Celebrating Kirnotsav and Gopashtami: Spiritual Significance, Rituals, and Festivities in 2024

The Kirnotsav and Gopashtami festivals, both deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, bring together spirituality, culture, and reverence for nature. In Kolhapur, the Kirnotsav at the Mahalaxmi Temple is a rare celestial event, where the sun's rays align perfectly with the idol of the goddess, creating a mesmerising phenomenon that draws thousands of devotees. Meanwhile, Gopashtami, dedicated to honouring the sacred cow, celebrates Lord Krishna’s bond with cattle and their significance in Hinduism. In this blog, we explore the significance, rituals, and celebrations surrounding these two festivals, which are marked by devotion, devotion, and community spirit.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Kirnotsav at Mahalaxmi Temple
2. The Spiritual Significance of Kirnotsav
3. Gopashtami Festival: Honouring Cows in Hinduism
4. Gopashtami 2024 Date and Muhurat
5. Importance of Cows in Hindu Culture and Tradition
6. Simple rites and festivities of Gopashtami
7. Rituals for honouring Cows on Gopashtami
8. The sacred roles of cows in Hinduism 

Introduction to Kirnotsav at Mahalakshmi temple

Kolhapur: The Rays Festival, also known as Kirnotsav, began on Wednesday at the Mahalaxmi Temple. The uncommon phenomenon occurs twice a year, when the sun's rays fall directly on the goddess' idol. On the first day of Kirnotsav, the rays fell on the idol's feet. The temple administrators had halted darshan for approximately 15 minutes, and up to three LED screens were installed to live stream the phenomena. 

The Spiritual significance of Kirnotsav

One of the priest stated, "With a clear sky and no obstructions, the sun's rays reached the feet of the idol with full intensity on Wednesday evening." The rays entered the Mahadwar gate at 5 p.m and reached the idol's feet at 5.46 p.m." He continued, "Previously, Kirnotsav was only commemorated for three days, but now, following a study conducted by Vivekanand college professor Milind Karanjkar, the festival is celebrated for five days in a row. As a result, the festival will continue until November 13. The temple administration had also planned to live-stream Kirnotsav on various social media platforms for devotees in India and overseas. "Those who had come to the temple experienced Kirnotsav on the LED screens installed on the temple premises," according to the priest.

Gopashtami festival: Honouring Cows in Hinduism

Gopashtami, a day dedicated to cows and cattles that nourish humans, is celebrated on the 8th day (Ashtami) of Kartik Month, according to the Hindu calendar. According to the English calendar, it falls between October and November. Gopashtami is dedicated to 'Gau mata', the holy cow that Hindus consider pure, pious, and sacred. She nourishes all human beings, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or class.

Gopashtami 2024 Date and Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, "Gopashtami timings - Saturday, November 9, 2024." And the Muhurat dates are— "Ashtami Tithi commences on November 8, 2024 at 01:26 PM. Ashtami concludes on November 9, 2024, at 12:15 PM. 

Importance of Cows in Hindu Culture and Tradition

The significance and tales surrounding Gopashtami are linked to Lord Krishna and his affection for cows. In fact, it was on this day that Lord Krishna decided he wanted to be a cow herder, or 'Gwala' as they are known in Hindi.
According to Hindu legends, Lord Krishna grew up in Gokul and Vrindavan, surrounded by lush flora and animal herds. There, he acquired a unique fondness for cows and how they fed all beings. The cow provided food in the form of milk to their own calf as well as to a human newborn. Lord Krishna wished to be one of the Gopas. Some further think that Gopashtami, Nanda Maharaj, Krishna's foster father, assigned him the job of caring for the cows.

Simple Rites and Festivities of Gopashtami

Gopaashtami is celebrated with simple rites and festivities in which all family members can participate. From early morning prayers to Gau puja, Gopashtami brings people closer to 'Gau mata'. On Gopashtami, those who own cows bathe them early in the morning and then present them with apples, flowers, and other offerings. In fact, the cows are even made to wear garlands and have their horns painted with lovely colours. They are also given food such as jaggery, sweets, and high-quality fodder (Chaara), as well as cow milk, curd, ghee, and other offerings when they worship Lord Krishna. In some places, individuals also decorate their homes with cow manure, and the procedure is called Lipai.

Rituals for Honouring Cows on Gopashtami

Along with beautifying the cows, people from different villages form processions to bring the animals together. They also outfit their children as Lord Krishna, holding a flute and wearing Morpankh on their heads, while cows accompany the small Krishnas. Vrindavan hosts tremendous celebrations. Gopashtami is very popular in Vrindavan. The temples are lit up, the cows are bathed and clothed in beautiful colours, and each temple features Lord Krishna hymns and bhajans, among other things. In fact, some devotees do the Govardhan parikrama on this day.

The Sacred Role of Cows in Hinduism

Cows are loved and respected in Hinduism. Hindus regard cattle, particularly cows, as sacred. Cows are more than simply animals kept in Gaushalas to Hindus; they are considered a mother who feeds and nurtures them throughout their lives. To some, the cow is a holy animal within which every Hindu God and Goddess resides, while to others, she is a manifestation of Maa Lakshmi who bestows prosperity and health. Cows have long been associated with Lord Krishna, and he is frequently portrayed playing his flute while surrounded by cows. Aside from religious grounds, everyone understands the value of cows in a country like India.

As a 'Krishi pradhan' (agriculture first) country, India has historically relied on cows to plough fields, produce milk and dairy products, and provide dung, which is utilized as a natural fertilizer. Many rural homes used cow dung as a fuel source.