कृष्ण
Krishna
The Divine Cowherd
Sacred Stories
Divine tales and sacred legends
The Divine Birth in Mathura Prison
Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison of the tyrant king Kamsa. On the night of his birth, all the guards fell into a deep sleep, the chains binding Vasudeva broke miraculously, and the prison doors opened on their own. Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna river, which parted to let them pass, to safety in Gokul where he was raised by Yashoda and Nanda.
Killing the Demoness Putana
Kamsa sent the demoness Putana disguised as a beautiful woman to kill baby Krishna by feeding him poisoned milk. When she fed Krishna, he not only drank her milk but also sucked out her life force. This was Krishna's first demon-slaying act as an infant, demonstrating his divine power even in childhood.
Lifting Govardhan Hill
When the people of Vrindavan prepared to worship Indra, young Krishna convinced them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, as it provided them with grass, water, and shelter. Angered, Indra sent torrential rains to flood Vrindavan. Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days and nights, sheltering all the villagers and cattle underneath. Humbled, Indra acknowledged Krishna's supremacy.
The Raas Leela with Gopis
On the full moon night of Sharad Purnima, Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela with the gopis (cowherd maidens) of Vrindavan. He multiplied himself so each gopi felt she was dancing with Krishna alone. This cosmic dance symbolizes the soul's longing for union with the Divine, representing the highest form of devotion (bhakti).
Subduing the Serpent Kaliya
The poisonous serpent Kaliya had poisoned the Yamuna river, making the water deadly for all living beings. Krishna jumped into the river, fought Kaliya, and danced on the serpent's multiple hoods until Kaliya surrendered. Krishna's dance on Kaliya's hood is one of the most iconic images in Hindu art, symbolizing the conquest of evil and ego.
The Bhagavad Gita on the Battlefield
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when Arjuna refused to fight against his relatives and teachers, Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita—the divine discourse on duty (dharma), devotion (bhakti), and the nature of reality. In the middle of the discourse, Krishna showed Arjuna his Vishvarupa (universal form), revealing his true cosmic nature as the Supreme Being.
Draupadi's Protection
When Draupadi was being disrobed in the Kaurava court by Dushasana, she called out to Krishna for help. Though Krishna was far away in Dwaraka, he protected her honor by providing an endless stream of cloth, making it impossible for Dushasana to disrobe her. This incident showcases Krishna's role as the protector of devotees and upholder of righteousness.
The Butter Thief (Makhan Chor)
As a mischievous child in Gokul, Krishna was famous for stealing butter and cream from the homes of gopis. He would form a human pyramid with his friends to reach the butter pots hung from the ceiling. The gopis would complain to mother Yashoda, but they loved Krishna's playful antics. This endearing aspect shows the Divine in playful, accessible form.
Friendship with Sudama
Krishna's childhood friend Sudama, a poor brahmin, visited Krishna in Dwaraka with only a handful of beaten rice as a gift. Krishna received him with great love and honor, personally washing his feet. When Sudama returned home, he found his modest hut transformed into a palace, showing how Krishna values pure devotion over material offerings.
The Curse and Departure
After the Mahabharata war, a brahmin cursed the Yadava clan to destroy each other due to the deaths of his sons. The curse came true when the Yadavas fought among themselves and perished. Krishna, having completed his divine mission, sat in meditation under a tree. A hunter named Jara, mistaking his foot for a deer, shot an arrow that struck Krishna's only vulnerable spot. Krishna forgave the hunter and left his mortal body, returning to his eternal abode.
Timeline of Events
Divine Birth in Mathura
Born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Kamsa's prison at midnight on Ashtami, the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Carried to Gokul by Vasudeva across the flooding Yamuna.
Childhood Miracles
Killed demoness Putana, overturned the cart demon Shakatasura, and survived numerous attempts by Kamsa to kill him, showing his divine nature from birth.
The Playful Cowherd
Grew up as a cowherd in Vrindavan, stealing butter, playing the flute, subduing Kaliya serpent, and performing numerous leelas (divine plays) that captivated the hearts of gopis and gopas.
Lifting Govardhan Hill
At age 7, lifted Govardhan Hill for seven days to protect Vrindavan from Indra's floods, establishing himself as the protector of his people.
Slaying Kamsa
Returned to Mathura, killed the tyrant Kamsa, and freed his parents Devaki and Vasudeva from prison, fulfilling the prophecy.
Establishing Dwaraka
Built the magnificent city of Dwaraka on the western coast, ruling as king and marrying Rukmini and later 16,100 wives (rescued princesses).
Friendship with Pandavas
Became the closest friend and advisor to the Pandavas, especially Arjuna. Helped them throughout their exile and in reclaiming their kingdom.
Charioteer and Teacher
Served as Arjuna's charioteer in the great Mahabharata war, delivering the immortal Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield, revealing the universal form.
The Yadava Destruction
Witnessed the self-destruction of the Yadava clan due to a brahmin's curse, accepting it as the completion of his earthly mission.
Return to Vaikuntha
Left the mortal body after being accidentally shot by hunter Jara, marking the end of Dwapara Yuga and beginning of Kali Yuga.
Sacred Iconography
Understanding the divine symbols and their meanings
Peacock Feather
Iconic peacock feather in crown
Beauty, divine play, cosmic dance of creation
Flute
Divine flute enchanting all beings
Call of the divine to all souls, music of creation
Yellow Garment
Bright yellow silk cloth
Knowledge, prosperity, divine radiance
Sudarshana Chakra
Divine discus weapon
Protection of dharma, destruction of evil, cosmic wheel of time
Worship & Rituals
Sacred practices to honor and connect with the divine
Krishna Janmashtami Celebration
The birthday celebration of Lord Krishna observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). Devotees fast until midnight (Krishna's birth time), sing bhajans, perform abhishekam of Krishna's idol, and enact his childhood leelas. The Dahi Handi ritual involves forming human pyramids to break a pot of butter hung high, recreating Krishna's childhood butter-stealing adventures.
Materials needed:
- Baby Krishna idol
- Cradle (jhula)
- Butter and milk
- Flowers
- Peacock feathers
- Sweets (especially butter-based)
- Tulsi leaves
- Yellow/orange clothes
Ekadashi Fasting
Ekadashi, the 11th day of each lunar fortnight, is especially sacred to Lord Vishnu and Krishna. Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains and beans, spending the day in prayer, chanting Krishna's names, and reading Bhagavad Gita. It purifies the body and mind and brings one closer to Krishna consciousness.
Materials needed:
- Fruits and milk (for partial fast)
- Tulsi leaves
- Bhagavad Gita
- Krishna's image
- Incense and lamp
Tulsi Vivah (Marriage of Tulsi)
Tulsi (holy basil) is considered the manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and is extremely dear to Krishna. During Kartik month (October-November), especially on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the ceremonial marriage of Tulsi plant to Lord Krishna (as Shaligram) is performed with full wedding rituals. Devotees who perform or witness this ritual receive special blessings.
Materials needed:
- Tulsi plant
- Shaligram (sacred stone)
- Wedding items (miniature)
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Sacred thread
Daily Krishna Puja
Traditional daily worship of Krishna involves bathing the deity, offering fresh butter, milk, fruits, and Tulsi leaves, singing bhajans, and performing aarti. Reading a chapter of Bhagavad Gita or chanting the Maha Mantra (Hare Krishna) 108 times creates a deep spiritual connection.
Materials needed:
- Krishna idol or picture
- Fresh butter and milk
- Seasonal fruits
- Tulsi leaves
- Flowers (especially lotus)
- Incense
- Lamp with ghee
- Bell
Sacred Temples
Holy places of worship and pilgrimage
Krishna Janmabhoomi
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Sacred birthplace of Lord Krishna
Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarka, Gujarat
Temple in Krishna's legendary kingdom
ISKCON Vrindavan
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Land of Krishna's divine leelas
Festivals & Celebrations
Janmashtami
Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami
Midnight birth celebration with fasting and devotional singing
Learn MoreSacred Mantras
Powerful chants to invoke divine blessings
ॐ श्री कृष्णाय नमः
Om Shri Krishnaaya Namah
"Salutations to Lord Krishna"
Benefits: Joy, devotion, spiritual wisdom
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे। हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
"The Maha Mantra calling upon divine energies"
Benefits: Spiritual awakening, divine love, liberation
Related Stories & Teachings
Krishna Janmashtami - The Divine Birth Celebration
Discover how Krishna's birthday is celebrated with fasting, midnight prayers, and Dahi Handi festivities
Read MoreBhagavad Gita - The Divine Song
Read the complete Bhagavad Gita, Krishna's immortal discourse to Arjuna on dharma, devotion, and self-realization
Read MoreRadha-Krishna - The Divine Love
Explore the eternal love story of Radha and Krishna, symbolizing the soul's union with the Divine
Read MoreLord Vishnu - The Preserver
Learn about Lord Vishnu, of whom Krishna is considered the complete and most powerful avatar
Read MoreHare Krishna Maha Mantra
Understand the power and meaning of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra for devotion and liberation
Read MoreGovardhan Puja - The Sacred Hill
Celebrate Govardhan Puja, commemorating Krishna lifting the sacred hill to protect his devotees
Read MoreVrindavan - Land of Krishna's Leelas
Visit the sacred land where Krishna spent his childhood, performing divine plays that enchant the world
Read MoreDivine Wisdom
Inspiring verses and timeless teachings
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani
"You have the right to perform your duty, but never to its fruits. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
— Bhagavad Gita 2.47
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati Bharata, Abhyutthanam Adharmasya Tadatmanam Srijamyaham
"Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and rise in unrighteousness, O Bharata, at that time I manifest myself on earth."
— Bhagavad Gita 4.7
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज। अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥
Sarva Dharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Sharanam Vraja, Aham Tvam Sarva Papebhyo Mokshayishyami Ma Shuchah
"Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear."
— Bhagavad Gita 18.66
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु। मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायणः॥
Man-mana Bhava Mad-bhakto Mad-yaji Mam Namaskuru, Mam Evaishyasi Yuktvaivamatmanam Mat-parayanah
"Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me, and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend."
— Bhagavad Gita 18.65
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे। हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
"O Lord Krishna, O energy of Krishna, O Lord Rama, please engage me in Your service. This sixteen-word mantra is the Maha Mantra for the age of Kali, capable of delivering complete liberation."
— Kali-Santarana Upanishad
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