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Graphical representation of the Bala Krishna exhibit of Patan Museum

Nepal or India

18th-19th century

copper

[1]

Bala Krishna (IAST bālakṛṣṇa, literally "child Krishna") sometimes translated "Divine Child Krishna"^[1], is historically one of the early forms of worship in Krishnaism. It is believed to be an element of the early history of worship of Krishna in antiquity. This tradition is considered as one of other traditions that led to amalgamation at a later stage of the historical development. Other traditions are Bhagavatism and Cult of Gopala, that is along with Cult of Krishna-Vasudeva form a basis of current tradition of monotheistic religion of Krishna.^[1] It must be noted that this worship of Balakrishna, the divine child,while also a significant feature of the Krishna religion, often receives less attention,^[2] it is one of the most popular deities of Krishna in many parts of India today.^[1]

Some of the miraculous acts of this form are notable. Its is believed that Putana, a huge monster, was killed when the baby Krishna sucked her life from her by taking the poisoned breast she offered him.^[3]

The childhood episodes of Krishna's legend became the focus of the medieval devotional cults that started to develop in a number of movements in medieval India. ^[3]

^ ^a ^b ^c KLOSTERMAIER, Klaus K. (2005). A Survey of Hinduism. State University of New York Press; 3 edition, p.206. ISBN 0791470814. “Present day Krishna worship is an amalgam of various elements. According to historical testimonies Krishna-Vasudeva worship already flourished in and around Mathura several centuries before Christ. A second important element is the cult of Krishna Govinda. Still later is the worship of Bala-Krishna, the Divine Child Krishna - a quite prominent feature of modern Krishnaism. The last element seems to have been Krishna Gopijanavallabha, Krishna the lover of the Gopis, among whom Radha occupies a special position. In some books Krishna is presented as the founder and first teacher of the Bhagavata religion.”
^ BASHAM, A. L.. Review:Krishna: Myths, Rites, and Attitudes. by Milton Singer; Daniel H. H. Ingalls, The Journal of Asian Studies, Vol. 27, No. 3 (May, 1968 ), pp. 667-670. www.jstor.org. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
^ ^a ^b Miller, Barbara Stoler; Hawley, John C. (1997). Love Song of the Dark Lord. New York: Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-11097-9.

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	Date/Time	Dimensions	User	Comment
current	18:05, 25 May 2008	320×400 (29 KB)	Wikidas (Talk \| contribs)	(Graphical representation of the Bala Krishna exhibit of Patan Museum :Nepal or India :18th-19th century :copper [http://www.asianart.com/patan-museum/e6.html] '''Bala Krishna''' (IAST ''{{IAST\|bālakṛṣṇa}}'', literally "child Krishna") someti)