Krishna for Today: Mahabharata

Dec 29, 2025

Tiruppavai 14

29-12-25 | Vatsalya , Utsav , Bhagavatha , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Vishnu

Andal goes to the next devotee.

She begins respectfully — “O’ noble lady! You are gifted with an eloquent tongue. People would love to hear you speak. You are a bhagavatha of a high order (devoted of Krishna). You are endowed with the discipline of Gnyana, Bhakti and Vairagya. And you have the ability to inspire people and induct them in the service of the Krishna.

“Also, when we are in the presence of Krishna, if he asks us ‘Why have you come here; what do you want?’ It is only you who can respond convincingly. Please lead us all to the lotus-eyed Krishna, who holds the conch and the Sudarshana.”

—————

Traditionally, the sudarshan chakra is mentioned first and then only the conch Panchajanya. Andal reverses it. She prefers the conch to the chakra. The conch is a symbol of Gnyana. She says it is the conch which protects the devotees from fear. Krishna’s conch in the Mahabharata war is a case in point.

(In the picture, the conch is held in the right hand and the chakra in the left. As in Tirukkovilur).

Jul 31, 2025

Gitamrita

सर्वोपनिषदो गावो

दोग्धा गोपालनन्दनः

पार्थो वत्सः सुधीर्भोक्ता

दुग्धं गीतामृतं महत्

sarvopaniṣado gāvo

dogdhā gopālanandanaḥ

pārtho vatsaḥ sudhīrbhoktā

dugdhaṃ gītāmṛtaṃ mahat

This depicts Shloka 4 of the Gita Dhyana, which begins with "Sarvopanishado gavo…”, encapsulates the essence of the Bhagavad Gita by likening it to a cow. In this metaphor, all the Upanishads, the ancient philosophical texts, are envisioned as cows. The cowherd boy, Krishna Himself, takes on the role of the milker, drawing forth the nourishing milk. Arjuna, is depicted as the calf, eagerly waiting to drink.

The milk that is yielded is the Gitamrita – the nectar of the Bhagavad Gita. This is the distilled wisdom of all the Upanishads, for the benefit of all Jeevatmas. It offers insights into Karma (action), Jnana (knowledge) and Bhakti (devotion). It’s guides devotees towards Ananda - eternal bliss.

Jul 1, 2024

Vishwaroopa

Depressed and confused Arjuna surrenders. Krishna listens him out patiently, Then, in a voice, sounding like a thundering cloud, Krishna begins the Gita. He elaborates on the nature, the meaning, and the purpose of life. And how one can redeem from the existing plight. The key, reining in of the senses, is shown on the crown of Krishna.

Krishna's crown has a reined in horse. Krishna upholds (Achyutha) Arjuna who has surrendered to Krishna.