Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hinduism and the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the embodiment of divine love, wisdom, and cosmic play (leela). Worshipped as both a Supreme Being and a beloved deity, Krishna’s life and teachings have deeply influenced Indian philosophy, literature, music, and art for millennia. He is celebrated for his role in the epic Mahabharata, particularly as the charioteer and spiritual guide of Arjuna, where he delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a timeless discourse on duty, righteousness, and devotion.
History:
Krishna is believed to have been born over 5,000 years ago in Mathura, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, during a time of tyranny under the rule of the evil king Kansa. According to sacred tradition, Krishna was miraculously born in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva, and then secretly carried across the Yamuna River to be raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda, in the pastoral village of Gokul.
As a child, Krishna became renowned for his playful mischief—stealing butter, playing his flute, and enchanting the village with his divine charm. His youthful life in Vrindavan includes the legendary episodes of Raas Leela with the gopis and his deep, spiritual love for Radha, who is seen as the highest devotee and a symbol of the soul yearning for union with the Divine.
Krishna's divine acts included subduing the serpent Kaliya, lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from torrential rain, and defeating numerous demons sent by Kansa. Eventually, Krishna returned to Mathura, overthrew Kansa, and later established his kingdom in Dwarka.
In adulthood, Krishna played a pivotal role in the Mahabharata, serving as friend, philosopher, and guide to the Pandavas. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he delivered the Bhagavad Gita—a profound spiritual dialogue on duty, selflessness, and the nature of the soul. After fulfilling his earthly mission, Krishna departed from this world in Dwarka, marking the end of the Dvapara Yuga.
Brief Overview:
Full Name: Krishna (also called Shri Krishna, Vasudeva, Gopala, Govinda, Madhava, Kanha, Keshava)
Divine Role: Eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu; Supreme Being in many Vaishnava traditions
Place of Birth: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India (traditionally dated to 3228 BCE)
Place of Departure: Dwarka, Gujarat, India (traditionally dated to 3102 BCE)
Sacred Texts Associated: Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam), Mahabharata, Harivamsa
Core Philosophies: Dharma (righteousness), Bhakti (devotion), Karma Yoga (selfless action), Jnana (spiritual wisdom), Leela (divine play)
Iconography: Depicted with a flute, peacock feather crown, often surrounded by cows or with Radha, symbolizing divine joy, love, and harmony
Major Festivals: Janmashtami (Krishna's birth), Holi (celebrating divine love), Govardhan Puja, Radhashtami
Spiritual Movements: Revered across various traditions including Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Vallabha Sampradaya, ISKCON, and broader Bhakti movements
