Krishna
Sanskrit Name
कृष्ण
Meaning
The Dark-Complexioned One
Preferred Time
Early morning and evening
Krishna
Sanskrit Name
कृष्ण
Meaning
The Dark-Complexioned One
Preferred Time
Early morning and evening
Krishna is one of the most beloved Hindu deities, known as the complete incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He represents divine love, wisdom, and joy. Through his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and his divine play (leela), he demonstrates the perfect balance of duty and devotion, showing how to live in the world while maintaining divine consciousness.
Significance
- ❁ Dark complexion representing infinite attraction
- ❁ Flute symbolizing divine call
- ❁ Peacock feather showing divine beauty
- ❁ Lotus feet bestowing liberation
- ❁ Enchanting smile indicating divine bliss
Spiritual Practice
Daily Practices
- ❁ Gita recitation
- ❁ Nama japa
- ❁ Deity worship
- ❁ Bhajan singing
Essential Aspects
- ❁ Pure devotion
- ❁ Selfless service
- ❁ Divine remembrance
- ❁ Joyful surrender
Key Aspects
- ❁ Supreme Lover
- ❁ Perfect Teacher
- ❁ Divine Friend
- ❁ Master of Yoga
- ❁ Cosmic Player
Common Misconceptions
| Only for lovers | Teacher of highest wisdom |
| Just playful | Master of dharma |
| Historical figure | Eternal divine being |
| Regional deity | Universal consciousness |
Special Observances
Forms and Aspects
| Balakrishna | Divine Child |
| Govinda | Protector of Cows |
| Gopinatha | Lord of Gopis |
| Parthasarathi | Arjuna's Charioteer |
Modern Applications
Personal Growth
- ❁ Leadership skills
- ❁ Relationship wisdom
- ❁ Life balance
- ❁ Stress management
Spiritual Development
- ❁ Devotional practice
- ❁ Karma yoga
- ❁ Divine wisdom
- ❁ Joyful spirituality
Spiritual Benefits
Additional Information
Yantra
Krishna Yantra
Direction
North-East
Colors
Blue, Yellow
Elements
All elements
Gemstones
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Core Essence
Krishna embodies the perfect combination of divine love and supreme wisdom, showing that the highest truth can be realized through loving devotion while fulfilling one's duties in the world. His teachings demonstrate that spiritual life can be full of joy and divine play.
Major Festivals
Janmashtami
Krishna Paksha Ashtami in Bhadrapada (August-September)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, observed with great devotion and festivity across India and worldwide.
Significance
Commemorates Krishna's divine appearance on Earth
Symbolizes the victory of divine consciousness over materialistic tendencies
Represents the eternal nature of divine love
Marks the beginning of Krishna's divine play on Earth
Rituals
Fasting until midnight (the time of Krishna's birth)
Abhishekam of the deity with Panchamrit
Cradle ceremony and singing of traditional birth songs
Breaking of the Dahi Handi (pot of yogurt)
Special Offerings
Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
Chappan Bhog (56 different food items)
Tulsi leaves
Butter and milk-based sweets
Rasa Purnima
Purnima in Kartik month (October-November)
Celebrates the divine dance of Krishna with the gopis, symbolizing the soul's eternal relationship with the Divine.
Significance
Commemorates the Rasa Leela of Krishna
Symbolizes the perfect union of the divine and devotee
Represents the highest form of devotional service
Marks the beginning of winter season celebrations
Rituals
Night-long singing and dancing
Special abhishekam of Radha-Krishna deities
Offering of traditional sweets
Circumambulation of Tulsi plant
Regional Festivals
Holi in Vrindavan
Vrindavan and Mathura
A week-long celebration of colors, especially significant in the places of Krishna's pastimes.
Phoolon ki Holi (playing with flowers)
Widow's Holi celebration in Vrindavan
Traditional Lathmar Holi in Barsana
Phalgun Purnima (February-March)
Govardhan Puja
Mathura-Vrindavan region
Celebrates Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from Indra's wrath.
Creating miniature Govardhan Hill with food items
Circumambulation of Govardhan Hill
Annakut (mountain of food) offerings
Day after Diwali
Mantras
Please note: These mantras should be practiced with caution. It is highly recommended to consult with a guru or an experienced practitioner before embarking on any deity's sadhana (spiritual practice).
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om, I bow to Lord Krishna, son of Vasudeva
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
The Maha-mantra invoking Krishna's names
Offerings
Tulasi leaves
Sacred basil, most dear to Krishna
Butter
Fresh butter, his favorite food
Yellow flowers
Especially marigolds
Flute
Symbol of divine call
Sweet offerings
Various milk sweets
Ritual Timing
Preferred Time
Early morning and evening
Muhurta
During Brahma muhurta
Special Occasions
Janmashtami, Ekadashi days
🕉️
Homam procedures and instructions coming soon.
We are working on providing detailed and accurate homam procedures.
Major Temples
Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, this ancient temple complex marks the prison cell where Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva. The current structure, built in 1965, houses the main shrine dedicated to Krishna's birth.
Significance
Marks the exact location where Lord Krishna was born in the prison cell of King Kamsa
Houses the original prison cell in its underground sanctum
One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavas
Represents the beginning of Krishna's divine play on Earth
Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarka, Gujarat, India
Also known as Jagat Mandir, this magnificent temple is believed to be built on Krishna's original palace site. The current structure dates back to the 16th century and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Significance
Built at the site where Krishna established his kingdom
One of the four most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites (Char Dham)
Features intricate carvings depicting Krishna's life stories
Houses the original deity installed by Krishna's great-grandson
Banke Bihari Temple
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India
One of the most revered temples in Vrindavan, dedicated to Krishna in his 'Tribhanga' posture. The temple was established by Swami Haridas in 1864.
Significance
Famous for its unique darshan style where curtains are drawn every few minutes
The deity is said to be the original divine form of Krishna as seen by Swami Haridas
Known for its special Shringar (decoration) ceremonies
Represents Krishna's playful aspect from his youth in Vrindavan
Regional Temples
ISKCON Temple
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India
A modern architectural marvel built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, featuring a unique blend of traditional and contemporary design elements.
Shri Krishna-Balaram Temple
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India
The main temple of ISKCON in Vrindavan, known for its pristine white marble structure and elaborate worship ceremonies.
Radha Raman Temple
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India
One of the most ancient temples of Vrindavan, housing the self-manifested deity of Krishna, served continuously since its installation in 1542.