Let us get to know Lord Krishna…

The correct pronunciation of ‘Krsna’ is ‘Krishna.’
Lord Krishna is the purna-avatara of Lord Vishnu, having all 16 kalas or perfect qualities. He is known for his infinite charm, smile, and beauty. He was so beautiful that, it is said, even precious jewels lost their shine and beauty before His!
Whether they are stories of cute baby Krishna, or young naughty Krishna, or loving dancing Krishna, or strong protector Krishna, or wise Gita Krishna – His stories have enchanted the world from time immemorial!

Birth of Lord Krishna…

Krishna is the only form of God born in a jail cell. He was born on the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, exactly at midnight!
Krishna was born in Mathura, raised in Gokul and Vrindavan (Brindaban), and settled in Dvarka (Dwarka).
Krishna had two sets of parents: Vasudeva and Devaki, and Nanda Baba and Yasoda. His elder brother was Balarama.
The name ‘Krishna’ was given to him by Rsi Ganga. ‘Krishna’ means ‘dark (in color)’ and ‘one who attracts everyone.’

Friends of Lord Krishna…

Krishna’s two best friends (both at different times) were Sudama (his school friend) and Arjuna (to whom he taught the Bhagavad Gita).
Krishna’s had another friend, Radha, he grew up with in Vrindavan. He always told her, ‘You, Radha, are my own Self.’ Radha was one of the many gopis who loved Krishna, and they all grew in devotion to the Lord through His magical feats, musical flute, and divine games. Their love is the purest love the world has ever known to date.

Many Names of Lord Krishna…

Lord Krishna has infinite number of names, including: Govinda, Murari, Acyuta, Kanha, Nanda-Kisora, Viththala, Vasudeva, Gopala, Giri-dhara, Citta-cora, Navanita-cora, Ghana-syama, Murali-dhara, Pitambara-dhara, Gopi-lola, Rasa-vilola, Natavara-nagara, Radha-ramana, Vanamali and Banke-Bihari.

Devotees of Lord Krishna…

Some of Lord Krishna’s greatest and well-known devotees are Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Mirabai, Surdasa, Tukarama, Purandaradasa, Madhvacarya, Vallabhacarya, Kanakadasa, Narsi Mehta, and Andala.
Devotees often pray to Lord Krishna to make them like His bamboo flute – hollow and ever-ready at His side – so He can play through them whatever tune He wants (make them do whatever He wants), whenever He wants. By this, devotees are sure that they will always have the Lord with them and they will always be made to do the right thing.

More about Lord Krishna…

When Govinda played His flute in Vrindavan, it is said, all of ‘Nature’ joined in as His music band! Thunder gave the drum beats, lighting put on a terrific light show, the rivers added playful percussions, the wind blew in soft whispers, birds and bees hummed harmonious melodies, and sometimes even the raindrops danced on the drum called earth.

Krishan had 16,108 wives! This is a very special story (as are all the stories in Krishna Lila), for which you have to read Srimad Bhagavatam, about which Krishna says that ‘He is this book!’
Peacocks have the most beautiful feathers among all birds. It is therefore fitting that a peacock feather sits on Sri Krishna’s crown.
Krishna’s favorite foods, aside from milk, butter, kheer, and curds, included puffed rice – the kind he got from his best friend Sudama.

In His Gita, Lord Krishna says, ‘Give me anything with love – a fruit, a flower, a leaf, or even a drop of water – I will accept it joyfully.’
The mahamantras for Lord Krishna for japa are ‘Om Namo Vasudevaya’ and ‘Shri Krishna Saranam Mama.’

Source: My Prayers (Chinmaya Prakashan)