Makara Kundala
Shark-shaped Earrings of Krishna
Makara-kuṇḍala
“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.”
- •Divine beauty and charm
- •Movement of the heart toward Krishna
- •Connection to water and life
- •Gentle protection and attraction
Associated Leelas
Flute and Swing
Paintings and songs show the earrings swinging as Krishna plays his flute and draws the friends of Vrindavan close.
Rasa Dance Adornment
During descriptions of the rasa dance, artists often note the small ornaments like the makara-kuṇḍala that add to Krishna's grace.
Childhood Play in Vrindavan
Stories of Krishna's childhood include gentle details of his dress and jewelry, among them the makara-shaped earrings that move as he runs and laughs.
What It Is
Makara-kuṇḍala are a type of earring worn by Krishna in many pictures and stories. "Makara" is a sea-creature form from Indian art, often like a crocodile or fish combined. The kuṇḍala are made like a makara shape and hang from Krishna's ears. Artists show them as small, curved, and bright. They move when Krishna turns his head or dances.
Krishna's Loving Bond
The earrings help us feel close to Krishna. When they sway, it is like Krishna's joy showing on his face. Devotees imagine the little sounds and the shine of the earrings as part of Krishna's loving play. The ornament is not only pretty. It becomes part of how Krishna is present to his friends, the cowherd boys, the gopis, and to all who love him.
Stories and Leelas
O little earrings that sway on his cheek, you tell us of Krishna's play.
Many leelas and paintings show Krishna with makara-kuṇḍala. You will see them in scenes when he plays the flute, dances the rasa, or teases the cows and friends. The earrings are often described in simple poems and songs that praise Krishna's beauty. They are a small detail that helps tell many stories of Krishna's childhood and youth in Vrindavan.
Symbolic Meaning
The makara shape connects Krishna to the waters and to movement. Water stands for life, flow, and play. The swinging earrings remind devotees of how the heart moves toward the Lord. They also speak of grace, charm, and a loving call. The ornament shows that even small things around Krishna have love and meaning. For many, the makara-kuṇḍala symbolize how beauty and protection come together in the Lord.
Legacy in Devotion
Temples, painters, and poets keep the image of the makara-kuṇḍala alive. Craftspeople make tiny earrings like these for small Krishna idols and for costume in dramatic plays. Bhajans and children’s songs mention the earrings as part of Krishna's lovely form. Seeing the makara-kuṇḍala helps devotees remember Krishna’s friendly, playful presence and his closeness in everyday life.
Iconography & Art
The makara-kuṇḍala are usually shown as small, gold earrings shaped like a makara (a mythic sea creature). They curve and may end in a drop or small jewel. In images they hang beside the peacock feather and flute. Different artists render the makara form in many styles, from simple curves to detailed sea-creature designs.
Cultural Legacy
The makara-kuṇḍala appear in temple art, miniature painting, folk art, and devotional songs. Craftspeople copy the style for small idols and festival costumes. For children and singers, the earrings are a sweet sign of Krishna's friendly and playful form. They help keep the stories of Krishna alive in homes and worship.
When the makara-kuṇḍala dances, my heart dances toward him.
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.
Panchajanya is Krishna's sacred conch. Its clear, deep sound brings courage, marks holy beginnings, and stands for the divine sound that awakens truth.