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Who is Krishna?

Krishna is the supreme personality of Godhead in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He is considered to be the source of all incarnations of God and the ultimate object of devotion for followers of this tradition.

According to Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Krishna is the original form of God, known as the "Purna Avatar" or the complete incarnation. He is described as having a dark blue complexion, playing a flute, and adorned with beautiful ornaments. He is also depicted as having a peacock feather in his hair and wearing a yellow garment.

Krishna is believed to have appeared on Earth over 5,000 years ago in the holy land of Vrindavan, India. He is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is one of the three main deities in Hinduism. However, Gaudiya Vaishnavism emphasizes that Krishna is not just an avatar, but the source of all incarnations and the ultimate form of God.

In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Krishna is not just worshipped as a deity, but also as a loving friend, a mischievous child, and a charming lover. This is because his pastimes and interactions with his devotees are considered to be the highest expression of divine love and devotion. The Gaudiya Vaishnavas believe that by developing a personal relationship with Krishna through devotional service, one can attain the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.

Krishna's teachings and pastimes are recorded in the sacred texts of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. These texts describe Krishna's role as the supreme teacher and guide for all beings, providing guidance on how to live a life of devotion and ultimately attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Krishna is also worshipped in his deity form, known as the "murti." Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and engage in devotional activities to please Krishna and develop a deeper connection with him.

In summary, Krishna is the supreme personality of Godhead in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, worshipped as the ultimate form of God and the source of all incarnations. His teachings and pastimes serve as a guide for devotees to develop a personal relationship with him and attain spiritual liberation.