The Beloved Flute of Shri Krishna: A Symbol of Love, Devotion, and Sweetness
At Chaar Dham Vrindavan, on the Mountain of Love (Prem Ke Prateek Parvat), the divine and enchanting form of Lord Shri Krishna's beloved flute is installed. Here, devotees experience the Lord's love, sweetness, and compassion through the darshan of this sacred flute.
Lord Shiva Gifted Krishna the Flute
During the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Vishnu incarnated on Earth as Lord Shri Krishna, and to witness this divine form, various deities descended to Earth in different forms. According to legend, Lord Shiva also wished to meet Krishna and wondered what unique and special gift he could offer that Krishna would always keep with Him. It then occurred to Shiva that he possessed a powerful bone of Sage Dadhichi. Shiva shaped this bone into a beautiful flute and presented it to Lord Krishna when he met Him on Earth. From that day, Lord Krishna has always kept the flute with Him, and His adornment is considered incomplete without it.
Another Legend About Krishna Receiving the Flute
According to another story, Krishna first received a flute from a flute seller named Dhvan. When the seller asked Krishna to play it, he was spellbound by the Lord's sweet melody. The bamboo flute, crafted from bamboo, became dearest to Lord Krishna and is known by various names such as Vamsi, Venu, Vanshika, and Murali.
Other Names of Krishna's Flute
Among the many symbols of Lord Krishna, the flute is prominent and is seen in every image of Him. As a flute lover, Krishna is also known by many names, such as Bansi, Venu, Vanshika, Bansidhar, and Muralidhar. The Shrimad Bhagavat Purana also contains many stories related to Krishna's flute. Interestingly, the word Vanshi(flute), when reversed, forms Shiv, symbolizing that the flute is a form of Shiva. Shiva captivates the entire universe with His love, and the scriptures testify to the inseparable bond between Shiva and Vishnu. Both complement each other, and their speech and conduct are as sweet as Krishna's flute. Krishna’s flutes were known by names like Mahananda, Sammohini, Aakarshini, and the largest of them, Anandini.
When Krishna Broke His Flute
It is believed that during Krishna's last meeting with Radha, He asked her for a final wish, and Radha expressed her desire to hear the melody of His flute once more. Listening to the divine music, Radha left her mortal body, and unable to bear the pain of separation, Krishna broke His flute and discarded it.
The Flute: A Symbol of Love and Devotion
Lord Krishna's flute is not merely a musical instrument; it is a symbol of love, devotion, and connection with the Divine. Whenever we behold Krishna's flute, it teaches us to empty ourselves of ego and to fill our lives with the sweetness and compassion of the Lord.
