Radha Ashtami Vrat 2021

Radha Ashtami is commemorated as birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. It falls on Ashtami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month.

Devotees keep fast on Radha Asthami day. Goddess Radha is worshipped during Madhyana Kaal which is noon time according to Hindu division of the day. Currently Radha Ashtami falls in the month of August or September in English calendar. Radha Ashtami is also known as Radhashtami and Radha Jayanti.

Radha Ashtami story is associated with the birth of Goddess Radha. Radha was born as a daughter to Vrishbhanu Gop. Her mother’s name was Kirti. According to Padma Purana, Radha ji has been said to be King Vrishbhanu’s daughter. According to Padma Purana, Vrishbhanu received Radhaji when he was cleaning the floor for organizing a Yagya. Vrishbhanu considered Radhaji to be his own daughter and took care of her.

It has also been mentioned in Padma Purana that Lord Vishnu asked his family members to come to planet Earth as incarnations before being born as Lord Krishna. Therefore, Goddess Laxmi who is Lord Vishnu’s wife incarnated as Radhaji. According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Radha was a friend to Lord Krishna whose love and devotion was unfathomable. She was married to a person named Rapan or Rayan. Radhaji is also considered to be Lord Krishna’s lover.