Krishna

Radha and Krishna. Indian School, late 18th century. Royal Collection.
Radha and Krishna. Indian School, late 18th century. Royal Collection.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

The stories about Krishna are so numerous that, like Rama, he may be considered a god in his own right, although in reality both are manifestations of Vishnu. His name means “black,” and the flute with which he is commonly depicted may refer to the tribal origins of that avatar.

During her eighth pregnancy, Devaki, the mother of Krishna, was imprisoned by her wicked brother King Kamsa, because it had been prophesied that her eighth child would kill him. Devaki manages to conceal the infant Krishna, who is handed over to a tribe of cattle herders. Although he was evidently a god (his mother had seen the universe in his mouth), Krishna was very mischievous, and there are numerous stories about how he stole butter and teased the girls. He lives many adventures alongside his brother Balarama, together with whom he kills King Kamsa and takes possession of his betrothed Rukmini.

It is said that Vishnu placed one black hair and one white hair from his head in the womb of Devaki to beget the two brothers; however, Balarama is clearly an avatar of Ananta, the world serpent, since at his death the serpent emerges from his mouth. Krishna himself is killed, after a very long life, by a hunter who accidentally shoots him in the sole of the foot, his only vulnerable spot.