Story
Lord Krishna is revered as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and is considered by many to be the Supreme Personality of Godhead himself. Born in Mathura and raised in Vrindavan, Krishna's life is filled with divine play (lila), profound teachings, and extraordinary miracles. Krishna is perhaps best known for delivering the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, providing timeless wisdom on duty, devotion, and the path to liberation.
Sacred Iconography
Flute
बांसुरी (Bansuri)
Divine music that attracts all souls
Represents the call of the divine that draws devotees to spiritual awakening
Peacock Feather
मयूर पिच्छ (Mayura Pichh)
Symbol of beauty and divine grace
Krishna's crown feather represents his ability to dance on the head of ego (Kaliya serpent)
Dark Blue Color
श्याम (Shyam)
Infinite like the sky and ocean
Represents the infinite nature of divine consciousness and depth of divine love
Cows
गो (Go)
Symbol of gentleness and abundance
Represents Krishna's role as protector of all beings and provider of spiritual nourishment
Sacred Stories
The Butter Thief
Young Krishna's playful stealing of butter from the homes of Vrindavan represents the divine's sweet theft of devotees' hearts, teaching that divine love transcends all boundaries and rules.
Lifting Mount Govardhan
Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from Indra's wrath, demonstrating that complete surrender to the divine provides ultimate protection.
The Bhagavad Gita
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna delivered the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, providing timeless wisdom on dharma, devotion, and the path to liberation.
Divine Symbolism
Divine Love (Prema)
Krishna represents the highest form of divine love, both as lover and beloved, showing that spiritual realization comes through complete surrender and devotion.
Divine Play (Lila)
Krishna's entire life is lila - divine play that appears ordinary but carries profound spiritual significance, teaching that the universe itself is God's playful creation.
Complete Incarnation (Purna Avatar)
Unlike other avatars who came for specific purposes, Krishna is considered the complete manifestation of divinity, embodying all aspects of the Supreme.
Festivals & Celebrations
Krishna Janmashtami
August/September
Celebration of Krishna birth with fasting, prayers, midnight celebrations
Holi
March
Festival of colors celebrating Krishna playful nature
Govardhan Puja
Day after Diwali
Commemorating Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan
Famous/Sacred Temples
Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura
The birthplace of Krishna, considered the most sacred site for Krishna devotees worldwide.
ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan
Major pilgrimage center in Krishna's childhood land, spreading Krishna consciousness globally through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Jagannath Temple, Puri
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites where Krishna is worshipped as Jagannath, famous for the annual Rath Yatra festival.
Sacred Mantras and Prayers
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Great mantra for liberation
ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने
Om Krishnaaya Vaasudevaaya Haraye Paramaatmane
Salutations to Krishna, son of Vasudeva, the Supreme Soul
Essential Facts
Krishna is the eighth avatar of Vishnu and considered the complete incarnation of divinity
Born in Mathura prison to Vasudeva and Devaki, raised by Nanda and Yashoda in Vrindavan
Delivered the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism's most important philosophical texts
His life spanned 125 years and included childhood, youth, and royal phases
Established the city of Dwarka, which is now one of the four sacred Dham pilgrimage sites