Lord Krishna – the eighth avatar of Vishnu and the Supreme God in his own right – is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. He is a symbol of love, devotion, compassion, and wisdom. Krishna is not someone you worship as a divine being but a close companion, friendly guide, and protector with whom you can interact freely, as if he is your equal. This is the unique relationship between Krishna and his followers. Krishna’s interactions with the Gopis, reveal his ability to make those around him feel loved, accepted, and important, creating an atmosphere where they can relate to him not as a deity to be worshipped from a distance but as an equal with whom they can share laughter, joy, and moments of pure connection.
Krishna’s playful flirtations with the Gopis are ideal examples of a relationship between the devotees and the divine. Just like the Gopis — even other devotees can expect to get love, and affection from him if they approach him as a friend, philosopher or guide.
There People are not afraid of him and openly call him ‘makhan chor’ (one who steals butter), or ‘ran chod’ (one who runs away from the battle-field). There are only a few temples of Krishna in North East India, where he is not widely worshipped as God because he eloped with Rukmini the daughter of King Bhishmaka who ruled over Bhismaknagar in present-day Arunachal Pradesh and even helped his grandson Aniruddha marry Usha, the daughter of King Banasura from Sonitpur (modern-day Tezpur, Assam) without the consent of her parents. It is believed that Tezpur (“City of Blood”) was named after the fierce battle between Krishna and King Banasura. Hence some people in the North East say how can you worship someone who elopes with a princess and even helps his grandson do so. What example would such a person set for others, some people from the North East say?
Also Read: Why did Shri Krishna curse Ashwathama?
The ground reality that no one can deny is that Krishna is far removed and does not conform to human expectations of what an ideal hero or God should be like. His actions both in the Bhagavat Puran and the Mahabharat are often unconventional, playful, or seemingly contradictory. In this article we shall try to analyse the wisdom behind Krishna’s actions, even when they seem puzzling or contradictory.
Divine yet relatable
Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu the preserver or protector of the universe but often shown in a human form – embodying qualities that resonate deeply with human emotions, desires, and struggles. This combination of divinity and relatability sets him apart and makes him a living example and role model you can touch, feel and play with, instead of placing in the temple as a remote object to be feared.
Also Read: Top 10 qualities why Krishna is relevant today – 10
One of the most notable aspects of Krishna is his ability to balance his position as a supreme being with familiarity and accessibility. In many of his incarnations, Krishna is not an unfriendly, or superior being but a friend, a lover, a playful child, and a wise teacher. His ability to engage with his followers as an equal has made him one of the most popular and adored figures in Hinduism.
Krishna as a Friend
The relationship between Krishna and his devotees is one of deep friendship, crossing all boundaries as master -servant or god – worshipper. Krishna is famous for his friendships and connection with people from all walks of life. One of his most famous friendships is his relationship with the Pandavas, particularly Arjun, which forms the core of the Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna’s selflessness and dedication towards his devotees is the core theme in the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata. He is known for his unwavering commitment and gives his 100% best in every relationship. He is a compassionate friend, guide, and protector who gives more than what he receives in relationships.
Krishna and Arjun (The Bhagavad Gita)
One of the most profound relationships is that of Krishna and Arjun in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. Krishna, as Arjun’s charioteer, not only serves him as a friend and advisor but also ensures Arjun’s success and well-being, even when it goes against the norms of traditional duty.
When Arjun is facing a moral crisis and is doubtful and undecided about fighting his own relatives, Krishna gives him timeless advice on the battlefield. Krishna’s role at that time is not confined to just a charioteer, but as a sincere friend and guide who wants Arjun to rise above confusion and doubt.
Krishna’s ultimate goal is not just to win the battle but to help Arjun overcome his internal struggles and attain his highest potential. He helps Arjun see the larger picture of life and duty (Dharma). In the Gita (2.47): Krishna says, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”
The basic idea behind Krishna’s advice is that one should give 100% to their duties without bothering about the outcome or results. Krishna thus convinces Arjun to go beyond personal gains and perform his dharma.
Krishna and Draupadi
Krishna’s relationship with Draupadi is one of the ultimate examples of devotion and faith. Draupadi’s devotion towards Krishna and his commitment towards her well-being is unparalleled. Even in the most difficult situation in her life Draupadi is convinced that Krishna would not let her down and Krishna too lives up to his promise.
When Dushasan tries to disrobe Draupadi in the open court after the ill-fated game of dice, the manner in which Draupadi surrenders and Krishna comes to her rescue in a miracle. Out of the blue Krishna who is not even present on the scene responds immediately and provides her with endless cloth to save her dignity and protect her from both physical and emotional harm. This is a clear indication of Krishna’s role as a protector who always gives 100% support to those who are devoted to him — even when he cannot directly intervene in their personal affairs.
Even later, Krishna provides her – strength, wisdom, and justice and makes sure that Draupadi gets her revenge by ensuring the Kauravas are defeated.
Krishna and Sudama
Krishna’s relationship with Sudama is another example of the principle of give and take in all relationships. Sudama, a poor Brahmin studied with Krishna and was one of his best friends during their childhood in Gurukul, but was too embarrassed to ask for help when he came to meet Krishna in Dwarka.
Despite trying his best Sudama could only offer a few grains of rice – packed by his wife with great difficulty as a gift to Krishna. But Krishna was so moved by Sudama’s humble gesture that he made sure that Sudama’s life was transformed. Krishna showered immense wealth to his childhood friend, even though Sudama didn’t ask anything.
“I am bound by the love and devotion of my friends. You have been my friend, and I will always take care of you,” Krishna told Sudama.
Krishna’s caring attitude toward Sudama is not transactional; it’s rooted in his genuine love and respect for his devotees, without expecting anything in return.
Another lesson to be learnt from the Krishna-Sudama equation – in the larger context of the relationship between God and his devotees is a notion called leni-deni (reciprocal relationship). Sudama touched Krishna’s feet out of respect for the Supreme God, but the next moment Krishna the King asked his courtiers to bring a pan of water and bowed down to Sudama’s feet. This is the essence of the relationship between God and his worshippers. The devotees touch God’s feet to seek their blessings but Krishna himself touched Sudama’s feet to clean the dust gathered on the way to Dwarka. This was not a small gesture but one that conveys that even God loves his devotees and cares for them the same way they do. It’s a reciprocal relationship where ordinary people need a God to worship, while God, however mighty and powerful, needs worshippers and followers, without whom – who will call him God.
Krishna and the Gopis (Bhagavata Purana)
In the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna’s relationship with the Gopis (the cowherd girls of Vrindavan) is an example of selfless, pure and undiluted love. The Gopis’ love for Krishna is an expression of devotion that goes beyond material desires. Krishna, in turn, reciprocates their devotion with sincerity.
Gopis’ love for Krishna is not to gain any reward. Krishna too responds by creating a divine bond with them. When the Gopis are sad because of separation from Krishna during the Rasa Lila (the dance of love), Krishna demonstrates his commitment by fulfilling their desire and appears before them in many forms.
The stories of Krishna stealing milk and butter from the homes of Gopis and other villagers in Vrindavan are just symbolic. Krishna does not need to steal milk and butter from the neighbourhood, as there is more than enough in his own house. Also as the Supreme Being (Parabrahman), Krishna does not need to steal —milk, butter, or anything else. Still his childish actions, including playful acts of stealing are symbolic of devotion, love, and divine play (Leela).
Krishna’s childhood antics, including stealing butter (referred to as “Makhan Chori”), are part of his Leela—divine play. Krishna is not acting out of hunger or desire, but wants to create an environment of joy, freedom, and devotion. His stealing is an expression of his divine love and is meant to bring the villagers closer to him. According to the Bhagavata Purana Gopis offer butter out of love to Krishna who engages in mischievous acts and draws the Gopis into an intimate, spiritual relationship with him.
At the end of it, butter – a product of milk (symbolizing purity and nourishment) is just a material thing, which is of no value to God, but by stealing it Krishna wants to convey to his devotees that material wealth is transient and what truly matters is devotion and love for the divine. He already has much more as the Supreme Being but still wants to “steal” the heart of his devotees and take them along on a spiritual journey of love and devotion. Krishna’s acts of stealing also encourage a kind of spontaneity in devotion. He does not want his devotees to be purely ritualistic or transactional. Instead, he encourages a more personal and intimate connection—one of love, trust, and unplanned affection. Krishna teaches us to be detached from material possessions. He wants us to surrender before the Divine Being and offer our pure love and devotion. Krishna doesn’t need the milk or butter from the neighbourhood, what he needs is love and devotion of his devotees, and these playful acts are just one of his magical tricks to bring that love to the forefront.
Even the most famous episode of Krishna stealing clothes of the Gopis also known as the “Vastra Haran” (“stealing of garments”) mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana — like many of his other childhood exploits — holds profound philosophical, spiritual, and symbolic meanings. By stealing the Gopis’ clothes Krishna wants to awaken the higher form of love. He wants them to feel vulnerable and exposed and expects them to surrender before him, without any material concerns altogether.
Krishna’s loyalty towards his kinsmen
Krishna’s loyalty to his family and friends is another indicator of how he always gives his 100% in every relationship. Being the divine avatar Krishna knew about the impending destruction on the Kurukshetra battlefield and what was going to happen. He was also well aware that the Yadavs and many of his own kin were going to be destroyed in the conflict, but he was bound by dharma to ensure the larger cosmic plan unfolded so he tried his best to mediate peace and prevent the war through diplomacy and negotiation. He visited Hastinapur and tried his utmost to convince Dhritarashtra to settle the dispute amicably. He also tried to pacify the Pandavas by making them accept five villages to avoid a full-scale war. But his offer was rejected by Duryodhan.
Krishna’s teachings, especially in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize the importance of performing one’s duties without worrying about the outcome. His actions throughout the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana show a deeper, more personal level of care and sacrifice for those who love and serve him.
Krishna embodies the ideal of giving in relationships, showing us that true love and devotion require a willingness to go beyond one’s own interests and serve others with sincerity and commitment.
Despite being the divine God, Krishna whose role was confined to being Arjun’s friend and charioteer during the Kurukshetra War didn’t impose his will on Arjun as any other god might have done. Instead, he engaged Arjun in a friendly conversation and encouraged him to courageously face the situation without bothering about the consequences. But Krishna didn’t force Arjun. He just offered his advice and allowed Arjun to make his own decisions. This shows Krishna’s respect for Arjun’s freedom and bent of mind to empower his friends instead of controlling them.
Krishna as a philosopher
Krishna is also a philosopher and spiritual guide, offering profound insights into life, duty, and the nature of existence. Perhaps the most famous philosophical text associated with Krishna is the Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between Krishna and Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This dialogue serves as a guide for anyone seeking wisdom on how to live a righteous and meaningful life.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna informs Arjun about his duty (dharma), self (atma), importance of detachment, and path to liberation (moksha). These teachings emphasize the importance of selfless action, devotion to the divine, as well as the need to overcome ego and material desires to realize one’s true spiritual nature.
Krishna’s role as a philosopher is not that of a distant, abstract figure who dispenses wisdom from above. Instead, he engages Arjun on a deeply personal level, addressing his doubts, fears, and insecurities. Krishna listens to Arjun’s concerns and responds in a way that is both intellectually profound and spiritually accessible. He does not give Arjun a set of rigid commands but instead offers him tools to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and compassion.
Through the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches that one’s relationship with the divine is not just about ritual worship or blind obedience but about understanding one’s own inner nature and recognizing the divine presence in all aspects of life. Krishna encourages Arjun to act in alignment with his dharma without bothering too much about the results of his actions. This idea of detachment and selfless service is central to Krishna’s philosophy, and it forms the foundation of the path of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action).
Krishna as a guide
In addition to being a friend and philosopher, Krishna is also a guide who leads his devotees on the path to spiritual awakening and self-realization. One of the most remarkable aspects of Krishna’s guidance is that he allows his devotees the freedom to make their own choices and decisions. He does not impose his will on them but instead provides them with the wisdom and tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.
The Bhagavad Gita, in particular, is a guide for living a righteous and meaningful life. Krishna’s advice to Arjun is not just a set of philosophical teachings; it is a call to action that invites Arjun to embrace his duty as a warrior and fight the war, not out of anger or desire for personal gain, but as an offering to the divine. In doing so, Krishna encourages Arjun to recognize that every action, when done with devotion and surrender to God, can become an act of worship.
Beyond the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna’s guidance extends to the lives of all his devotees. He teaches that one can find the divine in the mundane and that every action, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can be infused with meaning and purpose when done with the right intention. Krishna’s teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced mind, cultivating devotion, and surrendering to the divine will.
In his interactions with his followers, Krishna is always patient, understanding, and compassionate. He does not chastise or punish those who struggle with their doubts or flaws but instead offers them gentle guidance and encouragement. This approach makes Krishna a relatable and loving guide who does not judge his devotees but instead helps them along their spiritual journey, step by step.
Conclusion
Lord Krishna, in his many forms, is the epitome of love, wisdom, and freedom. As a friend, philosopher, and guide, he offers his devotees a relationship that is characterized by love, trust, and mutual respect. Krishna does not demand fear or blind submission; instead, he invites his followers to approach him as equals, to play with him, to share in his divine joy, and to seek wisdom in a way that is both profound and personal.
Through his teachings and interactions, Krishna shows us that the divine is not distant or unreachable but is present in every moment of our lives, offering us the opportunity to connect with him on a deeply intimate and loving level. His message encourages us to live with joy, devotion, and detachment, knowing that the divine is always with us, guiding us and loving us, no matter where we are on our spiritual journey.
