TEXT, CONTEXT, AND INTERPRETATION: THE QUESTION OF KRSNA'S IDENTITY

Abstract

The character of Kṛṣṇa has many layers to explore and interpret. Almost anywhere in India, Kṛṣṇa has left his imprint. For many of us, Kṛṣṇa is not a god, but god in disguise of human, performing different roles and rituals. He holds numerous epithets such as the splendid king reigning over the kingdom of Dvārakā a statesman and diplomat in the struggle between the Pāṇdava and Kaurava, an orator who sang immortal Bhagavad Gītā, a lover boy surrounded by gopīs, a cowherd boy performing various kind of rās līlās, a butter theft and many more epithets. This article seeks to explore how Kṛṣṇa has been portrayed in the early literature.