Recently, we joyously celebrated Janmashtami, the festival commemorating the earthly arrival of Bhagwan Shri Krishna.
Shri Krishna is widely known for his divine interventions that protected his devotees and upheld righteousness (Dharma). Throughout ancient texts, his acts of protection, love, and compassion are celebrated, showcasing his divine presence in times of turmoil.
Let’s look at a few well-known incidents highlighting how Shri Krishna safeguarded his devotees from various adversities.
One of the most famous incidents where Shri Krishna demonstrated his protective nature occurred during the disrobing of Draupadi in the Mahabharata. Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, was humiliated in the court of the Kauravas after a deceitful game of dice. As Dushasana attempted to disrobe her, Draupadi called upon Shri Krishna for help. He responded by miraculously providing an endless stream of cloth, protecting her honor and dignity in a situation where no human intervention seemed possible.
Another remarkable instance of Shri Krishna’s protection is the lifting of Govardhan Hill. To teach Indra, the god of rain, a lesson in humility, Shri Krishna advised the people of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill instead of performing the traditional rituals for Indra. Angered, Indra unleashed torrential rains upon the village. Shri Krishna then lifted the massive Govardhan Hill with his little finger, sheltering the villagers and their cattle for seven days, protecting them from Indra’s wrath. This act not only safeguarded the villagers but also established Shri Krishna as a divine protector.
Shri Krishna's role as a protector also extended to his own family. His uncle, King Kansa, was a tyrant who had imprisoned Shri Krishna's parents and terrorized the kingdom of Mathura. A prophecy had foretold that Kansa would be killed by the eighth son of his sister, Devaki, which led Kansa to commit heinous acts in an attempt to prevent his demise. However, Shri Krishna, destined to fulfill the prophecy, eventually confronted and killed Kansa, liberating the people of Mathura from his oppressive rule.
Throughout the Mahabharata, Shri Krishna consistently protected the Pandavas and Arjuna, offering strategic counsel and miraculous interventions during the war. His divine presence ensured that justice prevailed and that those who upheld righteousness were protected.
These incidents portray Shri Krishna as a divine protector who stands by his devotees in their darkest hours, offering guidance, strength, and unwavering protection to those who seek His refuge and live according to His teachings.
- Lenin Joshi
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
