Lord Krishna is widely recognized for his playful tactics and the most miraculous doings. But many of us might not know that Krishna’s divine aura extends way beyond, surpassing the soothing sound of his flute. The lotus feet of Lord Krishna not only add to his surreal beauty, but are highly worshipped by devotees all around the world.
Continue reading this blog to know the significance of Krishna’s Lotus feet and the symbolism they hold.
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ToggleWhy Krishna’s Feet Are Called Lotus Feet?
Krishna’s feet are the symbol of purity and grace and similar to lotus flowers, which remain unaffected by the filthy waters that surround it, Krishna’s feet remain unaffected by worldly affairs and attachments. Also, according to the ancient mythologies, Krishna’s feet were so soft and feeble that they felt like the petals of the lotus flower.
The devotees consider Krishna’s feet as Mahapadam and believe that everything in this world lies at the feet of Krishna.
Importance of Lord Krishna Feet
If you have looked at Lotus feet of Krishna, then you will be able to see many distinct symbols on them, with each of them having their special significance:
- Right Foot: The right lotus feet of Lord Krishna carry 11 distinct symbols:
- Barleycorn (Jon): This symbol signifies that Lord Krishna’s devotees can gain prosperity and achieve spiritual benefits by touching his feet.
- Disk (Chakra): Chakra is the main weapon of Lord Vishnu that showcases the power to destroy evil forces and energies like anger, lust, greed, illusion, etc. This symbol holds the ability to destroy the darkness within us.
- Upward-Curving Line (Urdhva-rekha): The symbol signifies that Lord Krishna devotees who stand will never have to fear a fall.
- Lotus (Padma/Kamala): The lotus feet of Krishna symbolise the presence of Goddess Laxmi, who brings good fortune and prosperity.
- Goad (Ankuna): This means that devotes who meditate the Lotus feet of Lord Krishna can get elephant-like wandering thoughts under control and move on the right path.
- Flag (Dhvaja): It is a symbol of security and protection from worldly challenges.
- Thunderbolt (Vajra/Pavi): This symbol reveals that meditating on the lotus feet helps cut off the mountain of Karmic reactions of one’s past sins and elevate us to a position of honour and greatness.
- Umbrella (Chatri): Similar to an umbrella, lord Krishna’s feet symbolise that Krishna provides shelter from the rain of material sufferings.
- Octagon (Anta-Kona): This symbol represents that Lord Krishna protects his devotees from various directions.
- Swastika: The swastika symbol represents good fortune and prosperity for those who take solace in Him.
- Rose Apple (Jambu-Phala): This symbol signifies Lord Krishna’s divine connection with the Jambudvipa region.
Significance of the Left Lotus Feet of Lord Krishna
The left lotus feet of lord Krishna also have eight unique symbols, including:-
- Conch (Sankha): It saves Krishna’s devotees from distress.
- Sky (Ambara/Akaña/Kham): The sky symbol on lotus feet of lord Krishna depicts his prevalent presence throughout the universe. This symbol indicates that his influence and reach is spread everywhere.
- Bow (Dhanusha): It signifies that Lord Krishna’s devotees get freedom from the world if they seek his refuge. It represents how devotion leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Calf’s Hoofprint (Goshpad): The world knows that Lord Krishna was a lover of animals, and his love for animals is symbolised by this mark. Calf’s Hoofprint signifies that the great ocean of material worldly life becomes very small and insignificant,
- Triangle (Tri-Kona): The triangle mark protects the devotees from the influences of material nature or Maya. It assures refuges across the three worlds, offering safety and sanctuary.
- Pitcher/Waterpot (Kalaña): The pitcher mark symbolises the continuous flow of divine blessings from Lord Krishna’s feet to nourish devotees. This symbol also ensures protection from inauspiciousness, as the feet can extinguish the Gopis’ fire of separation.
- Half Moon (Ardha Chandra): This Lotus feet meaning represents that Krishna fulfils all the desires of his devotees, and it symbolises the exalted state of those who honour his feet.
- Fish (Matsya): The fish mark represents the inseparable bond between devotees and Lord Krishna.
Conclusion
Indeed, the lotus feet act as a reminder of Lord Krishna’s eternal presence and offer us solace on the journey to enlightenment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Is Lotus Related to Lord Krishna?
According to Hindu mythology, the lotus feet of lord Krishna are closely related to several deities, including Sri Krishna and Lakshmi. Sri Krishna is often depicted seated on a lotus or holding a lotus in his hand, showcasing divine beauty and purity.
What Do the Lotus Feet Symbolise in Hinduism?
The Lotus feet symbolise spiritual wisdom and divine serenity. The devotees believe that touching Krishna’s feet brings salvation and protection from the divinity.
Why Did Krishna Touch Radha's Feet?
Krishna touching Radha's feet signifies the deep spiritual bond and divine love between them, representing humility, devotion, and respect.