The Supreme Brahman manifests on earth for the following reasons as outlined in Chapter 4, verses 7 & 8 of Bhagavad Gita: For the protection of the virtuous, to destroy unrighteousness and for the restoration of righteousness. Manifestations or “avatar” can be classified according to various conditions. Some manifestations are: Vyuha, Guna, Ansha, Leela, Kalaa, Avesh, Kalaa-Ansha, Poorna.
Shri Krishna, the eighth major manifestation of the Lord is “Vyuha Avataar”, a transcendental emanation where the Lord exercises different cosmic functions and controls activities of living beings. He is also considered to be “Poorna Avataar” – the one who is complete or possessing the sixteen digits. Also referred to as “Leela Avataar”, the Lord came to perform the dramas on the world’s stage so man could elicit many lessons for life and learn to make his own life sublime.
According to Bhagavat Puraan, Shri Krishna appeared on earth in the age of Dwaapar, in a prison cell, in the city of Mathura, as the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudev. He was then transported across the River Yamuna to the village of Gokula, to the home of Yashoda and Nand who became his foster parents. Growing up in this rustic, agrarian village among the cows and the cowherds, the child Krishna performed countless “leelas” or transcendental pastimes, which created a state of ecstasy in the hearts of the pure and devoted residents there. At the same time, He used every opportunity to fulfil his mission of destroying unrighteousness, of protecting His devotees and championing their cause. According to the Divine plan, He brought an end to the reign of evil that was perpetuated by the evil King Kans and his cohorts.
More than a mere allegory, this scriptural episode has deep metaphysical implications, bearing much relevance to our lives and empowering us to achieve our true purpose of self-realisation. A brief outline of some of the symbolical representations of this incident follows:
Shri Krishna – symbolises the essence of the Vedas; cosmic harmony
Devaki – the cosmic embryo, the manifestation of Om, a representation of the five-fold functions of Brahman
Vasudev – Vedic literature
Nand – delight borne out of Supreme Bliss
Yashoda – ultimate state of bliss borne out of Supreme Delight
Mathura – the abode of wisdom
Kans – the age of strife, wickedness and evil
Gokula – seventh heaven where Shri Krishna sports, a veritable paradise
Yamuna – the stream of karma or disinterested action
Cows – thousands of verses that can be found in the Vedas.
As the Hindu world celebrates the occasion of Shri Krishna Janam Ashtmi on August 9, 2012, it is instructive to note that the manifestation of the Lord is possible in an abode of wisdom. Even in such an environment, there can be strife and evil. Transformation of one’s world from a state of worldliness with its attendant negativities, of strife, wickedness and evil to a state of spirituality is conducive to the presence of Divinity. Such a state brings the ecstasy that is borne out of delight and bliss. May we all experience that delight and bliss within.
