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Krishna

कृष्ण • Kṛṣṇa

"The Dark One; The All-Attractive (from 'krish' - to attract)"

Vishnu Avatar Vaishnavism; Universal Hindu worship
Govinda Gopala Keshava Madhava Murari Shyam Hari Vasudeva Jagannath
Epithets
Yogeshwara (Lord of Yoga) Parthasarathi (Arjuna's charioteer) Ranchhodrai (Who fled from battle) Giridhari (Mountain lifter)

Category & Classification

Type
Vishnu Avatar
Tradition
Vaishnavism; Universal Hindu worship
Avatar Type
Purna Avatar (Complete manifestation); Svayam Bhagavan (God himself) in some traditions
Number
9

Iconography

Form
Beautiful youth playing flute; or royal warrior
Complexion
Dark blue/black (Shyam)
Faces
1
Arms
2 (as cowherd); 4 (as Vishnu form)
Posture
Tribhanga (with flute); or as charioteer (Parthasarathi)
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

Beej Mantra

Om Krishnaya Namah

Mool Mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (12-syllable Dwadashakshari)

Gayatri Mantra

Om Devaki Nandanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Krishna Prachodayat

Mahamantra Mantra

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Stotras & Hymns
Krishnashtakam Madhurashtakam Damodarashtakam Achyutashtakam
Auspicious Days
Wednesday Janmashtami Ekadashi
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

Janmashtami (birthday) Holi Govardhan Puja Diwali (Dwaraka) Rath Yatra

Astrological Connection

Planet
Moon (mind, emotions); all planets bow to him
Nakshatra
Rohini (birth star)
Day
Wednesday (some say all days)
Remedial For
All planetary afflictions Love matters Wisdom Protection Success

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Teacher, protector, divine friend, ultimate reality

All-attractiveness Divine love Supreme wisdom Playfulness (lila) Protection

Krishna represents God accessible through love; his lila shows divinity in everyday actions; Gita provides practical spirituality