What Happened to Lord Krishna’s Flute?

Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is often depicted with a flute in his hands. This instrument has a rich symbolism within Hindu spirituality. The flute of Krishna is more than a musical instrument; it symbolizes the divine call to spiritual awakening and harmony in the universe.

 Interestingly, the sound of Krishna’s flute is audible only to those for whom he plays it. If he is playing it for the gopis, only they can hear it. If he plays it for the cows, only the cows can hear it. Thus, Krishna can choose his audience. On hearing the sound of Krishna’s flute, the gopis abruptly abandon their household chores and run out. Other family members will have no idea what happened to the gopis and where they are running off to.

Krishna is also called Venugopal, Bansilal, Murali, Muralidhar, etc. names which speak of his relationship with the flute.

Krishna’s playing of the flute is indeed very special, and a lot has been written about Krishna’s flute playing in various Scriptures and poems.

Krishna has different flutes. He also plays different melodies for different purposes. The three kinds of flutes used by Krishna are:

 1) Venu: It is very small, not more than six inches long, with six holes for whistling.

2) Murali: It is about eighteen inches long, has a hole at the end and four holes on the body of the flute. It produces a very enchanting sound.

3) Vamsi: It is about fifteen inches long, with nine holes on its body.

Krishna was known to play on any of these three flutes. He used the Venu to attract Gopis.

 Sometimes, these flutes were adorned with jewels. Some were of marble and some of hollow bamboo. When made of jewels it is sammohini. When made of gold, it is akarsini.

 Krishna played different tunes, which had different effects.

 1) The first tune breaks Brahma and Shiva’s meditation, and they forget everything. It makes the snake Ananta’s head sway.

 2) The second tune makes the Yamuna flow backwards.

 3) The third tune makes the moon stop moving.

 4) The fourth tune makes the cows run toward Krishna.

 5) The 5th tune attracts the gopis.

 6) The 6th tune makes the stones melt and creates the autumn season.

 7) The 7th tune manifests all seasons.

 8) The 8th tune is exclusively for Radharani. It takes her name and calls her.

 There is also another flute, Mahananda. It was like a fishook that snares Radha’s heart and mind like a fish.

 Krishna’s flute represents the cosmic sound that created the universe. In Hinduism, this sound is called “Anahata Nada." It permeates all creation. Its melodious notes signify the harmony that underlies life and reminds us of the interconnectedness of all existence.

 One cannot imagine Lord Krishna without his ‘murali’ or flute. It is an integral part of Krishna, almost like an appendage. Those who are familiar with Hindu mythology know that Krishna liked to play the flute and that the Gopis loved to hear him play. The flute is usually tucked at his waist or in his hands. When he plays it, the music has a spellbinding effect on people around him.

 However, the divine flute’s current whereabouts are a mystery.

 The Legend behind the Flute of Krishna

Behind the origins of Krishna's flute are certain interesting stories. Legends claim that the flute was crafted by divine artisans. As he grew older, Krishna mastered the art of flute playing. The melodies that came out of his flute were so enchanting that they could cast a spell on the hearts of human beings, animals, and even the elements. The tunes supposedly had a spiritual essence. Krishna’s flute was not just a musical instrument; it channeled his divine essence. It is also an eternal symbol that resonates with the souls of seekers and devotees. It inspires people to find their own inner melody. The flute reminds us that ordinary objects, too, can be vessels for the divine when touched by devotion.

Symbol of Love

Krishna's divine flute is like his cherished companion. It was a mirror that revealed the depth of his love for Radha Rani. The flute was a symbol of their eternal love.

Every enchanting melody that emerged from it resonated with the passion they felt for each other.The flute was an extension of his heart, expressing his emotions. The melodies spoke of his playfulness and love for Radha.

Why Krishna Broke His Flute?

The love between Krishna and Radha Rani is truly divine and hard to find. Their love is eternal and inspirational for all lovers. While drawing her last breath, Radha whispered something into Krishna's ear. It was her last wish – she wanted him to play their favorite melody one last time. With a sorrowful heart, Krishna played his flute to honor her dying request. It was a bittersweet farewell between the two lovers. Krishna was so overwhelmed by grief that he broke the flute and flung it into a bush. It marked the end of an era. Like the broken flute, his heart, too, was shattered.

 The fate of the broken flute remains a mystery. According to legend, the earth embraced its fragments. Some believe that they turned into vibrant wildflowers. Others claim that the winds carried them away and scattered them across unknown lands. Though it has vanished,  its allure remains, and so does its spiritual resonance. Devotees are still trying to find the broken pieces. They hope to recapture the divine magic of its melodies. It is also a reflection of their wish to unite with the divine. The broken flute endures in the hearts of devotees as a symbol of faith and the desire for connection with the divine.

Conclusion

Krishna's flute is said to have a longing to touch his lips. This signifies the yearning of the individual soul to reunite with the divine. The flute becomes complete when Krishna plays it. Likewise, the soul finds true fulfillment when aligned with God’s will. The sound of the flute resonates with our heart's desire for unity and the realization of its divinity.

The enchanting music that flows from Krishna's flute captivates all beings. It represents the irresistible pull of the divine that arouses love and devotion in the devotee’s heart. Just as his music draws living beings toward him, his love and grace pull souls toward spiritual liberation. Thus, the flute symbolizes the transformative power of divine love.

Krishna’s flute symbolizes total surrender and detachment. Like the flute, devotees must surrender their individual will to the divine. This surrender prevents our ego and desires from obstructing the divine flow of life.

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