Uddhava

Uddhava is a figure in Hindu scripture traditionally regarded as a close devotee and confidant of Krishna during the Dvārakā era. In many accounts he appears as a wise elder and senior member of Krishna's circle within the Yadava lineage. Textual details of Uddhava's life vary across sources, but he is consistently portrayed as devoted, thoughtful, and trusted as an adviser and messenger.

The best-known narrative involving Uddhava is the discourse known as the Uddhava Gita, in which Krishna imparts spiritual instruction to Uddhava. The dialogue addresses the nature of the self, reality, maya, dharma, and the paths of renunciation and bhakti. The teachings emphasize detachment from material concerns while fostering devotion to Krishna and realization of a transcendent reality, themes central to Vaishnavism and later Vedantic thought.

Uddhava's character has been echoed in various Hindu texts, where his role serves to illustrate the ideal devotee and the importance of wisdom in spiritual practice. The Uddhava Gita, in particular, is valued for its synthesis of devotional and philosophical ideas, and it is cited in later commentaries and devotional traditions as a guide to living a life of devotion in the face of life's impermanence.