A major deity of Hinduism, Krishna is venerated as an avatar of Vishnu. A central figure of the Bhagavad Gita, he embodies divine wisdom and plays a crucial role in the Mahabharata epic as the spiritual guide of the warrior Arjuna.
Frequently asked questions
Famous Quotes
« He who abandons all desires and acts without attachment, without selfishness — he attains peace.»
« You have the right to perform your duty, but you have no right to the fruits of your actions.»
« Among all beings, I am the Supreme Self, the one who transcends all.»
Key Facts
- Central figure of the Bhagavad Gita, a foundational philosophical and religious text of Hinduism composed between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE.
- Presented as an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, one of the three principal deities of the Hindu Trimurti.
- Spiritual guide of Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata, where he teaches the principles of dharma and righteous action.
- A key figure in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Puranas, with numerous stories of his childhood and divine feats.
- A major source of inspiration for Hindu philosophy, teaching the three paths to liberation: karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga.
Works & Achievements
A philosophical and spiritual dialogue between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna at the heart of the Mahabharata, setting out the principles of dharma (duty), karma, and bhakti (devotion). It is one of the foundational texts of Hinduism and Indian philosophy.
The great Sanskrit epic in which Krishna plays a central role as advisor, spiritual guide, and warrior in the Battle of Kurukshetra. He embodies divine wisdom and guides the course of both historical and mythological events.
The epic battle in which Krishna acts as guide and advisor to Arjuna, imparting ethical and spiritual principles. This event marks the climax of the Mahabharata and symbolizes the triumph of dharma.
Krishna teaches several spiritual paths, including karma yoga (the yoga of action), bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), and jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge). These teachings form the backbone of Hindu spiritual practice.
Krishna is celebrated for his legendary miracles and feats, including the defeat of the tyrant Kamsa and the protection of his devotees. These deeds symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
A companion text to the Mahabharata recounting the life of Krishna — his early years, his loves, and his divine exploits. It is a major source of Krishnaite mythology in the Hindu tradition.
Anecdotes
Krishna is the central figure of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text composed between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE. In this dialogue, Krishna teaches the warrior Arjuna the principles of dharma (duty) and spiritual wisdom on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This philosophical text remains one of the most influential works in Hindu literature and is studied in schools across India.
According to the epic tradition of the Mahabharata, Krishna is presented as the cousin and advisor of Prince Arjuna, one of the greatest warrior figures in Hindu mythology. He acts as a mediator in the dynastic conflict and uses his strategic intelligence to shape the course of the Great War. His role as a spiritual guide makes him one of the most revered religious figures in Hinduism.
Krishna is worshipped in Hinduism as an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, the god of preservation. This belief is documented in the Puranas, sacred Hindu texts compiled between the 4th and 16th centuries. Millions of devotees regard him as a divine manifestation who guided humanity toward the path of justice and morality.
The flute (bansuri) is Krishna's most iconic symbolic attribute in Hindu iconography. According to religious tradition, Krishna used his divine music to teach and enchant those around him. This poetic image has inspired countless stories, paintings, and sculptures in Indian culture since ancient times.
Krishna stands at the heart of Hindu devotional worship, particularly within the Bhakti traditions that flourished from the medieval period onward. His teachings on divine love, personal devotion, and spiritual liberation have shaped the religious practice of millions of Hindus across the centuries and remain as relevant as ever in contemporary Hinduism.
Primary Sources
When Arjuna, his heart troubled by doubt, refused to fight, Krishna revealed to him: "You have the right to perform your duty, but not to expect its fruits. Let action be your sole concern, never its results."
Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu, intervened in the great battle of Kurukshetra as Arjuna's charioteer, imparting divine wisdom and guiding the hero toward his spiritual and warrior fulfillment.
The text recounts the miraculous birth of Krishna, his exploits as a child and young man, including his victory over the tyrant Kamsa and his love for Radha.
This Purana describes in detail the life of Krishna from his birth in Kamsa's prison to his reign in Mathura and Dwarka, emphasizing his divine pastimes and spiritual teachings.
Key Places
Sacred city in Uttar Pradesh considered the birthplace of Krishna according to Hindu tradition. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and a major spiritual center associated with Krishna's divine childhood.
Sacred region of Uttar Pradesh where Krishna is said to have spent his childhood and youth according to Hindu scriptures. This place is the heart of Krishnaite devotion and home to numerous temples and rituals linked to the young god's deeds.
Historic region of Haryana where the battle of the Mahabharata takes place. Krishna serves there as Arjuna's spiritual guide and delivers the Bhagavad Gita, a foundational text of Hindu philosophy.
Legendary capital founded by Krishna in Gujarat according to Hindu tradition. This site symbolizes Krishna's earthly reign and remains an important place of pilgrimage, most notably home to the Dwarkadhish Temple.
Sacred mountain in Uttar Pradesh where Krishna is said to have lifted the mountain to shelter cattle and herdsmen from storms. This place symbolizes divine protection and is a major pilgrimage site.
Village in Uttar Pradesh where Krishna is said to have grown up with his foster family. It is the setting of legends about his miraculous childhood and his first feats against demons.
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Bhagavad-Gîtâ
Entre -400 et -200 av. J.-C. (composition du texte)
Le Mahabharata
Entre -400 et -100 av. J.-C. (rédaction du texte)
La Bataille de Kurukshetra
Environ -3102 av. J.-C. (datation mythologique)
Enseignement du yoga et de la devoción
Datation mythologique
Les Dix Avatars et miracles
Datation mythologique
Le Harivamsa
Entre -400 et -100 av. J.-C. (composition)
