Janmashtami 2024: Why Lord Krishna Loved Butter and Sugar ?

Janmashtami, a festival dedicated to Lord Krishna, holds great significance for followers of Sanatan Dharma. Celebrating the birth of Krishna, devotees worship Dwarkadhish with deep reverence, seeking his blessings for love, peace, and prosperity in their lives. According to the Vedic Panchang, Janmashtami in 2024 will be observed on August 26th, with the auspicious time for Krishna Puja being between 12:01 AM and 12:45 AM.

The Importance of Offering Makhan-Mishri on Janmashtami

On the sacred day of Janmashtami, it is considered highly auspicious to worship Lord Krishna and offer him his favorite delicacies. Many devotees offer a grand feast of 56 dishes known as "Chappan Bhog" to the deity. Among these, Makhan-Mishri (butter mixed with sugar) holds a special place. But have you ever wondered why Lord Krishna is so fond of Makhan-Mishri? Why is this particular offering made to him every year on Janmashtami? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this tradition.

Makhan-Mishri: A Childhood Favorite of Lord Krishna

According to ancient scriptures, Lord Krishna was fond of all kinds of sweets, but butter had a special place in his heart since childhood. Known for his mischievous nature, young Krishna was often given fresh butter mixed with sugar, known as Makhan-Mishri, by his mother. As he grew older, his love for this sweet delicacy only deepened, leading him to sneak into neighboring houses to steal butter, earning him the affectionate title of "Makhan Chor" (Butter Thief).

Why Makhan-Mishri is Offered to Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna’s love for Makhan-Mishri never waned; in fact, it grew stronger with time. This is why Makhan-Mishri is offered to him on every special occasion. In temples dedicated to Krishna, especially in Vrindavan and Mathura, this sweet mixture is offered to him daily as a form of prasad.

Symbol of Love and Devotion

Makhan-Mishri is not just a sweet dish; it is a symbol of the love and devotion that devotees hold for Lord Krishna. Eating this sweet brings a smile to one’s face, just as Krishna’s playful antics did. The mixture of butter and sugar also carries a deeper message: just as sugar easily blends into butter, love should seamlessly blend into our lives, bringing sweetness and harmony.