Lord Krishna – Life, Avatars, and Lessons

“यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।

अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।

धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय संभवामि युगे युगे॥”

THE TRINITY OF INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

Indian mythology describes three major gods:

Brahma – The Creator

Vishnu – The Preserver

Mahesh (Shiva) – The Destroyer

Whenever evil dominates the world and righteousness (Dharma) declines, Lord Vishnu takes an avatar (incarnation) to destroy evil and restore dharma.

THE TEN AVATARS OF LORD VISHNU (DASHAVATARA):

1. Matsya (Fish)

2. Kurma (Turtle)

3. Varaha (Boar)

4. Narasimha (Half-man, Half-lion)

5. Vamana (Dwarf)

6. Parashurama (Warrior Sage)

7. Rama (Prince of Ayodhya)

8. Krishna (Cowherd and Prince of Dwarka)

9. Buddha (The Enlightened One)

10. Kalki (The Future Warrior)

LORD KRISHNA

Names of Krishna:

Lord Krishna is known by many names based on his qualities and roles:

Kanha, Kanhaiya, Gopal, Murlidhar, Lala, Govinda, Madhava, Yogeshwar, Mohan, Ghanshyam, Girdhari, and more.

Birth and Early Life:

Krishna was born on Sharavan Vad Ashtami, celebrated as Janmashtami, in Mathura, inside a prison.

Mother: Devaki

Father: Vasudev

Maternal Uncle: Kansa

Kansa had imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev after a prophecy said Devaki’s 8th son would kill him. He killed their first 7 children. When Krishna was born, Vasudev carried him across the Yamuna River during a storm to Gokul, where he was raised.

In Gokul, Krishna was raised by Nandbaba and Yashoda, his foster parents. They loved him deeply and raised him with care and devotion.

Yashoda was unaware of his divine nature and treated him like her own mischievous sonrais

Childhood and Divine Leelas:

-Krishna’s childhood was full of divine miracles and playful mischief.

-He was a cowherd who loved grazing cows.

-He played the flute, which mesmerized all living beings.

-He often stole butter with his friends – hence the name Makhan Chor.

-When Yashoda caught him eating mud, she asked him to open his mouth – inside she saw the entire universe.

-He lifted the Govardhan hill to protect Gokul’s people from Lord Indra’s wrath.

Demons Sent by Kansa:

Kansa sent many demons to kill Krishna, including:

Putana, Vatsasura, Bakāsura, Aghasura, Keshi

Krishna defeated all of them, showcasing his divine power even as a child.

Leaving Gokul and Killing Kansa:

At the age of 11, Krishna left Gokul and went to Mathura with his brother Balram.

There, he:

-Defeated Kansa’s royal wrestlers.

-Killed Kansa, ending his tyranny.

-Freed his biological parents, Devaki and Vasudev.

-Was crowned the prince of Mathura.But Jarasandha, Kansa’s father-in-law, attacked Mathura repeatedly.To protect his people, Krishna moved the entire population to a new city, Dwarka, built on the seashore.

RELATIONSHIPS AND ROLES:

Sudama – The Childhood Friend:

Krishna’s childhood friend from the Sandipani Ashram, Sudama, was a poor Brahmin.

When he came to meet Krishna, Krishna welcomed him with bare feet, hugged him, and blessed him with a wealthy life – a true example of friendship and humility.

Radha – The Symbol of Devotion:

Radha was Krishna’s beloved. Many believe Radha represents pure devotion, and some say there was no single person named Radha but a name Krishna used to refer to the Gopis who loved him deeply.

Bhishma and Vidura – The Wise Men:

Only a few people knew Krishna was divine. Among them were Bhishma and Vidura.

When Krishna came with a peace proposal to Hastinapur, Duryodhana refused to listen. Krishna stayed and ate at Vidura’s humble home, showing that love matters more than riches.

Draupadi – His Spiritual Sister:

Once, Krishna’s finger got injured and Draupadi tore her sari to bandage his wound. Krishna promised:

“Whenever you need me, I will come.”

During her cheer haran in the Kaurava court, she called Krishna – and he saved her dignity.

Arjuna – The Devotee Warrior:

Krishna was charioteer and advisor to Arjuna in the Mahabharata war.

When Arjuna hesitated to fight, Krishna gave him the Bhagavad Gita, explaining:

-The purpose of life

-Duty without attachment

-The immortality of the soul

-The importance of righteousness

Krishna then revealed his Vishwaroopa (divine cosmic form).

Wives of Krishna:

Krishna had 16,108 wives.8 principal wives (Ashtabharya):

Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, Lakshmana

16,100 women he rescued from the demon Narakasura.To restore their honor, Krishna married them and gave them dignity and status in society.

Enemies:

-Krishna had many enemies who represented ego and evil:

-Kansa, Shishupala, Paundraka Vasudeva,Jarasandha, Kalayavana

-He defeated each one strategically — either with power or with intelligence.

Death of Krishna:

Krishna left the Earth in a peaceful manner. While he was meditating in the forest, a hunter named Jara mistook his foot for a deer and shot an arrow.This happened at Moksh Piplo, and it is believed that Jara was the rebirth of King Bali, brother of Sugriv, whom Lord Rama had once killed from behind.Thus, Krishna’s death was seen as the return of karma.

Teachings and Life Lessons:

-Krishna's entire life is a lesson on how to live with wisdom, courage, and love.

-Dharma over personal bonds

-Friendship beyond status (Sudama)

-Always protect women’s dignity (Draupadi)

-Strategic retreat is not weakness (Ranchhod)

-Respect elders, protect the young

-Worship nature and animals (Govardhan, cows)

-Do your karma; don’t expect results (Bhagavad Gita)

       Lord Krishna was not just a god — he was a complete personality:A warrior, friend, lover, king, philosopher, teacher, and divine incarnation.His life, especially through the Bhagavad Gita, continues to guide humanity.