Significance of Shri Krishna
Shri Krishna is a paramount divine figure in Hinduism, recognized as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He embodies love, compassion, and divinity, known for his interactions with devotees and pivotal roles in sacred texts. Revered for his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, he guides Arjuna, emphasizing spiritual wisdom and duty. Shri Krishna's charming persona, illustrated through his playful antics with the gopis and significant actions, establishes him as a central character in numerous narratives, embodying both divine essence and deep devotion.
Synonyms: Lord krishna, Krishna, Govinda, Vasudeva, Madhusudana, Hari, Gopala, Madhava
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Shri Krishna'
Shri Krishna in Hinduism is viewed as a central and revered deity, embodying love, devotion, and divine power, with significant roles in various texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, while also inspiring deep emotional connections with his devotees.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Referred to as Bhagavan, He is known for His glory and is considered the source of all incarnations.[1] (2) A central figure in Hinduism known for his teachings, divine activities, and as an embodiment of love and compassion.[2] (3) The divine figure referenced, known for His beauty and transcendental qualities.[3] (4) A central figure in the text and a significant character in Hindu mythology, related to the family of the Yadavas.[4] (5) Identified as the sovereign of universal lords and the beloved Deity of the Pandavas, embodying affection and guidance.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Lord Krishna, a significant figure in Hindu mythology, known for his divine actions and teachings.[6] (2) A major deity in Hinduism, often associated with compassion, love, and divine playfulness, and a central figure in many sacred narratives.[7] (3) A revered deity in Hinduism, often considered the supreme God, who plays a central role in various spiritual narratives.[8] (4) Shri Krishna is the central figure to whom the gopas turned for help.[9] (5) A revered deity in Hinduism, known for his divine qualities and teachings.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The divine figure whose lotus feet are the eternal abode of pastimes and who is beloved by the gopis.[11] (2) The Supreme Lord of all lords, whose worship encompasses the reverence of all others.[12] (3) The divine hero who returns from cowherding, takes bath, dresses beautifully, and enjoys the offerings made by Shri Radha through the sakhis.[13] (4) The supreme controller and the only male in a pure transcendental nature; all jivas are female in relation to Him.[14] (5) The supreme deity in Hinduism, often depicted as a playful young man and the beloved of Shri Radha.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The Supreme Being and main focus of devotion in the teachings discussed, representing love and divinity.[16] (2) A central deity in Hinduism, recognized for his teachings and divine pastimes.[17] (3) The identity of Shri Vishvambhara, which was not disclosed by Vishvarupa.[18] (4) The divine figure referred to as the husband of spiritual knowledge.[19] (5) The divine figure regarded as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, known for His teachings and actions in the world.[20]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A divine figure who intervenes to rescue Nanda Jee from Varoonù's grasp and is recognized by the cowherds.[21] (2) The central divine figure in the narrative who is prophesied to end Kamsa's reign of terror and liberate his family.[22] (3) Shri Krishna is a divine figure who is a central character in the narrative, known for his power and wisdom.[23] (4) One of the main figures who is anxious about Unroodrù and participates in the subsequent battle.[24] (5) One of the two brothers, a deity who descended to destroy evil spirits and relieve the burdens of the world.[25]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The Supreme Personality of Godhead, around whom the practice of bhakti-yoga revolves, embodying all transcendental qualities.[26] (2) The Supreme Personality of Godhead, central to the devotional practices and relationships described.[27] (3) The Supreme Personality of Godhead who exhibits human-like activities and engages in sweet pastimes.[28] (4) The Supreme Personality of Godhead, portrayed as a cowherd boy who engages in divine pastimes.[29] (5) The original source of all spiritual knowledge and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The incarnation of Lord Kannan who came to Earth to fulfill the cosmic purpose of restoring balance.[31] (2) The divine nephew of Kancan who foiled all the uncle's plans to harm him.[32] (3) A divine figure involved in the tussle with the Gopis as recounted by Nayaki.[33] (4) A central figure in Hinduism often depicted as a supreme deity, known for his various divine exploits and qualities.[34]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The divine figure referenced in the text, associated with the idea of devotion and positivity.[35] (2) A deity in Hinduism associated with romantic desires and worship, whose actions inspired feelings in the gopis.[36]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Highest Self, who is eternal, real, and grants boons, such as pure Bhakti, to those who worship Him.[37] (2) The deity whose life and deeds are discussed in detail, including his wonderful achievements.[38] (3) The part incarnate of Vishnu Bhagavan and central figure in the narrative who is subjected to human experiences.[39] (4) The divine figure who created Devi Surabhi and is central to the worship and stories involving her.[40] (5) The Highest Self and Eternal Purusha, considered a central figure in Hinduism responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction.[41]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The central divine figure who is characterized by beauty, dark complexion, and rich adornments, and is associated with numerous divine exploits.[42] (2) The most prominent one among men, regarded as the Supreme Ruler of all who came to visit the Pandavas in Indraprastha.[43] (3) The ornament of the race of Yadus, who retired to His glorious abode in Vaikuntha.[44] (4) A significant figure who returned from Badarikashrama to Dvaraka and was greeted with honor.[45] (5) The central figure of the narrative who remains a single individual yet simultaneously satisfies the sixteen thousand queens.[46]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The divine figure who imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield, calming emotions and guiding the aspirant towards spiritual transcendence.[47] (2) A central figure in both the Gita and Mahabharata, often associated with various philosophical teachings including that of devotion.[48] (3) Shri Krishna is regarded as the Blessed Lord in the Bhagavadgita, who imparts spiritual wisdom and guidance to Arjuna amidst the complexities of the war.[49] (4) 'Shri Krishna' is the divine teacher in the Gita who guides Arjuna in understanding his duties and the nature of action.[50] (5) A central figure in the Mahabharata who advises Arjuna on duty, morality, and the path of action faced during the war.[51]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The revered deity who can grant boons and is associated with liberation and blessing devotees.[52]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The Supreme Being who imparts wisdom and knowledge, addressing important spiritual concepts such as religious merit and sins.[53]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A divine figure known for his ability to alleviate the sorrow of all people in the universe, transcending the human experience.[54] (2) Another name for Lord Krishna, highlighting his divine qualities and role as protector.[55] (3) A divine figure who is revered as the foundation of existence and creation, responsible for the universe's movement.[56] (4) An alternate name for Shrimad Vallabha Charyaji, who is revered as the father of the universe.[57] (5) A divine figure who challenges Jarasandha and helps liberate captive kings.[58]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The Lord referred to in the text; central figure in the verses, depicted with new passion and compared to celestial elements.[59] (2) Shri Krishna refers to the Hindu deity, often depicted as an incarnation of Vishnu, known for his divine characteristics and interactions with characters in various texts.[60]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) An incarnation of God known for his divine actions and leadership, compared to Vyasa's role in protecting the spiritual teachings.[61]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) Regarded as Brahman and a source of life, representing the easier path to moksha.[62]
The concept of Shri Krishna in local and regional sources
Shri Krishna is depicted as a central divine figure in various narratives, symbolizing love, support, and protection for his devotees, while playing crucial roles in the lives of saints like Namdev, Narsi Mehta, Eknath, and Mirabai.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The deity to whom the chapter is dedicated, reflecting the devotion of the bhaktas and the spiritual significance of the narrative.[63] (2) The revered deity represented in the text, symbolizing divinity, love, and protection towards His followers.[64] (3) The deity to whom Mirabai expresses her devotion and love, identifying him as the ultimate focus of her existence.[65] (4) A deity to whom the offering of the chapter is dedicated; revered in Hindu tradition.[66] (5) The deity considered a helper in the marriage process as suggested by Krishna Bhat to Narsi Meheta.[67]