India: Entrance to the Krishna Temple (Krishna Janmabhoomi), Mathura (birthplace of Lord Krishna), Uttar Pradesh

The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is said to be the birthplace of the Hindu god Lord Krishna.

Krishna (literally 'dark, black, dark-blue') is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is an Avatar of Vishnu and considered in some monotheistic traditions as the Supreme Being. Krishna is identified as a historical individual who participated in the events of the Mahābhārata.

Krishna is often described as an infant or young boy playing a flute as in the Bhagavata Purana, or as a youthful prince giving direction and guidance as in the Bhagavad Gita.

The stories of Krishna appear across a broad spectrum of Hindu philosophical and theological traditions. They portray him in various perspectives: a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero and the Supreme Being.

The principal scriptures discussing Krishna are the Mahabharata, the Harivamsa, the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia