Shri Krishna

Krishna as Kali and Lalita

In places in the tantrik tradition, the Krishna avatar of Vishnu is often identified with Kali. This reaches a peak in the Tantrarajatantra, where it is said that having already charmed the world of men as herself, Lalita took a male form as Krishna and then proceeded to enchant women.

In this work, Krishna has six forms, identified with the six senses (including Mind). They are Kamaraja Gopala, Manmatha Gopala, Kandarpa Gopala, Makaraketana Gopala and Manobhava Gopala. Their meditation images (dhyana according to the same work, describes them as being like dawn, with six arms, holding flute, noose, goad, sugar cane bow and a bowl of curds.

These are the five arrows of Lalita and the bow and here Krishna is identified with Kameshvara.

The Kalivilasa Tantra, a Bengali work, states Krishna was born as the son of Devi who was golden (Gauri) and turned black when he was excited by passion.

There are many images of Krishna in India which show him as black.

The Victorian print above shows Radha, Krishna's shakti, worshipping Krishna as Kali.

Original artwork is © Jan Bailey, 1995. Translations are © Mike Magee 1995. For more information, send e-mail to ac70@cityscape.co.uk

Home Page