Let’s celebrate the enduring appeal of Krishna today

Among the pantheon of gods and goddesses whom Hindus revere, Krishna is not just venerated, but is arguably the most adored and loved of all deities. Krishna is not only popular among children but also among youth and elders. In this way Krishna transcends age, culture, religion and even nationality.

The misdemeanours of the young ‘Gopal’ or ‘Kanhiya’, whether it is his irresistible fondness for butter, making him ‘makhan chor’ or his flirtatious acts with the gopis, paint him as one of us, more human than godly. This makes us instantly relate to him, as he appears to us as fallible.

Krishna’s life, with its many flavours, represents a mix of hedonism and spiritualism. The enchanting smile, the magical flute and the tales of his dalliances with Radha have become an integral part of mythological folklore.

However, the charmingly boyish Krishna takes a different avatar when taming the evil serpent Kaliya or putting an end to the brutalities of Kans.

His teachings are relevant today when man is witnessing turbulence - both inside and outside. Krishna teaches us how to maintain equilibrium in our lives, neither to lose ourselves in material pursuits nor forsake everything and take the renunciation route. One needs to create a fine balance between worldly pleasures and spiritual thoughts.

So whenever at the crossroads, awaken the Krishna in you and you’ll be as successful in fighting your ‘outside enemies’ as well as the ‘demons within’.