Krishna: The Divine Guide
Krishna's Life
Birth of Krishna
Krishna's birth also known as Janmashtami is celebrated by people around the world with great devotion and joy. Krishna's birth was prophesized by 'Akash Vani' as the doom of the wicked King Kans. It was told that Krishna would be born as the eighth child of his sister, Devaki, and her husband, Vasudeva. In response, Kans imprisoned both Devaki and Vasudeva and cruelly killed the first six children of Devaki.
But, when the time of Krishna's birth came divine intervention came into power. On the stormy night of Krishna's birth, the guards fell into a deep slumber, the heavy chains binding Vasudeva were broken, and the prison doors opened on their own. Vasudeva carried the infant Krishna through the turbulent waters of the Yamuna River to Gokul where he was left in the care of his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.
During the journey across the river, Vasudeva was protected under the hood of the serpent Adishesha, which is symbolic of Krishna's divine protection over his devotees.
Early Life and Childhood
As Krishna grew, he performed various extraordinary deeds and displayed miraculous powers. Even as a baby, he defeated the demoness Putana, who tried to kill him by poisoning him with her poisonous milk. The early life incidents of Krishna show his divine nature.
Krishna’s childhood was filled with enchanting stories that captured his playful nature and divine qualities. He is often portrayed as a mischievous child who steals Makhan and plays pranks on Gopis. These stories make us enchanted by his profound yet simple actions. These actions not only entertain but convey deeper spiritual truths about the nature of Love and Devotion.
Krishna as a Youth
The most significant event during Krishna’s youth was his role in the liberation of Mathura. After spending his childhood and early youth in Gokul and Vrindavan, Krishna, along with his brother Balarama, returned to Mathura to confront Kansa. In a dramatic sequence of events, Krishna defeated Kansa’s formidable wrestlers and eventually killed Kansa himself, thus liberating his parents and restoring the throne of Mathura to its rightful ruler, Ugrasena, Kansa’s father. This event marks the beginning of Krishna’s role as a statesman and protector of righteousness.
Krishna and the Mahabharata
Krishna’s most crucial role in his later life was as the charioteer and guide to the Pandavas prince Arjuna during the great battle of Kurukshetra, as depicted in the Mahabharata. The battle of Kurukshetra wasn’t just between Pandavas and Kauravas, it went beyond and was a cosmic conflict between Dharma and Adharma, with Krishna at its spiritual center.
On the eve of the battle, Arjuna, overwhelmed with sorrow and moral confusion at the prospect of fighting his kin, lays down his weapons and refuses to fight. At this moment, Krishna imparts the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most profound spiritual texts in Hindu philosophy. The Gita is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, where Krishna explains the concepts of karma (duty), bhakti (devotion), and jnana (knowledge). He emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results, the transient nature of life and death, and the ultimate goal of attaining union with the divine.
Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita became the foundation of our Hindu thoughts and continued to guide individuals in their spiritual and moral pursuits. His counsel to Arjuna to rise above personal emotions and focus on his duty as a warrior reflects Krishna’s commitment to upholding dharma, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The Later Years and Departure of Krishna
In the later years of his life, Krishna played a crucial role in the establishment of the Pandava's rule and the eventual end of the Yadava dynasty, to which he belonged. Despite his divine nature, Krishna’s life was not devoid of sorrow. The Mahabharata narrates the tragic events leading to the downfall of the Yadavas, culminating in Krishna’s departure from the world.
Krishna’s departure is a poignant moment that marks the end of the Dvapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga, the age of darkness. According to the scriptures, Krishna was accidentally struck by a hunter’s arrow while meditating in the forest. This event, though seemingly accidental, is symbolic of the inevitable decline of dharma in the Kali Yuga.
Krishna’s departure from the world is not seen as a death in the traditional sense but as a return to his divine abode.
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, is a festival of great importance in Hinduism. It is celebrated with much fervor and devotion across India and among Hindu communities worldwide. The festival typically involves fasting, singing devotional songs, re-enacting scenes from Krishna’s life, and offering special prayers.
The spiritual significance of Janmashtami lies in the victory of good over evil, as symbolized by Krishna’s birth and life. Krishna’s advent marks the end of Kansa’s tyranny and the establishment of dharma.
His life is a testimony to the principle that divine intervention occurs whenever evil prevails over good, as Krishna himself declares in the Bhagavad Gita:
"Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata,
Abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham." (Bhagavad Gita 4.7)
“Whenever and wherever, there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself”
Divine Leela's performed by Lord Krishna
Lifting Govardhan Hill: When the villagers of Vrindavan decided to offer prayers to Indra for good rainfall, Krishna advised them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, arguing that the hill provided them with all their necessities. Enraged by this, Indra unleashed a devastating storm on the village. In response, Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill with the little finger of his left hand, sheltering the villagers and their cattle beneath it for seven days. This act of divine strength and protection not only humbled Indra but also reinforced the belief that God is the ultimate protector of his devotees.
Krishna's subduing of the serpent Kaliya: The venomous serpent Kaliya had polluted the waters of the sacred Yamuna River, posing a grave threat to the villagers. Fearless and determined, young Krishna bravely leaped into the river, engaged in a fierce battle with Kaliya, and ultimately triumphed by dancing on the serpent's numerous hoods, compelling it to abandon the river. This Leela illustrates Krishna’s role as the destroyer of evil and the restorer of harmony in the natural world.
The Butter Thief: As a child, Krishna was famous for stealing butter from the homes of Gokul, earning him the nickname "Makhan Chor." This playful act reflects his approachable nature and the joy he brought to his devotees. The stories of Krishna's butter thefts symbolize the sweetness of divine love and the innocence of childhood, reminding us that spiritual joy often comes from the simplest of pleasures.
Raas Leela: The dance of Krishna with the Gopis represents the divine love between the soul and the Supreme. The Raas Leela signifies the pure and selfless love that goes beyond worldly relationships. During these dances, Krishna would multiply himself to dance with each Gopi, illustrating the idea that the divine is always present and accessible to those who seek it.
Core Teachings of Lord Krishna
Krishna's teachings, primarily conveyed through the Bhagavad Gita, encompass profound wisdom that addresses the fundamental aspects of human existence. His teachings emphasize the importance of duty, righteousness, and devotion.
Compassion and love
Krishna exemplified unconditional love and compassion throughout his life. His relationship with the Gopis, his role as a protector, and his interactions with all beings reflect his boundless love and empathy. Krishna's teachings emphasize the importance of compassion in our lives. In the Bhagavad Gita, he says:
"Adveshta sarva-bhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha,
Nirmamo nirahankarah sama-duhkha-sukhah kshami." (Bhagavad Gita 12.13)
This shloka describes the qualities of a true devotee, emphasizing that they are non-envious, friendly, compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, balanced in joy and sorrow, and forgiving.
Courage and duty
One of the central teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of dharma or duty. Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra is a powerful lesson in courage and duty. Arjuna, overwhelmed by the prospect of fighting his kin, is counseled by Krishna to rise above personal emotions and perform his duty as a warrior. In the Bhagavad Gita, he says:
“Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana,
ma karma phala hetur bhoor ma te sango' stv akarmani.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
This Verse says "You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
Krishna on Respect and Protection of Women
Krishna's teachings also emphasize the respect and protection of women, a crucial aspect of his philosophy. His interactions with female characters in the Mahabharata and other texts highlight the dignity and honor that should be afforded to women.
Draupadi story
When Draupadi was being disrobed in the Kauravas court, Krishna came to her rescue, ensuring that her honor remained intact. This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the dignity and respect of women.
Radha-Krishna's Relationship
The relationship between Radha and Krishna symbolizes the ideal of love and devotion. Their bond transcends the physical realm, representing the union of the individual soul with the divine. Radha's unwavering devotion to Krishna exemplifies the path of bhakti, teaching us that love for the divine is the highest form of spiritual practice.
Killing of Narakasura
Krishna rescued 16,100 women who were held captive by Narakasura, a demon king who had conquered various realms and imprisoned these women in his fortress. After a fierce battle, Krishna defeats Narakasura and marries the rescued women to provide them with honor and security, as they were not accepted back into their families due to their captivity.
Celebrating Janmashtami this time by embracing Krishna's teachings
As we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, it is essential to go beyond rituals and reflect on the deeper meanings of Krishna’s teachings. The festival can be an opportunity to embody the values Krishna stood for—compassion, truthfulness, courage, and respect.
One way to celebrate Janmashtami is by engaging in acts of kindness and compassion towards others. Whether it’s helping someone in need, standing up for justice, or simply spreading love and positivity, these actions resonate with Krishna’s teachings.
Respecting and protecting the dignity of women, as Krishna did, is another crucial aspect that must be emphasized during Janmashtami. We must honor this value by fostering environments—whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities—where women are respected, their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.
May this Janmashtami inspire us to walk the path of dharma, embody compassion and love, and honor the divine in every being, just as Krishna did.
JAI SHRI KRISHNA!