The Complete Life of Krishna: Based on the Earliest Oral Traditions and the Sacred Scriptures

Lord Krishna is one of the most widely worshipped and revered deities in Hinduism, and is considered the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his divine powers, his enchanting flute music, his mischievous yet endearing personality, and his role as a mentor and friend to the Pandava prince Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata. Krishna's life and deeds are chronicled in the ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavata Purana, as well as in various other texts, folklore, and oral traditions. According to these sources, Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva, and was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda, in Vrindavan. He is known for his heroic exploits as a young cowherd, such as his battles with demons like Kansa, Bakasura, and Kaliya. Krishna is also associated with the concept of "bhakti" or devotion, and his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita are considered a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration for millions of people around the world. In the Gita, Krishna counsels Arjuna on the nature of dharma, karma, and the path to self-realization, and his words are seen as a call to action and a path to inner peace and liberation. Krishna's worship is an integral part of Hindu religious and cultural traditions, and his life and deeds continue to inspire and influence art, literature, music, and popular culture in India and beyond.