Tribhangi Krishna means Krishna’s body is bent in three different places – His neck, waist and knee. Krishna usually holds a flute in this posture. But there is more to Tribhangi Krishna’s swaroop than just these aspects alone. And we can learn a lot from these interesting details. *In Hinduism, the left side of the body symbolises materialism and the right side represents spirituality.
Swaroop Of Tribhangi Krishna In The Material Realm
In the material realm, Tribhangi Krishna’s left leg rests firmly on Bhudevi. His right leg crosses over His left leg. And His neck and waist are straight like in this idol or sway towards His left. He holds a flute to His right in both His hands. His eyes are usually open and His gaze is directed towards us. Tribhangi Krishna’s left arm covers His heart. And the Tribhangi Krishna of the material realm stands with his cows and gopas under a parasol, or lifts the Goverdhan Parvat or engages in the Raas Leela with His gopis in Vrindavan.
The Essence of This Tribhangi Krishna
Tribhangi Krishna can read our thoughts and feel our emotions. He knows we are weary to the bone, tired of the eternal drudgery, the criticism, ridicule, spoken and unspoken expectations, cold silences, downcast eyes, hypocrisy, little white lies of omission and commission – and samsara itself.
Tribhangi Krishna says, “I know your chaotic thoughts and tumultuous emotions drive you crazy and how very real your fears are to you. As Goverdhan GiriDhari, I will lift this heavy burden off your weary shoulders and protect you from the outside world. Know that your secrets, hopes and wishes are safe with me. Always.
But you must live through your karma and worldly life too. Yes, I do know how tough it is to detach yourself from Maya and the material world. But it’s time for you to dispel your illusions and awaken your dormant spiritual nature. Focus on making me alone your only ultimate refuge. And leave the rest to me.”
And when we consciously do all this, Tribhangi Krishna blesses us with courage and the clarity to sift through our thoughts and emotions. We are able to filter out the trash – the absolute nonsense – from our lives – with determination and a wee bit of élan too.
Nothing matters all that much anymore. We surrender everything to Him. More often. And do our best to create a divine space called Vrindavan in our souls and engage in a mystic Raas Leela with our own Krishna there.
We brush aside the tears that course down our cheeks and suddenly break into a smile. And realize that Tribhangi Krishna has broken down all the carefully constructed barriers that we had created in our minds and hearts to protect ourselves from the outside world. And He, in His own mystic manner, has created space for absolute bliss, Ananda in our souls. Here. Now. Yes, even in our materialistic realm.
Tribhangi Krishna says, “In Vrindavan, no barriers exist. There is no room for anger, jealousy or misery. There is only an abundance of love, acceptance, union, acknowledgement, respect, understanding and the freedom to be yourself. At all times. And in Vrindavan, there is always more than enough space for everyone, as long as there is complete surrender. No conditions are the only condition here. Everything ceases to matter. And I, Tribhangi Krishna alone will matter to you.”
Yet the reality sobers us. For we know we cannot opt-out of or shut out or ignore our material lives. But even these fleeting divine experiences with Tribhangi Krishna help us regain our equanimity. And that alone is enough for us. More than enough.
Swaroop Of Tribhangi Krishna In The Spiritual Realm
In the spiritual realm, Tribhangi Krishna’s right leg rests firmly on Bhudevi. His left leg crosses over His right leg and His waist and neck sway towards His right. He holds a flute to His right in both His hands. His eyes are half-closed and He gazes downwards. We usually find this form of Tribhangi Krishna in temples.
The Essence of This Tribhangi Krishna
We look at Tribhangi Krishna’s downcast eyes and serene shy smile first. And understand that this form of Tribhangi Krishna is conveying an entirely different message to us.
He says, “Focus only on my swaroop when you enter my realm. Park all your cares, fears and anxieties outside my mandir. For this is my realm. And you must – yes – must – consciously allow only your spiritual side to reign supreme here.
And when you enter my sacred realm, remember that it is your turn to listen to me now. For I Tribhangi Krishna speak through the eternal silences that hum into your very conscience. I will take you on an extremely special personal inner journey here. A journey in which you will consciously reflect on all that I Tribhangi Krishna have always done for you.
A mere moment later we can hear His voice in the stillness of our souls. Tribhangi Krishna’s voice is soft and gentle when He says, “Why do you always take my blessings for granted? How did you assume that I am complete on my own? Isn’t that unfair? Why can’t I have any expectations from you? Why do I cease to matter to you when your life is smooth sailing? How can you forget that I too may have dreams and desires like you? Do you pause and think before you make endless demands on me? Do you ever wonder about such things?
And now that you are in my realm, do all that I have always done for you. For I, Tribhangi Krishna too yearn for your love and complete attention. And I too wish that you hold me close to you and speak loving words to me. Yes, I too want you to spend time with me. And of course, I too want to be reassured that you will always be there for me just like I am always there for you. At least in spirit. If not in body. Every day. Without fail. Yes, in your own unique way. For I value your love just as much as you value my love.”
Tribhangi Krishna’s words sober us up to His reality. So we square our shoulders and decide here – now – that we will correct our erroneous ways. We make it a point to express our love, appreciation and respect for Krishna and reciprocate all that He keeps doing for us, more frequently.
And as we walk out of the Tribhangi Krishna’s realm, we realize that this was not going to be an easy or one-time journey. But we smile. Serenely now. Because we know. Very well now. That Tribhangi Krishna will always be there with us when we take these countless – inward and outward – material and spiritual -journeys of our life – for several lives – through several realms – until we attain Moksha and Krishna.
Photos given by: Aditi & Shri. Bansiji. Idols maintained by Shri. Ashwinji.
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