Shrivatsa
The Mark of the Beloved
Śrīvatsa
“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.”
- •Lakshmi's presence in the Lord's heart
- •Sign of divine love and union
- •Blessing and good fortune
- •A mark of identity for Vishnu/Krishna
Associated Leelas
Mark of the Heart
Artists and poets place the Śrīvatsa on Krishna's chest to show that Lakshmi abides with him. This teaching appears in temple tradition and devotional literature.
Sacred Icon in Temples
In many temple murtis and paintings the small mark is carefully carved or painted. Devotees read it as a sign of the Lord's grace and blessing for all who worship him.
What It Is
Śrīvatsa is a special small mark or curl on the right side of the chest of Lord Krishna (and Vishnu). In art and temple images it is shown as a tiny curl, knot, or jewel-like sign near the heart. People see it as a lasting sign that the Goddess of Fortune, Lakshmi, lives with the Lord.
Krishna's Loving Bond
This mark is a quiet, loving sign of the close bond between Krishna and Sri (Lakshmi). Devotees imagine Sri living in Krishna's heart as love and grace. The mark comforts worshipers. It tells them that Krishna is always full of mercy, beauty, and good fortune. For many devotees, seeing the Śrīvatsa is like seeing a promise that the Lord keeps his beloved close forever.
Stories and Leelas
Scripture and temple tradition mention the Śrīvatsa in stories about Vishnu and his qualities. Many Puranas and Agama texts describe how divine marks show who the Lord is. Poets and painters have made the Śrīvatsa famous by placing it on Krishna's chest in songs, paintings, and murti (image) work. These stories and arts teach that the mark is not only a sign, but a living symbol of love between the Lord and Lakshmi.
You carry Fortune in Your heart; Your chest is home to grace.
Symbolic Meaning
The Śrīvatsa stands for several simple truths:
- The presence of Lakshmi in the Lord's heart — fortune, grace, and beauty remain with him.
- Auspiciousness and protection — devotees feel blessed when they see the mark.
- Divine union — it reminds worshipers that the Lord is full of loving relationship, not distant power.
In temple art the mark may look like a curl, a tiny flower, or a jewel. Each form points to the same meaning: the Lord lives with his beloved, and that love blesses the world.
Legacy in Devotion
Over many centuries, Śrīvatsa became part of how people worship Krishna and Vishnu. It appears in temple sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and names. Some devotees place a small sign on their clothes or on the altar to remember that the Lord carries fortune in his heart. Teachers use the mark to explain how divine love is both personal and protective. The Śrīvatsa inspires songs, stories, and simple prayers that ask for the Lord's grace and the blessings of Sri.
Iconography & Art
Depicted on the right side of the chest near the heart. Forms vary: a small curl of hair, a knot, a tiny flower, or jewel-like sign. In Vaishnava tradition it is a clear identifying mark of Vishnu/Krishna, often emphasized in South Indian and classical icon work.
Cultural Legacy
Śrīvatsa remains a gentle symbol used in art, names, jewelry, and temple worship. It teaches devotees that divine love and fortune are always near. Teachers and artists use the mark to explain how Krishna is both majestic and tender, and how grace lives in his heart.
Śrīvatsa: the small sign that reminds us of the Lord's loving presence.
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.
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.