Why Vishnu the Supreme God is Worshiped Through Krishna

In Hinduism, Vishnu and Krishna both hold revered positions, yet they serve different roles within the tradition. This article explores the relationship between Vishnu and Krishna, and why people frequently worship Krishna despite Him being an avatar of the supreme deity Vishnu.

Understanding Vishnu as the Supreme God

Swami Dayananda:
Vishnu is considered the supreme god in many Hindu traditions, embodying the preserver of the universe. He is part of the Hindu trinity, known as the Trimurti, alongside Brahma, the creator, and Shiva, the destroyer.

Vishnu is often depicted as a gracious, calm, and compassionate deity, characterized by attributes such as mercy, patience, and righteousness. His devotion is celebrated in various forms across different regions of India.

Krishna as an Avatar of Vishnu

According to Hindu beliefs, Vishnu takes on various avatars (incarnations) to restore cosmic order. Krishna is one of these significant avatars, famed for His divine birth and numerous exploits.

Some key attributes of Krishna include His childhood adventures, His teachings as described in the Bhagavad Gita, and His role as a guide and protector of righteousness. His life, as detailed in religious texts, is synonymous with moral and spiritual wisdom.

Worship of Krishna

People worship Krishna for a multitude of reasons, which include:

Personal Connection

People find Krishna easily relatable because He is portrayed as a loving, playful, and accessible deity. His stories often highlight themes of love, devotion, and the importance of adhering to one's duties and righteousness (dharma).

Philosophical Teachings

The Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, offers profound insights into life, duty, and spirituality. This text is central to the philosophical and spiritual education of many Hindus.

Cultural Significance

The life stories and teachings of Krishna, including His childhood in Vrindavan and His role in the epic Mahabharata, are celebrated through various festivals, arts, and literature. This cultural heritage fosters a deep connection and reverence among devotees.

Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement, which emphasizes personal devotion to a deity, has made Krishna a central figure. Devotees frequently express their devotion through songs, dances, and rituals, reflecting the deep emotional and spiritual bond they share with Krishna.

Further Insights from Vedic Literature

Swami Dayananda shares further insights from sacred texts that reinforce Krishna's central role in Hindu tradition:

“aha sarvasya prabhavonmatta sarva pravartateniti matvā bhajante mānbudhā bhāva-samanvitā
I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who fully know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.”

These verses further underscore Krishna's position as the source of all spiritual and material entities. Only a scholar with a perfect understanding of the Vedas can truly grasp the depth of Krishna's divine nature.

Additionally, several verses from the Atharva Veda and Narayana Upanishad provide further evidence of Krishna's role as the source of creation:

“yo brahmāa vidadhāti pūrva yo vai vedā ca gāpayati sma ka:
It was Ka who in the beginning instructed Brahmā in Vedic knowledge and who disseminated Vedic knowledge in the past.”

“atha puruo ha vai nārāyao ’kāmayata prajā sjeyeti
Then the Supreme Personality Nārāyaa desired to create living entities.”

From Nārāyaa Brahmā is born, and from Nārāyaa the patriarchs are also born. From Nārāyaa Indra is born, from Nārāyaa the eight Vasus are born, from Nārāyaa the eleven Rudras are born, from Nārāyaa the twelve ādityas are born. Nārāyaa is an expansion of Ka.

These passages affirm that Nārāyaa, an expansion of Ka, is the source of all generations, making Him the most efficient cause of everything. He declares, “Because everything is born of Me, I am the original source of all. Everything is under Me, no one is above Me.”

Thus, the worship of Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, remains deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Hindu tradition, with significant spiritual, cultural, and philosophical significance.