Krishna
कृष्ण • Kṛṣṇa
"The Dark One; The All-Attractive (from 'krish' - to attract)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
Attributes & Weapons
- Bansuri (Flute) - Divine music; soul becoming empty for God to play
- Peacock feather - Beauty; mastery over desire
- Yellow cloth (Pitambara) - Divine royalty
- Kaustubha gem - Divine treasure
Distinctive Features
- Flute at lips
- Peacock feather in crown
- Tribhanga posture (triple bend)
Family & Relations
| Origin | Born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura prison; raised in Gokul/Vrindavan by Yashoda and Nanda |
Mythology & Stories
Born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura prison; raised in Gokul/Vrindavan by Yashoda and Nanda
Krishna is considered by many as Svayam Bhagavan - God himself, not just an avatar. His life encompasses all aspects: divine child, divine lover, divine friend, divine teacher, divine king.
Birth and Escape
Born at midnight during Rohini nakshatra in prison. Vasudeva carried him across the flooding Yamuna to Gokul, exchanging him with Yashoda's daughter.
Source: Bhagavata Purana
Childhood Lilas
Killed numerous demons (Putana, Shakatasura, Trinavarta, Bakasura, etc.), showed universe in his mouth to Yashoda, lifted Govardhan mountain.
Source: Bhagavata Purana
Raas Lila
Divine dance with gopis on Sharad Purnima, multiplying himself to dance with each. Represents the soul's union with the divine.
Source: Bhagavata Purana
Bhagavad Gita
On Kurukshetra battlefield, taught Arjuna the eternal wisdom of duty, devotion, knowledge, and action in 700 verses.
Source: Mahabharata
Mahabharata War
Guided the Pandavas to victory; showed Vishvarupa (cosmic form) to Arjuna.
Source: Mahabharata
Worship & Mantras
Mantras
Om Krishnaya Namah
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (12-syllable Dwadashakshari)
Om Devaki Nandanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Krishna Prachodayat
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Stotras & Hymns
Offerings
- Makhan-Mishri (butter-sugar)
- Tulsi
- Yellow flowers
- Milk products
Temples
Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarka, Gujarat
One of Char Dham; Krishna's kingdom
Krishna Janmasthan
Mathura, UP
Birthplace of Krishna
Banke Bihari Temple
Vrindavan, UP
Most popular temple; unique worship style
Jagannath Temple
Puri, Odisha
One of Char Dham; Krishna as Jagannath
ISKCON Temples
Worldwide
Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition; modern Krishna consciousness
Associated Festivals
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Teacher, protector, divine friend, ultimate reality
Krishna represents God accessible through love; his lila shows divinity in everyday actions; Gita provides practical spirituality
