The sources provide a rich exploration of Lord Krishna, a significant deity in Hinduism, revered as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and often considered the Supreme God in his own right.

Origins and Evolution of Krishna:

  • Amalgamation of Deities: The Krishna tradition appears to be a fusion of several ancient Indian deities, the earliest being Vāsudeva, a hero-god of the Vrishni tribe. Over time, Vāsudeva merged with Krishna, the hero-god of the Yadavas, eventually becoming a single deity identified with Vishnu.
  • Early Evidence:
    • Coinage: Coins issued by the Indo-Greek king Agathocles around 180 BCE feature images interpreted as Vāsudeva-Krishna, holding a conch and a chakra wheel.
    • Heliodorus Pillar: This pillar, erected around 125-100 BCE, bears an inscription dedicating it to “Vāsudeva” and includes a verse from the Mahabharata about the path to immortality.
    • Hathibada Ghosundi Inscriptions: Dating back to the 1st century BCE, these inscriptions mention Saṃkarṣaṇa (Balarama) and Vāsudeva and associate them with the supreme deity Narayana.
  • Later Depictions: A relief from the 1st-2nd century CE shows Vasudeva carrying baby Krishna across the Yamuna River.

Literary Sources:

  • Mahabharata: This epic portrays Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu and a central character in many stories. The Bhagavad Gita, a section within the Mahabharata, features Krishna’s philosophical teachings to Arjuna on the battlefield.
  • Harivamsa: This appendix to the Mahabharata provides a detailed account of Krishna’s childhood and youth.
  • Puranas: These texts offer various versions of Krishna’s life story, with the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana being the most elaborate. However, inconsistencies exist between the different versions.

Iconography:

Krishna’s iconography reflects the diverse legends surrounding him.

  • Appearance: He is typically depicted with black, dark, or blue skin and often adorned with a peacock-feather crown.
  • Symbolism:
    • Flute (Bansuri): Represents his role as an enchanter and the divine call heard by enlightened beings.
    • Cows or Calf: Symbolise his role as the divine herdsman Govinda.
    • Gopis (Milkmaids): Represent the interplay of the divine with the material world.
  • Depictions:
    • As a Child: Bala Krishna, often stealing butter (Makkan Chor) or crawling innocently.
    • As a Youth: Dancing with the gopis or romantically involved with Radha.
    • As a Charioteer: Guiding Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, symbolising the events of the Bhagavad Gita.

Life and Legends:

The sources outline key events in Krishna’s life, often referred to as Krishna Charitas.

  • Birth: Krishna is born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura, but is raised by Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul and Vrindavana to escape his uncle Kamsa, who seeks to kill him.
  • Childhood and Youth: Legends portray him as a mischievous cowherd (Makkan Chor), protector (lifting Govardhana hill), and playful lover of the gopis, particularly Radha. His actions embody the Hindu concept of Lila – divine play.
  • Adulthood:
    • Krishna returns to Mathura, kills Kamsa, and reinstates Ugrasena as king.
    • He befriends the Pandava princes and plays a crucial role in the Mahabharata.
    • He has eight wives, each symbolising a different aspect of him, with Radha as his most prominent consort.
  • Kurukshetra War and Bhagavad Gita: Krishna serves as Arjuna’s charioteer, providing guidance on ethics, morality, duty, and the nature of reality in the form of the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Death and Ascension: Krishna dies after being accidentally shot by a hunter. He returns to his transcendent abode through yogic concentration.

Philosophy and Theology:

  • Diverse Interpretations: Different schools of Hindu philosophy present various interpretations of Krishna, ranging from qualified monism to dualism, pure monism, and nondualism.
  • Central Theme of Love: A common thread across these interpretations is the portrayal of Krishna as the embodiment of divine love, with human life and love reflecting this divine essence.
  • Symbolism: Krishna’s life story, including his playful nature and relationships, serves as a metaphor for the human longing for the divine and the interplay between the soul and the universe.

Influence and Spread:

  • Vaishnavism: Krishna worship is an integral part of Vaishnavism, a major Hindu tradition. Some Vaishnava schools consider Krishna as the Supreme Being (Svayam Bhagavan).
  • Bhakti Movement: Krishna has been a central figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasizes devotion and love for God.
  • Spread Beyond India: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, has played a significant role in spreading Krishna’s teachings globally, particularly in the West.
  • Southeast Asia: Krishna is also found in the history and art of Southeast Asia, particularly in Java, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, although to a lesser extent than other deities.

Performance Arts:

  • Inspiration for Dance and Theatre: Krishna’s life, especially the Rasa Lila, has inspired numerous dance and theatre forms in India, including Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Krisnattam.
  • Religious Significance: These performances are considered a form of para bhakti (supreme devotion) and are believed to infuse daily life with spiritual meaning.

The sources offer a comprehensive view of Lord Krishna, highlighting his multifaceted nature as a deity of love, play, and profound philosophical teachings. His enduring legacy is evident in his continued influence on religious beliefs, philosophical thought, and artistic expressions in India and beyond.

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