Krishna (कृष्ण) is the eighth avatar of Vishnu, whose life and teachings are central to Hindu dharma. The name 'Krishna' means 'dark' or 'attractive,' reflecting his blue-black complexion and his power to draw all beings. He is the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita (Bhagavad Gita 2.1–2.3), where he reveals himself as the Supreme Being. The Bhagavata Purana (Bhagavata Purana 10.1–10.90) narrates his divine birth to Vasudeva and Devaki, his upbringing by Nanda and Yashoda in Vrindavan, and his childhood pastimes (lila) of stealing butter, playing the flute, and subduing demons.
As a youth, he became the beloved of the gopis, especially Radha, symbolizing the soul's longing for the divine. Later, he established the kingdom of Dwarka and served as the charioteer and guide for Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war. The Harivamsa (Harivamsa 1.1–3.5) supplements the Mahabharata with additional details of his life. Krishna is often depicted with a flute (murali), peacock feather, and yellow silk, representing divine joy and sovereignty.
His mantras include the twelve-syllable 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' (Mantra Mahodadhi 1.1–1.3), the Krishna Gayatri, and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, which is recommended in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad (Kali-Santarana Upanishad 1–2) for liberation in the Kali Yuga. Chanting these mantras is traditionally done in the morning or evening, with a japa mala of 108 repetitions, focusing on the heart or the image of Krishna. The purpose is to cultivate devotion (bhakti), purify the mind, and attain divine grace. Cautions include maintaining purity of body and mind, and avoiding chanting in unclean places or without proper intention.
Festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami celebrate his birth and his union with Radha, while Holi and Govardhan Puja commemorate his playful and protective acts. Krishna is worshiped pan-India, with major centers in Vrindavan, Mathura, Dwarka, and globally through ISKCON.
Om, salutations to the divine Lord Vasudeva (Krishna).