The Complete Guide to Lord Krishna: Biography, Temples & Worship Methods

Introduction

Lord Krishna is the eighth Vishnu avatar and one of the most beloved figures in Hinduism. He is known as the divine cowherd, the supreme being, and the teacher of the Bhagavad Gita. His teachings emphasize love, compassion, and divine wisdom. For thousands of years, his biography and mischievous nature have inspired millions of followers worldwide.

Krishna's life, especially during his childhood in Vrindavan, showcases his divine qualities. His fascinating leelas highlight both his humanness and godliness. As a naughty boy and the object of affection for the gopis, Krishna demonstrated that the divine is accessible through joy and love. His miracles established him as a savior of dharma and righteousness.

In addition to his childhood stories, Krishna authored the profound teachings found in the Bhagavad Gita. This sacred text serves as the foundation of Hindu spirituality. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he imparted eternal principles of duty and devotion to Arjuna, addressing fundamental life questions and spiritual emancipation. With his multifaceted personality, Krishna embodies the ideal blend of human and divine.

Short History of Lord Krishna

Krishna was born in Mathura around 3228 BCE, during the Dwapara Yuga. He was the son of Devaki and Vasudeva. His parents were imprisoned by the tyrant king Kamsa, who feared a prophecy that Devaki's eighth child would kill him. On the night Krishna was born, Vasudeva took the newborn across the Yamuna River to Gokulam, where he was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.

Krishna's childhood in Gokulam and Vrindavan was filled with miraculous events. He performed extraordinary feats, such as killing demons, lifting Mount Govardhan to protect villagers, and taming the serpent Kaliya. His enchanting flute music and playful antics with Radha created mythological tales that symbolize the connection between the soul and the divine.

As a young adult, Krishna defeated Kamsa and became a key figure in the Mahabharata war. He served as the charioteer for Prince Arjuna during the battle of Kurukshetra. When Arjuna hesitated to fight, Krishna shared the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on duty and devotion.

Main Temples

• Temple of Dwarkadhish, Dwarka – The capital and royal seat of Krishna.

• Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura – The birthplace of Krishna.

• Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan – The home of Krishna’s childhood leelas.

• Jagannath Temple, Puri – A temple where Krishna is worshipped as Jagannath.

• Guruvayur Temple, Kerala – The most famous South Indian Lord Krishna temple.

• ISKCON Temples – Worldwide centers promoting Krishna consciousness.

• Krishna Temple in Udupi, Karnataka – Renowned for its unique worship customs.

  
  

Famous Places

• Mathura – The birthplace of Krishna.

• Vrindavan – The playground of his childhood and the land of Radha-Krishna.

• Gokul – The home of his foster family, Nanda and Yashoda.

• Dwarka, Gujarat – The kingdom of Krishna.

• Kurukshetra – The battlefield where the Gita was spoken.

• Govardhan Hill – Raised by Krishna to save the villagers.

• Yamuna River – The holy river closely associated with Krishna’s leelas.

  
  

Festivals

• Janmashtami – The celebration of Krishna's birth.

• Radhashtami – The birth of Radha.

• Govardhan Puja – A celebration of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill.

• Holi – The festival of colors, linked to Krishna's playful nature.

• Kartik Purnima – A festival in the devotional month of Kartik.

• Gita Jayanti – The celebration of the Bhagavad Gita.

• Annakut – Offering various foods to Krishna.

  
  

  

  
  

Prayer Methods

• Bhakti Yoga – Devout, self-dissolving affection.

• Kirtan and Bhajan – Religious songs and chanting.

• Contemplating Krishna's form and leelas.

• Japa – Repeatedly chanting the mantra “Krishna”.

• Aarti – Worship with lamps and incense.

• Seva – Service to Krishna and Vaishnavas.

• Study of scriptures – Reading the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam.

  
  

Krishna Statues & Types

Materials:

• Brass Statues – Classic and durable; ideal for temples.

• Copper Varshik Statues – Auspicious metal; suitable for home worship.

• Stone Statues – Marble, granite, and sandstone; appropriate for temples.

• Marble Statues – Antique white marble Lord Krishna statues.

• Paintings – Antique single-piece and multi-color Pichwais, Tanjore paintings, and contemporary artworks.

  
  

Popular Forms:

• Bal Krishna – Child Krishna with butter.

• Murlidhar – Krishna playing the flute.

• Radha-Krishna – The divine couple.

• Dwarkadhish – Also known as Royal Krishna.

• Govardhan Giridhari – Krishna holding Mount Govardhan.

  
  

Krishna Pooja Shopping and Store

• Required Ingredients: Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, butter, milk, peacock feathers.

• Prasad: Makhan (butter), mishri (rock sugar), fruits.

• Pitambara: Yellow cloth, flower garland, jewelry.

• Stores: Local temple shops, devotional goods online stores, ISKCON gift stores.

• Special Items: Flute, cow figurines, Radha-Krishna paintings.

  
  

The Advantages of Worshiping Lord Krishna

• Spiritual Growth – Nurtures love, goodwill, and devotion.

• Peace of Mind – Reduces stress and brings inner tranquility.

• Wisdom – Guides through life's challenges with Gita teachings.

• Protection – Offers divine shielding from negative influences.

• Joy and Happiness – Krishna’s playful nature brings joy.

• Relationship Harmony – Teaches divine love through the bond of Radha-Krishna.

• Material Prosperity – Attracts good fortune through righteous living.

  
  

How to Obtain the Blessings of Lord Krishna

• Pure Love and Devotion – Dedicate sincere love and submission.

• Frequent Chanting – Such as the Hare Krishna mantra and other prayers.

• Service to Others – Help those in need, just as Krishna did.

• Read the Holy Books – Study the Bhagavad Gita.

• Moral Living – Adhere to dharma and truthfulness.

• Fasting – Observe Ekadashi and other sacred fasts.

• Visit to Temple – Participate in daily prayers and festivals.

  
  

Well-known Krishna Devotees

• Arjuna – The recipient of the Gita’s teachings.

• Radha – The supreme devotee and divine consort.

• Mirabai – Saint and poet-princess of Rajasthan.

• Surdas – Blind poet-saint and singer of Krishna’s glory.

• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – Founder of contemporary Krishna consciousness.

• Tulsidas – An immense devotee and poet.

• Narsi Mehta – Saint-poet of Gujarat.

• Swami Prabhupada – Founder of ISKCON.

  
  

Vedic Mentions

• Bhagavad Gita – Krishna's exhortations to Arjuna.

• Srimad Bhagavatam – Explains Krishna's life and teachings.

• Mahabharata – An epic featuring Krishna's role in Kurukshetra.

• Vishnu Purana – Refers to Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu.

• Harivamsa – A supplement to the Mahabharata detailing Krishna's life.

• Brahma Vaivarta Purana – Contains Krishna's divine leelas.

  
  

Mantras

• Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:

  
  

  Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,

  
  

  Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

  
  

• Krishna Gayatri:

  
  

  Om Damodaraya Vidmahe, Rukmini Vallabhaya Dhimahi,

  
  

  Tanno Krishna Prachodayat

  
  

• One simple mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”

• Dwadasha Nama: Twelve names of Krishna to recite.

  
  

Lord Krishna Boys’ and Girls’ Names

Boys’ Names: Krishna, Govind, Madhav, Keshav, Gopal, Murali, Girdhari, Banke, Dwarkesh, Parthasarathi.

Girls’ Names: Radha, Rukmini, Yasoda, Devaki, Rohini, Vrinda, Gopi, Yamuna, Tulasi, Satyabhama.

Quotes of Lord Krishna

• "You have a right to do the prescribed duty, not to the fruits of action."

• "I am the water, its taste, and the light in the moon and sun."

• "Let go of all forms of religion and simply give yourself up to Me."

• "The soul does not die, and neither is it born."

• "Put thy heart upon thy work, and never on its price."

  
  

The Art of Icons and Legends

• Butter Thief – Child Krishna growing up stealing butter.

• Govardhan Lifting – Saving villagers from Indra's wrath.

• Kaliya Daman – Taming the serpent Kaliya.

• Rasa Lila – The graceful dance of God with the gopis.

• Protection of Draupadi – Providing an endless saree during her disrobing.

• Sudama Friendship – An example of pure friendship.

  
  

The Symbols, the Weapons, and the Vehicles of Krishna

• Flute (Murali) – His omnipotent instrument.

• Peacock Feather – Worn on his crown.

• Sudarshan Chakra – Divine discus weapon.

• Garuda – His transport (eagle).

• Conch Shell – Panchajanya.

• Lotus – A symbol of purity.

• Cow – A representation of his boyhood days as a cowherd.

  
  

Fasting and Health Benefits

• Ekadashi Fasting – Observed twice a month.

• Janmashtami Fasting – Total fasting until midnight.

• Health Advantages – Detoxifying effects, improved digestion, mental purification.

• Kartik Month – Devotional practices during this holy month.

• Healthy Breaking – Using Krishna prasadam and expressing gratitude.

  
  

Famous Krishna Pictures/Wallpapers

• Childhood Krishna – The butter-loving baby crawling.

• Flute Master – Murlidhar with the peacock feather.

• Radha-Krishna – The divine couple in various poses.

• Govardhan Lifting – Krishna lifting the hill heroically.

• Gita Updesh – Krishna teaching Arjuna.

• Dwarkadish – Krishna depicted royally, adorned in magnificent garments.

  
  

Names / Logo / Original Representations

• ISKCON Logo – Symbol of the Hare Krishna movement.

• Om with Flute – Spiritual symbol combining Om and Krishna's flute.

• Footprints – The sacred footprints of Krishna.

• Cow and Flute – Combined symbols representing his essence.

• Peacock Feather – A symbol associated with Krishna.

  
  

Videos on Krishna

• Animation – Animated films and shows about Krishna.

• Devotional Videos – Bhajans and kirtans.

• Temple Darshan – Live broadcasts from temples.

• Spiritual Talks – Discourses on Krishna consciousness.

• Festival Celebrations – Videos of Janmashtami and other festivals.

  
  

  Buy Brass Krishna Idols Online at Best Price Coimbatore, India 50+Unique Krishna Idol Collections

Krishna Above Score Songs

• Achyutam Keshavam – A popular bhajan.

• Hare Krishna Hare Rama – Maha mantra kirtan.

• Other Popular Bhajans – Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo.

• "Radhe Radhe Govinda" – A religious song.

• Traditional Piece – Krishna Murari.

  
  

Popular Books (PDF)

• Bhagavad Gita As It Is – By A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

• The Story of Krishna's Life (Complete) – Srimad Bhagavatam.

• The Beautiful Legend of God – Krishna – By Edwin Bryant.

• The Complete Life of Krishna – By Vanamali.

• All Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON publications.

  
  

Avatars and Other Names

• 108 Names: Govinda, Madhava, Keshava, Narayana, Mukunda.

• Names of the Regions: Kanhaiya, Banke Bihari, Ranchod, Dwarkesh.

• Avatars: Bala Krishna, Govardhan Giridhari, Parthasarathi.

• Other Names: Yogeshwar, Jagannath, Vasudeva, Damodara.

  
  

Related Gods

• Radha – The divine consort and ultimate devotee.

• Eighth Avatar – Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu.

• Balarama – Krishna's elder brother.

• Principal Queen – Rukmini.

• Satyabhama – Another main queen.

• Gopis – The lady companions of Vrindavan.

  
  

Krishna Likes: Colors, Fruits, etc.

• Colors: Pitambara (Yellow), his skin color (Blue), and White.

• Fruits: Butter, milk products, and fruits offered with love.

• Flowers: Tulsi, lotus, yellow flowers.

• Food: Makhan (butter), mishri, kheer, fruits.

• Season: Monsoon (linked to his birth).

• Time: Brahma Muhurta (early pre-dawn hours).

  
  

Krishna's Skills and Social Activities

• Abilities: Playing the flute, herding cows, negotiation, fighting, and dancing.

• Social Activities: Protecting the innocent, upholding dharma, spiritual teaching.

• Head of Kingdom: King of Dwarka, mentor during the war of Kurukshetra.

• Arts: Inspiration in music, dance, and poetry.

• Relationships: An ideal friend, instructor, and protector.

  
  

Documentary Recommendations

• Historical Analysis – Krishna: History or Myth.

• The Life of Krishna – A general biography.

• Vrindavan: The Land of Krishna – A geographical documentary.

• Modern Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON: The Hare Krishna Movement.

• Sacred Journeys: Krishna – A pilgrimage documentary.

  
  

Historical Context

• Archaeological Findings – Excavations in Dwarka and Mathura.

• Historical Dating – Scholarly views on Krishna's dating.

• Cultural Impact – Indo-Greek contributions to Indian art, literature, and philosophy.

• International Movement – The spread of Krishna consciousness worldwide.

• Academic Studies – Research by scholars on Krishna in religious studies.

  
  

Tamil Speech Community

• Tamil Literature – Krishna's presence in Tamil devotional poetry.

• Alvars – Saint-poets of Tamil praising Krishna.

• Divya Prabandham – Holy texts in Tamil referring to Krishna.

• Periyalvar – Tamil saint devoted to Krishna.

• Andal – Female Tamil saint who regarded Krishna as her husband.

  
  

Famous Tamil Movies

• Karnan – Films depicting Krishna's epics.

• Kurukshetra – Tamil adaptations of the Mahabharata.

• Krishna Leela – Tamil religious films.

• Radha Krishna – Tamil mythological movies.

• Govinda – Krishna’s life portrayed in Tamil cinema.