Krishna

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Sri Mariamman Temple Singapore 2 amk

Vasudeva Krishna on a coin of Agathocles of Bactria circa 180 BCE

Heliodorus pillar

Rama Krishna at Chilas

Vasudeva Carrying Baby Krishna in Basket Across Yamuna - Circa 1st Century CE - Gatashram Narayan Temple

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Krishna advising Pandavas

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, worshipped as the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu and also as the supreme God in his own right. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher by followers. He is central to many of the spiritual and philosophical traditions within Hinduism, with his teachings and life stories being expressed across a wide spectrum of texts, the most famous of which is the Bhagavad Gita.

Life and Legends

Krishna's life is detailed in various ancient texts, but the most prominent narratives are found in the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Vishnu Purana. Krishna was born in a prison in the city of Mathura, to Vasudeva and Devaki, and was the cousin of the Pandavas and Kauravas. He was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda, in Vrindavan, a village in the region of Braj. His childhood and youth are characterized by his miraculous deeds and his playful antics with the Gopis (milkmaids), especially with Radha.

Krishna's role as a statesman and warrior is highlighted in the epic Mahabharata, where he serves as a charioteer and guide to the Pandava prince Arjuna, delivering the Bhagavad Gita, a text revered in Hinduism, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The Gita's discourse on duty, righteousness, and devotion has had a profound influence on Hindu thought and philosophy.

Philosophy and Worship

Krishna's teachings and philosophies are primarily encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita, which is considered a concise guide to Hindu theology and a practical, self-contained guide to life. In the Gita, Krishna advocates for devotion to God (bhakti), performing one's duty without attachment, and the importance of living according to one's dharma.

Worship of Krishna, known as Krishnaism, dates back to the 4th century BCE, but it became more prominent in the early medieval period with the rise of the Bhakti movement. The movement emphasized personal devotion over ritualistic practices and caste distinctions, leading to a widespread following across India. Krishna is worshipped in various forms, such as the mischievous child Bal Krishna, the young lover with Radha, and the wise guide in the Bhagavad Gita.

Festivals and Celebrations

Two major festivals associated with Krishna are Janmashtami and Holi. Janmashtami marks the birth of Krishna and is celebrated with great fervor, involving fasting, singing, prayer, and dramatic enactments of episodes from Krishna's life. Holi, the festival of colors, is associated with Krishna's playful and loving nature, where participants throw colored powders and water at each other, commemorating Krishna's playful antics with the Gopis.

Cultural Impact

Krishna has had a profound impact on Indian culture and spirituality. His life and teachings have inspired a rich body of literature, music, dance, and art throughout the centuries. The representation of Krishna in art varies widely, but he is most commonly depicted with a flute, peacock feather in his hair, and a dark or blue complexion.

Krishna's influence extends beyond Hinduism, with aspects of his teachings and philosophy being incorporated into other religious traditions and cultural narratives. His universal message of love, duty, and devotion continues to resonate with people around the world.