Krishna's Whirl Of Wonders: The Divine Life and Leelas of Lord Shri Krishna D.I.Y Kit
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Krishna Avatar: The Purna-Avatar
Among the many avatars of the Supreme Lord, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna are considered Purna-Avatars, as they lived complete human lives on earth. In response to the growing atrocities of demonic beings in the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Sriman Narayana incarnated as Sri Krishna, the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Following a divine prophecy that their eighth child would end Kamsa's life, Devaki's cruel brother Kamsa imprisoned the couple and killed each of their children.
Krishna's Birth in Mathura
When Devaki was pregnant with her eighth child, she glowed with divinity. During the auspicious hour of Rohini, peace prevailed, and fragrant breezes blew gently. As celestial beings celebrated joyfully, Janardana, the World's Well-wisher, was born on a serene Ashtami night in the Tamil month of Avani. Manifesting as Lord Vishnu with lotus-like eyes and four arms holding divine symbols, the Supreme Lord took the form of a human child before His parents. Meanwhile, Yogamaya, embodying transcendence, was born to Nanda's wife, Yashoda.
Krishna in Gokulam
Vasudeva reached the cowherd village while everyone was asleep. He placed his son on Yashoda's bed, took her daughter, and returned to Mathura, re-shackling himself to remain as before. The next morning, Gokulam celebrated the arrival of their little prince, unaware of the baby exchange. The entire village rushed to Nandagopa's house, eager to see the child. Joy filled the air with singing, dancing, and the beating of drums, creating a vibrant festive scene.
Putana Vadham: The Defeat of the Demoness
Kamsa, aware of his nemesis growing on the other side of the Yamuna, sent demons to kill the child. The first was Putana, who disguised herself as a beautiful maiden and attempted to poison Krishna by feeding him poisoned milk. However, Krishna, with divine innocence, sucked the milk and inadvertently drew out her life, leaving the baby unharmed. Putana revealed her true demonic form and collapsed, while Krishna crawled freely on her enormous body.
Sakatasura Vadham: The Demon in the Cart
Following Putana's failed attempt, other demons targeted Krishna, only to meet their end. One such demon, Sakatasura, took the form of a wheel and was effortlessly vanquished by a single kick from Krishna.
Mrith Bakshana Leela: The Divine Revelation
One afternoon, Krishna mischievously ate mud while playing with his friends. When Yashoda confronted him, Krishna denied it but eventually opened his mouth. To Yashoda's astonishment, she saw the entire universe inside—planets, oceans, moons, the sun, stars, and constellations. Overwhelmed, she carried him inside, filled with affection and wonder.
Damodara Leela: Bound by Love
Once, Yashoda caught Krishna stealing butter and decided to punish him. She tied him to a grinding stone. With tears in his eyes, Krishna stood helplessly. As he tried to move, he accidentally uprooted two trees, freeing two cursed celestial beings. They paid their respects to Krishna, who had freed them from their curse.
Bakasura Vadham: The Demon Heron
While tending their calves, Krishna and his friends encountered Bakasura, a demon in the form of a monstrous heron. Bakasura swallowed Krishna, but Krishna burned like fire inside him, forcing the demon to release him. Krishna then tore Bakasura's beak apart, easily defeating him.
Kaliya Dhamana Leela: The Subjugation of the Serpent
A poisonous snake named Kaliya had made a pond near the Yamuna river deadly. Krishna decided to make the water safe. He threw a ball into the pond and retrieved it, disappearing underwater. As the villagers watched anxiously, Krishna emerged dancing on Kaliya's hood. The serpent's wives pleaded for mercy, promising to leave the pond. Krishna blessed them, making the water safe, and the villagers celebrated his divine prowess.
Govardhana Leela: The Protector of Vrindavan
When the villagers of Vrindavan prepared their annual offering to Lord Indra, Krishna convinced them to honor Govardhan Mountain instead. Furious, Indra unleashed a storm on Vrindavan. Krishna lifted the massive mountain with his little finger, sheltering the villagers and cattle. The villagers marveled at Krishna's divine power.
Kamsa Vadham: The End of the Tyrant
Krishna and Balarama entered Kamsa's palace and defeated the elephant Kuvalayapida and the wrestlers Mushtika and Chanura. In Kamsa's court, Krishna pulled Kamsa down by his hair and killed him with his bare hands. He then freed his birth parents from prison, bringing joy to Devaki, who also felt a pang of sorrow for missing Krishna's childhood moments.
Rasa Leela: The Dance of Divine Love
During the bountiful autumn season in Vraja, Krishna and the gopis performed the Rasa Leela, a dance of divine love. Krishna, embodying supreme bliss, moved gracefully among the gopis, who represented souls yearning for liberation. This dance fulfilled their deepest spiritual longings, symbolizing the union of the divine with the devoted.
The Later Years
After his childhood, Krishna went to Gurukulam for his studies, built Dwarka, and married Rukmini and Satyabhama. He played a pivotal role in the Kurukshetra war, delivering the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Finally, Krishna ascended to his eternal abode, Sri Vaikuntam.
Each avatar of the Lord serves three purposes: to protect the good, destroy the sinful, and restore righteousness. Sri Krishna's complete life, from infancy, is beautifully captured in the Srimad Bhagavatha Puranam (10th Canto) and Sri Vishnu Puranam.
Krshnaya vasudevaya devaki-nandanaya cha
nanda-gopa-kumaraya govindaya namo namah
nanda-gopa-kumaraya govindaya namo namah
On this auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, we offer our respectful obeisances to Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, the joy of Devaki, the darling of Nanda, the cowherds of Vrindavan, and the one who brings life to the cows and our senses!