Krishna, one of the central figures of the Mahabharata, is revered as the Supreme Being according to the Vedas. He is described in the Bhagavata Purana as the origin of all divine incarnations, including Vishnu and Narayana. Known for his wisdom and divine deeds, Krishna delivered the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
His Birth and Prophecy
Krishna was born in the city of Mathura to Vasudeva and Devaki. His birth was not just a joyous occasion for his parents, but also the fulfillment of a long-held prophecy. It had been predicted that the eighth child of Devaki would be the one to overthrow her tyrannical brother, King Kans, whose rule was marked by cruelty. Terrified by this prophecy, Kans tried everything he could to prevent its realization. He imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva and even ordered the death of each of their children.
Despite Kans’s relentless attempts, Krishna’s birth took place miraculously. To protect the infant from the king’s wrath, Vasudeva secretly took the newborn across the river Yamuna on a stormy night. Guided by divine forces, he arrived in the village of Gokul, where he entrusted the baby to Nanda and Yashoda, a loving couple. They raised Krishna as their own, unaware of his true identity.
In Gokul, Krishna’s childhood became legendary, marked by playful mischief and miraculous feats. He was known for his charm, his pranks, and his ability to perform the impossible, such as lifting the mountain Govardhan to protect the villagers. His early years became the foundation of his divine legacy, with stories of his playful acts spread far and wide.
Early Adventures and Divine Deeds
Krishna’s childhood in the villages of Gokul and Vrindavan was filled with extraordinary and miraculous events. He became famous for his bravery, defeating powerful demons that sought to harm him and the people around him. Notable among these was his defeat of the demoness Putana, who tried to kill him as an infant, and the serpent Kaliya, whose poison polluted the Yamuna River. One of Krishna’s most renowned feats was lifting the Govardhan Hill to shield the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the king of the gods, who had sent torrential rains to punish them.
Krishna’s playful and charming nature won the hearts of the gopis, the cowherd girls of Vrindavan, with Radha being his dearest companion and most devoted follower. Their deep bond became symbolic of divine love and devotion.
As Krishna matured, he began to fulfill the prophecy of his birth. He confronted and defeated his uncle, the tyrannical King Kans, thereby liberating the city of Mathura. Krishna then established the city of Dwarka, making it his new home and capital. Together with his brother Balarama, Krishna continued to perform heroic deeds, which eventually played a crucial role in the events of the Mahabharata, guiding the Pandavas to victory and shaping the course of history.
Legacy
Krishna’s life is a tapestry of divine love, heroic battles, and eternal wisdom. While his connection with Radha symbolizes the soul’s ultimate devotion, his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita remain a timeless guide for humanity.
“Krishna’s Unwavering Support: From Draupadi’s Swayamvara to the Rajasuya Yajna”
Krishna, along with his family, attended Draupadi’s Swayamvara, the royal event where Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, was to choose a husband. Among the crowd, Krishna noticed the Pandavas, who were thought to be dead but were disguised as Brahmins. He pointed them out to Balarama, who recognized them and smiled. As Arjuna won the Swayamvara, a group of angry kings and princes attacked him. Krishna, observing Arjuna and Bhima fighting them off, reassured Balarama that the Pandavas were alive and could not be defeated. Krishna intervened, declaring that Arjuna had won Draupadi fairly, thus stopping the conflict.
Later, Krishna and Balarama visited the Pandavas at their temporary home, a potter’s house, where they greeted Yudhishthira and Kunti before leaving. After Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas, Krishna sent lavish gifts, further cementing his alliance with them. With the news of the Pandavas’ survival, their uncle Vidura came to invite them back to Hastinapura. Krishna and Balarama accompanied them to the kingdom.
In Hastinapura, Krishna advised the swift coronation of Yudhishthira as the ruler of Khandavaprastha. Krishna then summoned Indra, who, in turn, called upon Vishwakarma, the divine architect, to build the magnificent city of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. After its completion, Krishna urged Yudhishthira to rule with justice and serve his people well. Kunti expressed her gratitude to Krishna for his unwavering support, and Krishna left for Dwarka.
Years later, Krishna met Arjuna at the Prabhasa pilgrimage site and they shared a conversation before Krishna invited Arjuna to Dwarka. During a Yadava festival, Krishna noticed that Arjuna had fallen in love with his half-sister Subhadra. Krishna, laughing, encouraged Arjuna to abduct her in the warrior tradition, and with Krishna’s permission, Arjuna did so. The Yadava warriors were enraged, but Balarama intervened, seeking Krishna’s counsel. Krishna assured everyone that Arjuna had acted with honor, and the situation calmed. Arjuna married Subhadra, and they stayed in Dwarka for some time before moving to Indraprastha, where they were warmly welcomed by the Pandavas.
In Indraprastha, Subhadra gave birth to Abhimanyu, whom Krishna adored as he grew up, providing him with the best of arrangements. Meanwhile, Krishna and Arjuna worked together to burn the Khandava Forest for Agni, the fire god. This act sparked a battle with Indra and the deities, but Krishna and Arjuna’s combined strength proved unbeatable. Agni, satisfied, granted them his blessings, and Krishna requested that their bond of love and friendship continue to grow.
Krishna’s influence continued as he guided Yudhishthira’s decision to perform the Rajasuya Yajna to assert his rule as emperor. However, Krishna warned that the obstacle was Jarasandha, who had forced many kings into submission. Krishna devised a plan to defeat Jarasandha, and with Bhima’s strength, they succeeded in killing him. Krishna freed the kings held captive by Jarasandha and ensured his son, Sahadeva, was installed as the new ruler of Magadha.
As the Pandavas conquered the four corners of the earth to strengthen Yudhishthira’s claim, Krishna supported their efforts, including traveling to Indraprastha with his army and wealth. Krishna’s actions during Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya Yajna further solidified his role as a wise and compassionate leader, washing the feet of visiting Brahmins in a gesture of respect.
Killing Shishupala and the War with Shalva: Krishna’s Divine Intervention
During the Rajasuya Yajna, Bhishma suggested that Krishna be honored first due to his supreme status. Sahadeva offered Krishna the holy water, but Shishupala, the king of Chedi, was furious and insulted Krishna. Despite Bhishma and others defending Krishna, Shishupala continued to disrespect him. Krishna then reminded everyone of Shishupala’s wrongdoings, especially his insults toward the Yadavas, and declared that his boon had ended. In front of all, Krishna beheaded Shishupala with his Sudarshana discus. Shishupala’s soul merged with Krishna, and the earth quaked and skies thundered in response.
Following Shishupala’s death, Krishna’s protection ensured the yajna proceeded without disruption, and the food never ran out. Afterward, Krishna met with Kunti, Subhadra, and Draupadi, offering counsel to Yudhishthira on his role as emperor.
War with Shalva and the Humiliation of Draupadi
Upon returning to Dwarka, Krishna learned of Shalva’s attack on the Yadava kingdom in revenge for Shishupala’s death. Shalva’s city, Saubha, was a flying vimana, making it difficult for Krishna to reach, but Krishna engaged in battle with the city and its residents. Shalva used deceptive magic to confuse Krishna, even casting illusions of Vasudeva’s death to demoralize him. However, Krishna soon realized the deception and regained his strength.
Krishna then used his divine powers to locate and destroy Saubha. With his Sudarshana discus, Krishna split the flying city and killed Shalva, declaring victory.
Meanwhile, in Hastinapura, Yudhishthira was drawn into a game of dice, which led to the humiliating loss of the Pandavas and Draupadi. As Draupadi was dragged into the assembly hall and attempted to be disrobed by Duhshasana, she called out to Krishna in desperation. Although Krishna could not physically be present, he intervened spiritually. As Duhshasana tried to disrobe Draupadi, Krishna magically extended her cloth, creating an endless supply, much to Duhshasana’s frustration. Eventually, the humiliation ceased, and the game’s results were reversed, allowing the Pandavas and Draupadi to return. However, they were later exiled for 13 years following another deceitful game.
Reunion with the Pandavas in Exile
Accompanied by the Yadava warriors, Subhadra, Abhimanyu, Draupadi’s brother Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi’s five sons, King Dhrishtaketu of Chedi, Karenumati, and the princes of Kekaya, Krishna visited the Pandavas in the Kamyaka forest during their exile. He greeted Yudhishthira and spoke to the gathered group, declaring that he would restore Yudhishthira to his throne by vanquishing Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni, and Duhshasana. As Krishna spoke, his anger flared up, only to be calmed by Arjuna, who reaffirmed their unbreakable friendship.
Draupadi tearfully recalled the humiliation she faced when she was dragged into the court in a single garment, surrounded by warriors but unable to stop the shame. She even questioned Krishna for not coming to her aid. Krishna assured her that the wives of her tormentors would also suffer, and promised to do everything for her well-being. Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna comforted her, while Krishna explained he had been fighting Shalva at the time. He then left for Dwarka with Subhadra, Abhimanyu, and his servants.
Months later, Krishna and Balarama visited the Pandavas, who were in poor condition at the Prabhasa site. Yudhishthira, still patient, shared news of their exile and Arjuna’s trip to heaven for divine weapons. Balarama was upset that the Pandavas suffered while their tormentors lived in luxury, but Krishna assured him that the Pandavas would not go to war yet. After saying farewell, Krishna and the Yadavas returned to Dwarka.
Near the end of their exile, Krishna visited the Pandavas in the Kamyaka forest with Satyabhama. He comforted Draupadi and praised Yudhishthira’s adherence to dharma. Krishna shared that Draupadi’s sons were thriving in Dwarka, and during the visit, Sage Markandeya arrived. Markandeya spoke of meeting Balamukunda, the child form of Vishnu, and revealed that Krishna was the divine being incarnated to fulfill his duties. Deeply moved, the Pandavas fell at Krishna’s feet, and he reassured them before leaving for Dwarka with Satyabhama.
Managing Sage Durvasa’s Visit
One night, as Krishna rested beside his wife Rukmini, he learned that Draupadi was in distress, calling for his help. She explained that Sage Durvasa had arrived with his ten thousand disciples, and she had nothing left to feed them. Krishna asked her to first feed him before addressing the guests. Despite Draupadi’s objections that the divine kettledrum could provide no more food, Krishna summoned it. A small amount of greens remained stuck in the vessel, and Krishna ate them, asking that they satisfy the lord of all. He then instructed Sahadeva to bring the sage and his followers.
Miraculously, the sage and his disciples felt completely full, even though they had expected to be scolded by the Pandavas for their earlier request. Fearing the wrath of the Pandavas, who were protected by Krishna, they fled in fear. When Sahadeva returned without the guests, Krishna explained what had occurred. The Pandavas thanked Krishna, and he departed for Dwarka once more.
Abhimanyu’s Wedding
As the Pandavas’ exile drew to a close, Krishna received an invitation to attend Abhimanyu’s wedding to Uttaraa, the princess of Matsya. Accompanied by the Yadavas and Subhadra, Krishna brought Abhimanyu to the city of Upaplavya in the Matsya kingdom. He brought grand gifts, including elephants, horses, chariots, soldiers, and precious stones. Krishna, along with Arjuna, oversaw the marriage ceremony.
Efforts for Peace and War
The morning after the wedding, Krishna, the Pandavas, and their allies gathered in King Virata’s court. Krishna, after a brief discussion, suggested sending a messenger to Hastinapura to see if Duryodhana was willing to return the Pandavas’ kingdom. While some advocated for war, Krishna emphasized the importance of Yudhishthira’s commitment to dharma. With the wedding concluded, Krishna returned to Dwarka.
In Dwarka, Krishna met with both Duryodhana and Arjuna. Duryodhana requested Krishna’s assistance in the war, while Krishna, seeing Arjuna first, offered him two choices: his army or his own presence as a non-combatant charioteer. Arjuna chose Krishna, and Duryodhana, though disappointed, accepted Krishna’s army. Krishna then asked Arjuna why he chose him over the army, and Arjuna explained that he valued Krishna’s presence above all. Krishna agreed to be Arjuna’s charioteer.
Sanjaya, sent by Dhritarashtra to negotiate peace, arrived in Upaplavya. Krishna reminded him of the unjust treatment the Pandavas had endured, expressing that they were ready for either peace or war, depending on Duryodhana’s response. After Sanjaya’s return to Hastinapura, Krishna advised Yudhishthira to remain firm but not provoke violence. Bhima, ever ready for action, still supported peace, while Draupadi’s tears reminded Krishna of the pain she had suffered. Despite the many voices advocating for war, it was decided that Krishna would make one final attempt at peace.
Krishna’s Peace Mission to Hastinapura
The morning after performing his religious rituals, Krishna set out for Hastinapura, accompanied by Satyaki, an army, and his servants. The Pandavas and their allies followed him for a distance, and Yudhishthira embraced Krishna, asking him to visit Kunti and reassure her of their well-being. Arjuna, too, reminded Krishna of the goal to regain their half of the kingdom. After parting with the warriors, Krishna continued his journey.
Along the way, Krishna encountered several sages, including Narada, and asked how he could assist them. Sage Parashurama expressed a wish to hear Krishna’s words in the Kaurava assembly and decided to accompany him to Hastinapura. Upon reaching Vrikasthala, the townspeople warmly welcomed Krishna. He chose to rest there for the night, visiting various homes and dining with them. Krishna noticed several resthouses prepared by Duryodhana along his route but chose to ignore them and pressed on to Hastinapura.
Upon arrival in Hastinapura, Krishna was greeted by a large crowd, including Kaurava warriors. He entered Dhritarashtra’s palace and greeted the king, Bhishma, Drona, and others before taking his seat. After the formalities, Krishna went to Vidura’s house. There, he shared news of the Pandavas and reassured Vidura of their strength and resolve.
In the afternoon, Krishna visited Kunti, who tearfully embraced him and inquired about her sons. Krishna comforted her, assuring her that the Pandavas would soon be reunited with her. After bidding her farewell, Krishna proceeded to Duryodhana’s residence. He was welcomed by Duryodhana, Shakuni, Karna, Duhshasana, and the other Kauravas. However, Krishna refused their offer of food, stating that as a messenger, he could not accept hospitality from those to whom he had to deliver a message.
Later, Krishna returned to Vidura’s house, where he fed the sages and offered them gifts before having his own meal. That evening, Vidura cautioned Krishna that Duryodhana would never listen to him, as he had lost all wisdom. Krishna, however, remained resolute, stating that it was his duty to attempt peace, even if it seemed unlikely to succeed.
The next day, Krishna was summoned to the Kaurava assembly. Accompanied by Duryodhana, Shakuni, and others, Krishna entered the hall and took his place. After the sages, led by Narada, were seated, Krishna began his speech. He appealed to Dhritarashtra, urging him to choose peace over war. Krishna highlighted the righteousness of the Kuru dynasty and warned of the devastating consequences of war. He reminded them that the Pandavas, who had endured immense suffering, were ready to live in peace but would fight if necessary. He concluded by stating that it was up to Dhritarashtra to decide whether peace or war would prevail.
The sages, including Parashurama and Kanva, stood and narrated stories from the past that illustrated the consequences of pride and violence. Dhritarashtra, moved by Krishna’s words, asked Krishna to personally convince Duryodhana. Krishna spoke directly to Duryodhana, urging him to abandon his pride and make peace. However, Duryodhana stubbornly refused, justifying his actions and insisting on war.
Krishna, angered by Duryodhana’s response, sharply rebuked him. When Duryodhana left the assembly in defiance, Krishna advised that he and his supporters be detained. In a dramatic moment, Krishna revealed his divine form, unleashing a display of cosmic power. The assembly was struck with fear, and even Dhritarashtra, who was blind, requested to witness the divine form. Krishna granted him vision, and after the display, he returned to his original form. Krishna then left the assembly with Satyaki and Kritavarma, as Duryodhana and his allies retreated.
Later, Krishna visited Kunti again to brief her on the outcome of the assembly. Kunti, with a heavy heart, gave Krishna a moral message to deliver to the Pandavas before bidding him farewell.
On his journey back to Upaplavya, Krishna stopped to speak with Karna. He revealed to Karna that he was Kunti’s son, born before her marriage, and offered him the chance to join the Pandavas. However, Karna, loyal to Duryodhana, declined the offer, expressing his desire to fight Arjuna in battle. Krishna, despite Karna’s refusal, predicted that the Pandavas would ultimately prevail and advised Karna to prepare for war.
After parting with Karna, Krishna continued his journey back to the Pandavas. Upon his return, he shared the events of his mission in Hastinapura, detailing the failed attempt at peace and the certainty of war.
Final Preparations for the War
With Krishna’s guidance, Yudhishthira organized the Pandava armies and sought Krishna’s opinion on who should be appointed as the commander-in-chief. Krishna recommended Dhrishtadyumna for the role, and he was duly appointed. The pre-war formations were set, with warriors such as Anadhrishti, Chekitana, Dhrishtaketu, and Satyaki assigned to protect Arjuna and Krishna. Upon reaching the borders of Kurukshetra, the chosen battleground, Krishna sounded his conch to inspire the Pandava army and prepare them for the impending conflict.
At Kurukshetra, Krishna and Arjuna scouted the area, removing Duryodhana’s soldiers from the region. Krishna had a moat dug around the land they had selected for the battlefield and oversaw the construction of numerous tents for the Pandava warriors. When Yudhishthira expressed lingering doubts, Krishna solemnly informed him that the time for peace had passed. A war with the Kauravas was now inevitable, and it was their duty to proceed with it. Arjuna, agreeing with Krishna, affirmed that there was no other course of action.
News soon reached the camp that Bhishma had been appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. Krishna advised Yudhishthira to appoint commanders capable of facing Bhishma in battle. Yudhishthira then designated Krishna to guide Arjuna and serve as his charioteer. At that moment, Balarama arrived at the Pandava camp. Krishna welcomed him, but Balarama expressed his neutrality, stating that he still regarded both the Pandavas and the Kauravas as his kin. Though he respected Krishna’s decision, Balarama chose to depart on a pilgrimage, unwilling to witness the destruction of the war. Krishna bid him farewell.
Rukmi, a relative of Krishna, then arrived at the camp and offered his services to fight on the Pandava side. However, Arjuna rejected Rukmi’s aid. Soon after, Uluka, a messenger from Duryodhana, arrived, delivering a challenge for Yudhishthira and Arjuna to fight alongside Krishna the following day. The message insulted Krishna and Arjuna, claiming that thousands of Krishnas and hundreds of Arjunas would flee before Duryodhana alone. This enraged the Pandavas, especially Bhima. Krishna, however, calmed the situation and instructed Uluka to return to Duryodhana with the message that his words had been heard and their meaning understood.
Uluka later brought another message, personally insulting Krishna for pledging not to fight, calling him a mere herder from the past. This infuriated the assembled warriors. Arjuna responded with a fitting reply to Duryodhana, and Krishna followed by declaring that Duryodhana’s arrogance would be met with relentless determination. Krishna challenged Duryodhana, stating that wherever Arjuna went on the battlefield, Krishna would transport his chariot there. Duryodhana, though arrogant, was not considered a formidable opponent by Krishna or the Pandavas.
With Duryodhana’s insults addressed, the Pandava army prepared to leave for the battlefield. Yudhishthira appointed Virata, Jayatsena, Yudhamanyu, and Uttamauja to surround Arjuna and Krishna, who were positioned at the rear of the army.
The Kurukshetra War: The Bhagavad Gita
The moment the Pandava army was ready for battle, Krishna blew his conch, Panchajanya, signaling the start of the war. As Arjuna’s charioteer, Krishna instructed him to focus on reaching Bhishma in battle. Before they began, Krishna advised Arjuna to pray to Goddess Durga for blessings, and after Arjuna’s prayer, both Krishna and Arjuna blew their conches once again, further energizing the soldiers.
Arjuna, seeking to see his opponents, requested Krishna to place their chariot between the two armies. As Arjuna observed his family and teachers on the opposing side, he was overwhelmed with emotion. He was struck by the realization that he would have to fight his own kin and revered mentors. He became demotivated and expressed his unwillingness to engage in such a destructive war, fearing the consequences of killing his relatives.
Krishna, recognizing Arjuna’s confusion, called it a futile weakness and urged him to overcome his distress. Arjuna, still troubled, admitted his inability to raise his bow against Bhishma, Drona, and other warriors he considered family. He asked Krishna for guidance to calm his mind.
In response, Krishna offered a profound spiritual teaching. He explained that the soul is eternal and indestructible, and that the death of the body is not the death of the soul. He urged Arjuna to rise above his emotional confusion and perform his duty without attachment to the results. Krishna emphasized the importance of “karma,” unselfish action driven by duty, and the need to maintain a steady, impartial mindset in the face of challenges.
This advice helped Arjuna regain his composure, preparing him for the battle ahead.
References:-
is radha married to krishna?
Radha and Krishna share a profound spiritual connection, but they were never married in a conventional sense. Their relationship is often seen as a divine expression of love and devotion, representing the deepest form of spiritual bond. While some later traditions might refer to their union as a marriage, the earliest texts do not describe them as being formally married. There are many aspects of their relationship and Krishna’s life that I will explore in a separate blog post.
Why Krishna did not marry Radha
Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was a divine being who imparted the Bhagavad Gita and performed miracles for humanity. As a child, he was a mischievous cowboy and played enchanting melodies on his flute, which captivated Radha, his greatest devotee. Krishna’s love for her symbolized pure devotion. Although he wished for a simple life with Radha, Guru Gargacharya revealed his true purpose as the savior of the world. After realizing his divine mission, Krishna left Vrindavan, gave Radha his flute, and never returned, leaving behind his playful nature for a life of higher purpose. There are many more details surrounding Krishna’s life and divine journey, which I will cover in a separate blog post.
What is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated for?
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It commemorates the day Krishna was born to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva in a prison in Mathura, more than 5,000 years ago. The festival honors Krishna’s divine role as the protector of dharma and his many miracles, including his guidance in the Mahabharata and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Devotees celebrate by fasting, singing devotional songs, reenacting Krishna’s childhood stories, and offering prayers at midnight, the time of his birth. The festival is a joyous occasion, symbolizing divine love, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. I will cover the details of Krishna Janmashtami and its significance in a separate blog post.
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