Krishna in the Harivamsha: The Wonderful Play of a Cosmic Child Volume 1

Book Detail

• Author: André Couture
• Brand: D.K. Print World Ltd
• Edition: 2015
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 370
• Release Date: 01-09-2015
• EAN: 9788124608241
• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Languages: English

Description

Written over a span of thirty years, this book compiles thirteen texts—some updated and others translated from the original French—that delve into various aspects of Krishna’s childhood as narrated in the Harivamsha. The author, André Couture, presents a fresh perspective on these oft-neglected tales, offering a thorough analysis of how Krishna’s childhood stories were carefully composed by Brahmanas.

Couture emphasizes that the episodes in Krishna’s childhood, far from being random folklore, were thoughtfully crafted narratives by skilled storytellers. The book refutes interpretations that reduce these tales to a collection of simple, symbolic legends or borrowed myths from pastoral tribes. Instead, Couture argues that these stories are carefully constructed, drawing from Vedic traditions to address contemporary concerns and engage the audience of their time.

The book highlights significant events from Krishna’s youth, including his ability to manifest destructive power, subdue the serpent Kaliya, and perform miraculous feats such as lifting Mount Govardhana to protect the people of Mathura. Couture offers a scholarly critique of these stories, asserting that they reflect profound theological and philosophical messages that were not just meant for entertainment but also to address deeper cultural and spiritual needs of the time.