Image by dasanudas from Pixabay

The number 8. It is the only number that while writing ends upwards, hence it is the number of hope as well. Life appears complicated like the knot seen in number 8 but on a closer look one realizes that life is nothing more than 2 bubbles. The digit 8 is also associated with planet Saturn and hence feared by many.

It is believed that the Lord himself wanted to bust this deep seated myth and fear for number 8 and hence his birth (Krishna Janmashtami) and life revolved around this digit.

The birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth (8th) incarnation of Lord Vishnu is one of the most popular festivals in India. His birth, the very first appearance on earth, on a dark windy stormy night signifies the victory of good over evil. Krishna Janmashtami (also Known as Janashtami, Krishnastami or Gokulastami) is celebrated in the month of August/September, on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon. Lord Krishna is believed to have been born five thousand years ago in Mathura in 'Dwapar Yuga'.

His biological parents, Vasudev and Devki, were imprisoned by Devki's evil brother Kansa. A forewarning, Akash Vani prophesied that the eighth son of Devki would end all evils and King Kansa himself. Out of affection for Devki, Kansa did not kill her out-and-out but due to his insecurities and fear, Kansa kept Devki and Vasudev in captivity for years, and killed all children born to them. On the night Lord Krishna was born,  all powers of nature joined hands and helped Vasudev in escaping from the prison. Vasudev took infant Krishna away to his friend Nand's house and thereafter Lord Krishna was brought up very fondly in Gokul by his foster parents Nand and Yashoda.

Krishna had eight princely wives, also known as Ashtabharya. The Lord had rescued 16100 (1+6+1=8) women from the clutches of Narakasura who had forcibly kept them in his palace. After killing Narakasura, Lord Krishna rescued these women and freed them. Lord Krishna married them all to save them from destruction and social abuse. He gave them shelter in his new palace and a respectful place in society.

The 8th Shlok in Chapter 4 of Bhagavad Gita is the most often repeated lines from this great book of knowledge.

 "PARITRANAYA SADHOONAAM VINASHAYACHA DUSHKRITAAM DHARMA SAMSTHAPANARTHAYA SAMBHAVAAMI YUGE YUGE!!"- For the protection of the righteous, for the destruction of wicked, and for the establishment of Dharma, I am born in every age.

Lord Krishna lived for exactly 125 (1+2+5=8) years.
Is this mere coincidence or an intentional effort by the Lord himself?
This is indeed debatable, yet one is always stuck with awe at the power and depth of the ways of nature and the Creator.

 Mark Smith - http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/life-of-lord-krishna-and-number-8-7297707.html