Why is Krishna Blue?

Lord Krishna is the other name for eternity. He is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The incarnation of Krishna represents the descent of the infinite to the finite material world. His qualities are transcendental and inconceivable. Sage Parasara says that in Lord Krishna one can find 6 perfections in full manifestation – Strength, beauty, wealth, fame, knowledge and renunciation.

Lord Brahma in his Brahma Samita says,“Isvarah paramah krisnah Sac cid ananda vigrahah Anadir adir govindah Sarva karana karanam”

Meaning - Lord Krishna is Govinda or the Supreme Godhead. Krishna has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He is the prime cause of all causes.

Blue color of Krishna

According to Vedic literature, the Krishna`s transcendental form is that of Brahmamaya or formless Brahman. Blue is the color of the infinite which symbolizes the immeasurable and all pervading Reality. Whatever is immeasurable like the sky or ocean can appear to the mortal eye as color blue.

Blue Aura of Krishna - Krishna had many auras, but his main aura was made of blue. Blue color signifies infinity. It is his special and significant color and hence he is called Nila Krishna. Aura is the energy field found around every substance. This does not mean that he was blue or dark in his physical body. The light that emanated from his inner Sun or auric body or spiritual body which is whitish blue light is known as Krishna`s light. The blueness of his aura made him very attractive and even his enemies were enamored by his sublime beauty. Gods like Shiva, Rama had blue skin because they had blue aura around their beings.

Syamasundara – Black or darkish blue

Krishna is called Syamasundara, syama means black or darkish blue and Sundara means beautiful.

In sruti sastra it is said:

• “He eternally manifests the color syama, within which all colors rest. His complexion is not the material black.”
• Krishna is also called shyam which means the blue one. He represents the love and depth of the inner soul.

It is a natural law that anything sublime and infinite is associated with blue. It is said that the color of Krishna`s body is the color of madhurya rasa, the color of pure love. Krishna is a God of infinite love. Love crystallizes into color blue and blue color expresses intense love.

Other texts say:

• The color black depicts rain clouds and blue depicts the sea and sky.
• The vast expanse of sky and sea symbolize infinity or never ending. This shows the omnipresence of Lord Krishna. He is the infinite universe and his color is depicted as blue.

Krishna is called as nilotpala dala syamama, which means that Lord`s form is beautifully manifest with the color of dark blue lotus petals. The transcendental dark blue color is the essence of all colors.

Sri Ramakrishna,The sky appears blue at a distance; but look at it close by and you will find that it has no color. The water of the ocean looks blue at a distance, but when you go near and take it in your hand, you find that it is colorless.'

Powerful chant of Krishna

Krishna means one who sweeps away the sins in the heart of those who meditate on him. If one chants the 16 letter Mahamantra, one will get immeasurable merits.