Divine Affections
Discover the sacred affections and beloved items associated with Lord Krishna. Each object holds a deep spiritual significance.
The beloved butter of the Butter Thief
Butter
Fresh, white butter made by the mothers of Vraja. It stands for the sweet love of a devotee that Krishna happily takes.
The sacred companion of the Gopala
Cow
Cows in Krishna's world are beloved friends, gentle and giving. They live close to him in Vrindavan and are cared for, protected, and loved by Krishna as his own family.
The Call of Divine Love
Flute
Krishna's flute is a simple bamboo pipe that sings like the Lord's voice. It calls the hearts of people, cows, birds, and all of nature. The flute teaches us to be empty for God so His music can flow through us.
The Sacred Clay Tilaka of the Gopis
Gopi Chandana
Gopi-chandana is a soft, yellowish sacred clay used by devotees to mark the body as tilaka. It reminds people to give their heart to Krishna, to keep their mind pure, and to live with devotion.
The Tree of Love
Kadamba Tree
A fragrant, shady tree of Braj. Many childhood pastimes of Krishna took place beside or under the kadamba tree, and it is a living symbol of his joyful love with the gopis.
The Purest Jewel
Kaustubha Gem
A bright and sacred jewel that Lord Krishna (Vishnu) wears on his chest. It came from the churning of the ocean and stands for divine beauty, purity of heart, and the highest spiritual value.
Shark-shaped Earrings of Krishna
Makara Kundala
The makara-kuṇḍala are the small shark- or makara-shaped earrings Krishna wears. They swing on his cheeks as he plays, dances, and moves about Vrindavan.
The Transcendental Conch
Panchajanya
Panchajanya is Krishna's sacred conch. Its clear, deep sound brings courage, marks holy beginnings, and stands for the divine sound that awakens truth.
The crowning glory of Vrindavan
Peacock Feather
A gift from the peacocks of Govardhan, forever worn on Krishna’s crown as a sign of beauty, care, and playful love.
The Golden Garment
Pitambara
Pītāmbara is the bright yellow garment Krishna wears. It shines like sunlight and shows his joy, purity, and wisdom. Devotees imagine Krishna wrapped in this golden cloth when they pray and sing.
The Mark of the Beloved
Shrivatsa
Śrīvatsa is a small auspicious mark on Krishna's chest. It shows that Goddess Lakshmi (Sri) abides with him. It is a sign of love, fortune, and divine closeness.
The Discus of Divine Vision
Sudarshana Chakra
Sudarshana Chakra is the spinning discus of Lord Krishna (Vishnu). It is a bright, powerful wheel that protects dharma and destroys evil. Devotees see it as a symbol of God’s wisdom, justice, and care.