Chrishna – of Hindostan - CRUCIFIED
Chrishna – of Hindostan - CRUCIFIED
1200 BCE INDIA
The details presented originate from 19th-century comparative mythicist works—chiefly Kersey Graves’ The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors (1875) and Godfrey Higgins’ Anacalypsis (1836)—which sought to align the life of Lord Krishna with the Christian Gospel narrative.
Authentic Hindu primary scriptures (the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana, and Harivamsa) provide the historical and theological foundation of Krishna.
Core Profile & Biography
- Dates & Timeline:
- 19th-Century Mythicist Claim: Active around 1200 BCE.
- Traditional Hindu Chronology: Born in 3228 BCE and departed in 3102 BCE, marking the onset of the Kali Yuga. Modern scholarship generally dates the composition of his core narratives between 1000 BCE and the early centuries CE.
- Date of Birth:
- Claim: December 25.
- Hindu Calendar: Celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (falling in August or September on the Gregorian calendar).
- Age, Cause of Death & Perpetrator:
- Claim: Died around age 30, crucified on a tree between two thieves with the sun darkening at noon.
- Hindu Scriptures: Lived to approximately 125 years old. Sitting in deep meditation in the forest of Prabhas Patan, his left foot was mistakenly shot by a hunter named Jara, who mistook Krishna's foot for the ear of a deer. He was never crucified.
- Geographical Locations:
- Active across northern and western India: born in Mathura, raised in Gokul/Vrindavan, ruled as king in Dwarka (Gujarat), and delivered the Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (Haryana).
- Appearance:
- Traditionally depicted with dark blue or cloud-complexioned skin (Shyama), wearing yellow silk garments (Pitambara), adorned with a peacock feather crown, playing a bamboo flute (Bansuri), or steering a war chariot.
Theological Details: Mythicist Claims vs. Hindu Scripture
| Category | 19th-Century Mythicist Claim (Graves/Higgins) | Authentic Hindu Scripture (Puranas / Gita) |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Birth | Born of the virgin Devaki. | Devaki was married to Vasudeva; Krishna was their eighth biological son (six previous brothers were slain by King Kamsa). |
| Purpose of Incarnation | Died for the salvation / atonement of man's sins. | Incarnated to protect virtue (Dharma), vanquish demonic forces, and restore cosmic balance (Gita 4:7–8). |
| Manner of Death | Pierced and crucified between thieves on a tree. | Pierced in the foot by an arrow while meditating under a tree; no crucifixion occurred. |
| Resurrection & Ascent | Resurrected from the dead, descended to hell, ascended before all men. | Left his physical form (Mahasamadhi) and returned in his transcendent, spiritual form to his eternal abode (Goloka / Vaikuntha). |
| Title: "Son of God" | Deemed "Son of God" and second person of a trinity. | Regarded as the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Svayam Bhagavan) or the eighth major avatar of Lord Vishnu (the Preserver in the Trimurti of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva). |
| Names & Epithets | Khrishna, "Pure Essence" (linked to Christ). | Govinda, Gopala, Vasudeva, Mukunda, Madhava, Keshava. |
| Judgment of Mankind | Will judge souls in heaven. | Souls are judged by their own Karma overseen by Yama (the lord of justice and death); Krishna offers liberation (Moksha) from rebirth. |
Linguistic & Etymological Facts
- Krishna vs. Christ:
- The Sanskrit word Kṛṣṇa (कृष्ण) derives from the root kṛṣ, meaning "black," "dark," or "all-attractive."
- The Greek word Christos (Χριστός) translates the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah), meaning "the Anointed One."
- Modern historical linguistics confirms the two words share no etymological relationship.
- Worship & Devotees:
- Krishna is worshiped through Bhakti Yoga (loving devotional service), temple pujas, kirtan (chanting), and philosophical study of the Bhagavad Gita. His followers encompass millions of Vaishnavas worldwide across all social backgrounds.