IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 24. XHEERAM (KSHEERAM=MILK)

 

In Hindu cosmology, "Ksheeram in the company of Krishna" is a symbolic idea, not a direct concept. It reflects teachings from the Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā, where milk (Kshiram or ksheeram) and its transformation into curd are used to explain the relationship between Krishna and Śiva. Just as curd is a transformation of milk and not something separate, Śiva is a special manifestation of Krishna’s energy, mainly for destruction. Śiva is not an independent god but a transformed form, with Krishna remaining the source (ādi-puruṣa).

Krishna is also famously connected to milk and milk products like butter. In many stories, especially in Vaishnava tradition, Krishna’s love for butter and cream represents innocence, divine playfulness, and his close bond with cows, which are sacred. His stealing of butter ("Navanita Chor") is seen as a loving interaction with his devotees. Krishna values simple offerings, showing that devotion and purity of heart are more important than grand rituals. Offering milk or butter to Krishna, with love, brings spiritual benefit.

In essence, the phrase captures two deep ideas: Krishna as the ultimate source of all manifestations, and his loving, playful connection with milk, cows, and his devotees.

Here's a list of the main Sanskrit sources that support the points:

1. Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā 5.45

क्षीरं यथा दधि विकारविशेषयोगात् सञ्जायते न हि ततोऽपि च हेतुरेकः ।

यं शम्भुतामपि तातः समुपैति कार्यात् गोविन्दमादिपुरुषं तमहं भजामि ॥

"Just as milk is transformed into yogurt by contact with a fermenting agent, but remains essentially one substance, so Śrī Govinda, although the original person, assumes the form of Śiva for the work of destruction."

This verse directly uses the milk-curd analogy to describe the relationship between Krishna and Śiva:

2. पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति । तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः ॥

         -  Bhagavad-gītā 9.26

"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I will accept it."

(Emphasis on simple, loving offerings.)

This verse speaks about Krishna accepting simple offerings like milk and butter if they are offered with love:

3. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.9.20:   Describes Krishna as the butter thief (Makhan Chor), stealing butter from the homes of the gopīs.

दध्नः पात्राण्यवापूर्य स्नेहस्निग्धमुखीर्जनम् । यत्र क्वापि न्यवीष्ट तन्न्यस्तं अन्वैषत ॥

And Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.13–10.14: Describes Krishna’s deep relationship with cows,

milk, and his pastoral, playful life in Vrindavana.

 4. Gopāla-tāpanī Upaniṣad

This text describes Krishna as the supreme deity (Parabrahman) and closely links him with the life of cowherds (gopas), cows, and milk.  Krishna is described as the "Supreme Cowherd Boy" (Gopāla), lovingly tending cows and enjoying milk and butter.

 

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