The Mahabharata is a treasure trove of philosophy, theology, and intricate narratives, with Lord Krishna standing as its divine cornerstone. Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, was not only a central figure in the epic but also acknowledged by many characters as the Supreme Being. This blog delves into the individuals in the Mahabharata who recognized Krishna as the eternal God and provides excerpts from the text to illustrate their reverence.
1. Bhishma
Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, was one of the most devout believers in Krishna’s divinity. He proclaimed Krishna as the origin and dissolution of the universe:
“Krishna is the origin of the universe and that in which the universe is to dissolve... He is the unmanifest primal cause (Avyakta Prakriti), the creator, the eternal, and beyond the ken of all creatures."
(Rajasuyika Parva, Section XXXVII)
2. Narada
The celestial sage Narada knew of Krishna's divine incarnation and his cosmic role:
“Narada knew that the exalted and holy Narayana, also called Sambhu the lord of the universe, had taken his birth in the race of Yadus… shining like the moon herself among stars.”
(Rajasuyika Parva, Section XXXV)
3. Arjuna
Arjuna, Krishna’s closest friend and disciple, was privy to Krishna’s divinity, even receiving the Vishwaroopa Darshana (Universal Form):
“O Hari, at the beginning of the Yuga, there sprang from your lotus-like navel, Brahma himself... Thus these two foremost of the deities have sprung from your body in order to do your work.”
(Arjunabhigamana Parva, Section XII)
4. Draupadi
Draupadi, the queen of the Pandavas, revered Krishna as the creator and sustainer of the universe:
“Asita and Devala have said that in the matter of the creation of all things, you have been indicated (by the sages) as the only Prajapati and the Creator of all the worlds!"
(Arjunabhigamana Parva, Section XII)
5. Rishi Dhaumya
Dhaumya, the Pandavas’ priest, recognized Krishna as the embodiment of eternal virtue and the Supreme Brahman:
“He of eyes like lotus-leaves is the God of gods, and is eternal. He is the pure soul and the active principle of life, is the Supreme Brahma and is the lord of all."
(Tirtha-Yatra Parva, Section LXXXVIII)
6. Markandeya
The immortal sage Markandeya lauded Krishna as the eternal Lord and protector:
“This is that ancient and supreme Lord Hari... the Lord of all creatures, the highest of the high, called also Govinda!”
(Markandeya Samasya Parva, Section CLXXXVIII)
7. Sanjaya
The charioteer and narrator Sanjaya highlighted Krishna's divine attributes and his cosmic role:
“Kesava, by the power of his soul, causes the wheel of Time, the wheel of the Universe, and the wheel of the Yuga, to revolve incessantly.”
(Sanatsujata Parva, Section LXVIII)
8. Dhritarashtra
Even the blind king Dhritarashtra acknowledged Krishna’s supreme nature:
“I put myself in the hand of that Eternal one, that Rishi endued with knowledge of Self... the Creator and Destroyer of all things, that one without beginning, middle, or end.”
(Sanatsujata Parva, Section LXX)
9. Drona
Drona, the preceptor of the Kuru princes, acknowledged Krishna as the source of victory:
“Thither where Krishna is, thither is victory.”
(Bhagavad Gita Parva, Section XLIII)
10. Yudhishthira
The eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, recognized Krishna as the Supreme God and creator:
“You are the creator of all the worlds, you are the Supreme Soul, and you are immutable! You are the Supreme God, you are the God of gods, and you are Eternal.”
(Jayadratha Vadha Parva, Section CXLVIII)
11. Rishi Utanka
Utanka praised Krishna’s universal form, expressing awe at his divine manifestations:
“O you whose handiwork is the universe, I bow to you, O Soul of the universe, O parent of all things.”
(Anugita Parva, Section LV)
12. Vidura
Vidura, the wise minister of the Kuru court, warned against underestimating Krishna’s divine might:
“Knowest you not sinless Govinda, of terrible prowess and incapable of deterioration? This one... is the never-ending source of energy.”
(Bhagvat Yana Parva, Section CXXX)
13. Karna
Karna, the tragic hero of the Mahabharata, acknowledged Krishna’s supreme power, even as an adversary:
“He is, again, protected by that Keshava of great energy, who is Narayana himself and who is without a rival.”
(Karna Parva, Section 79)
Conclusion
The Mahabharata eloquently captures Krishna’s divinity, with various characters affirming his role as the Supreme Being. Their reverence underscores Krishna's multifaceted role as a guide, protector, and cosmic force. The recognition of Krishna’s divine essence by such illustrious figures cements his position as the central spiritual and philosophical anchor of the epic
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