pure, selfless love and devotion. Her unwavering dedication to Lord Krishna symbolises the soul’s intense longing and ultimate union with the Divine. Radha is also considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, representing prosperity and grace.
Rituals and Celebrations
Devotees observe Radha Ashtami with various rituals:
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Temple Worship: Special pujas and ceremonies are conducted in temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna, particularly in Barsana, her birthplace. myNachiketa+1The Artarium+1
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Fasting: Many devotees undertake a fast, breaking it only after performing the evening rituals.Moneycontrol
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Kirtans and Bhajans: Devotional songs praising Radha and Krishna are sung, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervor.
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Scripture Reading: Sacred texts narrating the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna are recited.
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Offering Prasad: Devotees prepare and offer various sweets and fruits to the deities, which are later distributed as prasad.
Masik Durgashtami: Monthly Observance of Goddess Durga
Parallel to Radha Ashtami, the eighth day of every lunar month, known as Masik Durgashtami, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. On this day, devotees perform special rituals to honour the goddess, seeking her blessings for protection and prosperity.
Rituals of Masik Durgashtami
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Fasting: Devotees observe a day-long fast, breaking it after performing the evening puja.
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Puja and Offerings: Flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense are offered to the goddess, accompanied by the chanting of hymns and mantras.
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Lighting Lamps: Lighting of diyas (lamps) is a common practice, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and ignorance.
The Unique Significance of Yogastami
The Ashtami of the Bhadrapada month, in particular, is known as Yogastami, a day of profound spiritual potency. It comes on the fourth day of Ganesh Chaturthi.This day holds special significance for devotees of Shree Shankar Maharaj, especially in the Pune-Satara region. Yogastami is also highlighted in the teachings of Shree Shaligram Swami, who emphasised its importance for spiritual aspirants.
According to him, on Yogastami, all Yogic powers (Yogshakti) manifest at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan Nityananda. For those who seek to embark on or deepen their spiritual journey, this is an ideal time to take the darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda. Devotees who can, should visit Ganeshpuri to offer their prayers at the Samadhi of Bhagavan Nityananda. For others, simply visiting a nearby temple or sitting at their home altar, engaging in meditation (dhyana), reading scriptures, chanting, and contemplation will invoke His divine blessings.
Yogashtami: A Day of Spiritual Significance
Yogashtami, observed on the Ashtami of the Bhadrapada month, holds special importance for spiritual aspirants. This day is particularly significant for devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda, a revered Mahavatar known for his profound teachings and silent presence.
Guru Purnima and Yogatami
According to Shree Shaligram Swamiji, there is a subtle yet profound distinction between Guru Purnima (Vyas Purnima) and Yogashtami. Guru Purnima is the day observed by the Guru — a time when Gurus, monks, and sannyasis enter into the sacred discipline of Chaturmas, four months of retreat and inner absorption. Yogashtami, on the other hand, is the day observed by the shishya, the disciple. It is the disciple’s offering, the disciple’s moment to turn inward and consciously unite with the Guru Tattva.
Yogashtami harmonises the essence of all spiritual paths — devotion (bhakti), wisdom (jnana), selfless action (karma), and inner discipline (raja yoga). All these streams converge and are offered at the lotus feet of the Guru.
As Shree Shaligram Swamiji revealed, on Yogashtami, the collective current of Yogic energies (Yog Shakti) gathers and becomes radiant at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan Nityananda. For seekers, this sacred convergence marks an exceptionally auspicious moment — a doorway to grace, where all paths find fulfilment in the Guru, and the disciple is inwardly lifted towards unity with the Divine.
Yogashtami thus stands as a timeless reminder that the Guru is the living meeting point of all yogas — the still center where love, wisdom, action, and discipline dissolve into Oneness. By turning to Him, the disciple discovers that every path ultimately leads to the same destination: the eternal refuge of the Guru’s grace.
For a disciple, Yogashtami is in essence the truest Guru Purnima, though it does not fall on a full moon day. Guru Purnima, as traditionally observed, is the Guru’s sacred day, marking the beginning of Chaturmas. Yogashtami, however, belongs to the disciple — it is the day when the shishya inwardly offers every current of yoga at the feet of the Master.
This inner journey finds its culmination on Anant Chaturdashi, when the moon reaches fullness. On this day, the sadhaka worships the Guru as the Ananta — the Endless One, the Eternal One, beyond all limitation. In this way, Yogashtami becomes the disciple’s preparation, and Anant Chaturdashi the fulfilment, when the Guru is realised as the Infinite.
It is said that Shri Mudbidri Mama himself performed the Ananta Vrat on Anant Chaturdashi as advised by Bhagavan Nityananda — an act that revealed how the Guru leads the disciple step by step: from devotion, to surrender, to the vision of the Guru as the boundless Eternal.
Observances on Yogashtami
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Meditation and Contemplation: Devotees engage in deep meditation, focusing on the teachings and presence of Bhagavan Nityananda.
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Visiting Sacred Sites: Pilgrims visit Ganeshpuri, the site of Bhagavan Nityananda’s samadhi (final resting place), to seek his blessings.
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Scripture Reading: Reading spiritual texts and reflecting on their meanings is encouraged.
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Chanting and Prayer: Devotees chant mantras and offer prayers, seeking spiritual guidance and inner peace.
In essence, the convergence of Radha Ashtami, Masik Durgashtami, and Yogashtami on the same day offers devotees a unique opportunity to engage in multifaceted spiritual practices, honouring different aspects of the Divine and deepening their spiritual journey.
On this sacred day, Bhagavan Nityananda offers His grace to guide seekers on their spiritual path and help them succeed. It is highly recommended that seekers seek His blessings on Yogastami.
This year, Yogastami falls on September 11th, 2024.
May Bhagavan’s blessings be upon all of us.
