Krishna: The Divine Friend

Key idea: Krishna is the God who plays: butter thief, cowherd, charioteer, statesman and the voice of the Gita. He teaches that joy and duty are not enemies, and that you can act fully while staying unattached to the results.

Symbolism

• Flute: the soul as a hollow reed, empty of ego, played by the divine

• Peacock feather: beauty, many colours, humility

• Makhan (butter): a pure heart, and the sweetness of devotion

• Cows: care for nature and for all who depend on us (hence Govinda)

Temples

• East: ISKCON Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, West Bengal

• West: Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara

• North: Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura

• South: Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala