Lord Krishna as Balagopal is an indigo tinted avatar that speaks to the beauty of childhood. This work was created at the beginning of the annual Rath Yatra when the skies are finally becoming cloudy to provide relief after a scorching Summer, the perfect time to meditate upon Bala Gopala, the young Lord Krishna, the cowherd who charmed the Gopikas ages ago and who continues to charm millions even today. Krishna as a child has always been a symbol of someone quite irresistible. Mischievous and endearing, he is both child and God. When He steals butter from his mother’s pantry, He is a child; when He opens His mouth to show the universe contained within, He is God. When He allows Himself to be tied by a rope to His waist in punishment for his mischief, He is a child; when He drags the mortar he is tied to and up-roots two trees, He is God. When He dances and plays with his friends, He is a child; when He dances on the serpent Kalinga’s head, He is God. So it is that juxtaposition that leads us to a profound love for him, relatable like an adorable child but as an Avatar he possesses the eternal soul of the Universe at the very core of his being. Krishna the flute player plays celestial music descended from the heavens of Vaikuntham. The flute in Lord Krishna’s hands is a divine instrument, directing Prana, the life-force inherent to breath into Nada, divine resonance.
The beautiful story of Lord Krishna and the bamboo comes to the fore. Once, Krishna asked his devotees what they would like to become in his hands. Some said the lotus, some the conch, some the chakra and so on, but no one mentioned the flute. Krishna advised them to become his flute. In his discourse to his devotees, he said in the human personality structure, as in the flute, there are eight main spots:
The five organs of perception and mind, intellect, and ego, If you get rid of your ego and become like a hollow reed flute, then the Lord will come to you, pick you up, put his lips and breathe through you and out of the hollowness of your heart, the captivating melody will emerge for all creations to enjoy. But if you will continue your attitude of frivolous dislike, hatred and jealousy, the Lord will distance himself from you, since you will be useless for his purpose. Balgopal typifies Lord Krishna’s divine melodies and interventions.
ASLAM SHAIKH
Balgopal
Acrylic on Canvas
38 x 60 inches
2018