RadhaKrishna

Radha-Krishna refers to the paired deities Radha and Krishna, central to many Vaishnavism traditions and the broader bhakti movement. Krishna is commonly identified as an avatar of Vishnu; Radha’s status varies by tradition, but in Gaudiya Vaishnavism she is Krishna’s eternal consort and the personification of divine love and devotion (bhakti). Their relationship is portrayed as the supreme expression of love between the soul and the divine and is often interpreted as a symbol of the devotee’s longing for God.

Legends of Radha and Krishna are set primarily in Vrindavan during Krishna’s youth, where their playful, intimate lila (pastimes) with the gopis are celebrated. The Rasa Lila, a divine dance, is a focal theme in devotional poetry, music, and art. Key literary works include Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, which depicts their union as a consummate spiritual–sensual devotion, and various Puranic narratives that frame Krishna’s manifestations and Radha’s central role in devotion. Their story emphasizes the purity and intensity of love as a path to spiritual realization.

Iconography typically shows Krishna with a flute and a peacock feather, often accompanied by Radha by his side. In many temples and artworks, they are depicted together, sometimes with the gopis, symbolizing congregational devotion and sacred ecstasy. Festivals honoring them include Radhashtami (Radha’s birthday), Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday), and Holi with Rasa Lila celebrations; centers of worship exist across India and globally, notably in Gaudiya Vaishnavism and ISKCON.

Together, Radha-Krishna represent the ideal of divine love and the transformative power of devotion that characterizes much of Hindu devotional culture.