Lord Krishna, the embodiment of love and joy is one of the most powerful and popular Hindu dieties. Of the supreme avataars of Lord Vishnu, Krishna is the eighth incarnation. The word ‘Krishna’ means dark which also implies mystery. Krishna is known more an infant, an adolescent boy playing a flute or a youthful prince guiding and directing as in the Bhagavad Gita.
People consider him as the supreme being, leader, hero, teacher, model lover, prankster and a great friend, all rolled into one. The influence of Krishna is seen in the religion, philosophy, literature, paintings and sculpture, dance and music and all facets of Indian folklore.
Research studies show that Lord Krishna lived on earth during the period 3200 and 3100 BC. He was born as the eighth child of Devaki, on the eighth or the ashatmi day of Krishnapaksha at midnight during the month of Shravan in Mathura. The birth of Krishna has charmed and attracted millions of devotees all over the world. His birthday is celebrated as Janmashtami, an important occasion for Hindus.
There are several legends that depict the life of Lord Krishna. As a baby, he killed mighty demons such as Keshi, Bakasur, Kali Nag, Aristhasur, Trunavartha and Putna whom he killed by sucking her breasts.
Krishna grew up in Gokul and enchanted the place with his musical prowess of his flute. As a child, Krishna was known for his pranks on his friends, especially on the gopikas (girl friends). The place experienced pure bliss with his presence, cosmic dances and soulful tunes. After few years, he moved to Vrindavan.
He completed his education in Mathura and is known to have gained mastery over 64 arts and sciences in a span of 64 days under the tutelage of saint Sandipani. He also killed his Uncle Kansa and liberated his parents Devaki and Vasudev from the prison.
He ousted the large army of Jarasandha and came to the rescue of the Yadava clan. He built an island in the sea, called Dwaraka, which submerged in the sea, as per the epics of Mahabharata. With his power of Yoga, he shifted all the natives to Dwaraka.
Krishna is the prime character of Mahabharata, where he became the charioteer of Arjuna in the great war that broke between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He advocated the theory of ‘Nishkam Karma’ to Arjuna during the war, which is also kown as Bhagavad Gita. After the war, he returned to Dwaraka, where he spent few years in teaching wisdom to his friend and disciple, Uddhava. He is believed to have left for his abode after ruling on the Earth for over 125 years.
Krishna has an profound impact on the hearts and souls of millions of Hindu people.
