Shrimad Bhagwat Puran – Chapter 7: Krishna Avatar: Love and Dharma

Krishna Incarnation: Love and Dharma

After the victory of Dharma in the Rama incarnation, the increasing unrighteousness and tyranny on Earth began to worry the gods. Mathura was tormented by Kansa's terror, and Mother Earth was groaning. In such a situation, Lord Vishnu resolved to take birth in His complete incarnation as Krishna, so that love and Dharma could be established.

Birth in Mathura: Joy and Fear

It was the dark night of the Ashtami tithi in the month of Bhadrapada. Vasudeva and Devaki were imprisoned. Tormented by the fear of Kansa, they were surrounded by the apprehension of death every moment. Suddenly, a divine light spread in the prison. Vasudeva and Devaki saw that Lord Vishnu appeared before them in His four-armed form. There was a wonderful aura of peace and love on His face, which dispelled the fear for a few moments. Mother Devaki bowed to the Lord with tearful eyes.

Lord Vishnu said, "O Devaki, O Vasudeva, do not fear. I know how much tyranny Kansa has inflicted upon you both. Now My incarnation will be for the slaying of Kansa and the establishment of Dharma. Take Me in My child form and take Me to Nand Baba and Yashoda in Gokul. There, I will be safe." Vasudeva and Devaki decided to obey the Lord's command, their hearts filled with devotion and joy.

Childhood Leelas: From Butter Thief to Vishwaroop Darshan

Krishna's childhood in Gokul was wonderful. He captivated everyone with His childhood leelas. He would steal butter, tease the Gopis, and enchant everyone with the sweet melody of His flute. Mother Yashoda would lovingly raise Him, laughing at His every mischief and also scolding Him. Once, Mother Yashoda scolded Krishna upon seeing mud in His mouth and asked Him to open it. When Krishna opened His mouth, Mother Yashoda was astonished. She saw the entire universe, stars, planets, and all the worlds in Krishna's mouth. For a moment, she had a glimpse of Krishna's divine form, and she understood that Krishna was not an ordinary child, but God Himself.

In Gokul, Krishna slew many demons, defeating the rakshasas sent by Kansa with His leelas. Both Krishna's love and His power were amazing. It was by Vishnu's grace that Gokul was saved from demons and Krishna was given the opportunity to perform His leelas.

Gita in Kurukshetra: The Sermon of Dharma

Time passed, and Krishna grew into a youth. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata war, He gave the sermon of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Arjuna was immersed in delusion and grief, unwilling to fight against his own kinsmen. Then Krishna showed him the path of Dharma, Karma, and knowledge. He preached to Arjuna about the immortality of the soul, the principle of the fruits of action, and the importance of selfless action. He showed Arjuna His cosmic form, through which Arjuna gained knowledge of God's all-pervading nature.

"Arjuna," Krishna said, "perform your duty, do not worry about the fruits. Whatever happens is under My control. You are merely an instrument." Krishna's sermon inspired Arjuna, and he fought for Dharma. It was by Vishnu's grace that the knowledge of the Gita was received by Arjuna in Kurukshetra, and even today, this knowledge guides all of humanity.

Conclusion of the Chapter: The Glory of Vishnu

The Krishna incarnation is a symbol of love, Dharma, and knowledge. Throughout His life, Krishna destroyed injustice and unrighteousness and spread the message of love and compassion. The sermon of the Bhagavad Gita still inspires humanity to walk on the right path of life. In the next chapter, we will learn about other incarnations of Vishnu and their glory, seeing how God comes to Earth in different forms to protect Dharma.