IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 6. FLUTE

 

In Sanskrit, Lord Krishna’s flute is known by several names, such as Murali, Venu, Vamsi, Bansuri, and Vanshika. Each of these names represents the divine flute associated with Krishna, which has a special significance.

It is believed that Krishna himself transformed a simple bamboo stick into a flute capable of producing enchanting music. One day, Krishna chose a bamboo near the Yamuna River and created His divine flute, a symbol of His supernatural powers. When He played it, the sound mesmerized everyone, including the gods and sages.

Another story suggests that the sage Narada crafted the flute and presented it to Krishna, recognizing the power of music to enchant the entire universe. Some believe that Lord Shiva created the flute using the bones of Maharshi Dadhichi, who sacrificed himself for the greater good.

Krishna’s flute can create different sounds and melodies for different purposes. There are three types of flutes: Venu (small), Murali (medium), and Vamsi (larger). These flutes are sometimes adorned with jewels or made of gold. The music Krishna plays can have various effects, such as breaking meditations, attracting the gopis, and even making the cows and rivers respond to His call.

The flute’s sound is magical because it can only be heard by those Krishna intends, whether it’s the gopis, cows, or other beings. This divine music is a representation of Krishna’s unique ability to captivate hearts and minds.

Source:

Below are some Sanskrit verses and sources that describe Lord Krishna’s flute and its significance in various scriptures:

1. Brahma Samhita (5.30)
   This verse describes Krishna's flute and its enchanting effects. It is part of a famous scripture written by Lord Brahma that praises Lord Krishna and his divine attributes.
   Sanskrit Verse:

veṇuṁ kvaṇantam aravinda-dalāyatākṣam-barhāvataṁsam asitāmbuda-sundarāṅgam

kandarpa-koṭi-kamanīya-viśeṣa-śobhaṁ govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

"I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is adept in playing His flute, with blooming eyes like lotus petals, with a peacock feather on His head, whose form is beautiful like dark clouds, and whose beauty is more charming than millions of Cupids."

2. Radha-Krishna-Ganoddesha-Dipika
   This text describes different types of flutes used by Krishna and their unique characteristics. The Radha-Krishna-Ganoddesha-Dipika is a famous text that provides detailed descriptions of Lord Krishna and Radha's divine relationship, including Krishna’s flutes and music.
   Sanskrit Texts:
• "Madhuradhvani" - This refers to the sweet sound of Krishna’s flute.
• Descriptions of the different flutes: "Venu", "Murali", and "Vamsi", with their respective lengths and hole patterns.
3. Bhagavata Purana (10.21.10)
   The Bhagavata Purana describes Krishna’s flute as a powerful instrument that captivated everyone around Him, especially the gopis, who were irresistibly drawn to the sound of His flute.
4. Srimad Bhagavatam (10.35.14)
   Describes the enchanting nature of Krishna’s flute and its ability to mesmerize all beings, from demigods to animals.
   Sanskrit Verse:  kāmaṁ harati pāṇḍityam ādṛtya mahatīṁ gatiṁ

                            śrī-krīḍāmṛta-rasāyanaṁ tam īśam īśvaraṁ bhaje 

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, plays His flute, which attracts even the most learned sages, and He steals the hearts of all beings."

5. Nārada Bhakti Sūtra
   Narada Bhakti Sūtra also mentions Krishna’s ability to attract the entire universe through the divine sound of His flute.                                                                                                          

                These texts together describe the magical and divine qualities of Krishna’s flute. The flute is not just a musical instrument, but a symbol of Krishna’s divine presence and power to influence all of creation.

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