The Divine Cowherd and Philosopher-King avatar. Eighth of the Dashavatara. Most widely worshipped form of Vishnu. Central to Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata. Embodiment of divine love, wisdom, and play (lila).
Blue or dark complexion. Multiple forms: infant crawling, child stealing butter, youth playing flute, charioteer with Arjuna. Often depicted with peacock feather, flute, and smiling expression.