Passion, Love, and Devotion

The Loves of Krishna in Indian Painting and Poetry by W. G. Archer describes the influence of the stories of Krishna
in art and poetry. In the Mahabharata, Krishna is portrayed as an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the epic. However, before this epic was written, the Chandogya Upanishad gave a brief and vague portrait of  Krishna. Near the time of the compilation of the Mahabharata the common religious view was that doing one’s duty as a devotee and as a member of a caste guarantees that one will be reborn into a better stage in life. These themes of duty and devotion are demonstrated in the many stories, poetry, and paintings of Krishna.


The actual character of Krishna is portrayed in the Mahabharata and still influences the commonly held ideals of him in today. He is seen as a cow herder and a prince. This epic describes him as a prince from the Yadava family. This becomes an important element of how Krishna is depicted in poems and art. A common example of how an artist may accurately and recognizably portray Krishna is to place a cow in the painting. Another element of popular styles in paintings and poetry of Krishna is to depict his many consorts. Frolicking women renders a familiar scene in the Mahabharata with “girls in the party with delightful rounded haunches, large breasts and handsome eyes… [flirting] as Arjuna and Krishna demanded” (22). It seems to be too important of a scene for many to ignore. Perhaps this represents the power of  Krishna since he receives the passion he demands.

Passion becomes a very important element in both paintings and poetry. It is viewed as the symbol of final union with God (72). Sex is an experience of ecstasy that is surpassed only by the experience of impassioned adoration of Krishna. Both forms of passion, divine and sexual—though not necessarily separate—can lead to salvation. Radha, his consort, represents divine passion and becomes a popular character in poetry and paintings. Though she is committing adultery, it is acceptable only because it is an act of worship and devotion to God.