Kochi Memories & Krishna's Magic

Great news on the weather front! We finally had some heavy rain this week, such a welcome relief after 163 dry days. 

Seeing the rain pouring down takes me right back to our family vacation in Kochi. We spent some amazing time at a riverside resort, visited a temple, and took tons of pictures (which I completely forgot to post!). I just went through them and picked out a few favorites. Here they are!

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Sun-drenched days at the riverside resort were pure bliss. We couldn't resist the refreshing water, spending hours splashing around until our fingertips started to wrinkle.

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I even snuck out early one morning to capture the sunrise with the iconic Chinese fishing nets as a perfect prop for my pre-dawn photo.

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The sunrise itself was pure bliss too!

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We also enjoyed relaxing by the river, reading, or just unwinding. 

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We even saw some birds. A blue-tailed bee-eater put on an extra display of acrobatics.

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We even spotted a common kingfisher, diligently searching for its fishy meal.

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A juvenile koel bird, perhaps trying out its calls for the first time.

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A greater coucal, ever the shy one, flitted past us in a flash.

On another day we visited the renowned Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in Kerala. Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, is a playful and compassionate god who offers divine love, protection, and wisdom throughout his life, from charming child to wise leader.

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Vivid frescoes adorn the temple's outer walls, depicting Krishna's leelas - the significant events and divine acts that hold deep meaning for devotees. By portraying Krishna at different stages of his life, the artists showcase the rich tapestry of his story.

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Fearing a prophecy that Devaki's child would be his downfall, the tyrannical King Kansa, Devaki's brother, imprisoned her and her husband Vasudeva. One stormy night, as Devaki gave birth to Krishna, Vasudeva, using divine aid, escaped the prison. This scene depicts Vasudeva escaping the prison carrying the newborn Krishna across the raging Yamuna River to safety.

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This scene depicts Poothana, a demon sent by King Kansa to kill the infant Krishna. Disguised as a beautiful woman, Poothana approached Yashoda, Krishna's foster mother, and offered to breastfeed him. However, her milk was laced with poison. Krishna, recognizing her evil intent, sucked the milk and her life force, ultimately defeating her.

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As Krishna grew older, he developed a fondness for milk. This scene, though not a typical depiction, playfully portrays a young Krishna reaching for the udder of a cow.

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Krishna's playful nature shines in this scene. The young Makhan Chor, known for his love of butter, is depicted playfully taking butter from his neighbors' pots, eager to share it with his friends.

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In this scene, Krishna protects the people from a torrential downpour sent by the angry god Indra. Similar to a story of divine intervention, Krishna lifts Mount Govardhan on his hand, acting as a giant umbrella to shelter the people and their livestock.

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The Madanagopalam scene portrays a captivating Krishna in his adolescent years. Often adorned with vibrant clothing and peacock feathers, this depiction highlights his youthful charm.

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This scene captures the essence of divine love between Krishna and Radha. Krishna, with a serene expression, plays his mesmerizing flute, his melody filling the air. Radha, adorned with beautiful jewels and a vibrant dress, holds a lotus flower, its purity mirroring her devotion. 

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"Venu Gopalam" highlights Krishna's pastoral aspect as a cowherd and his musical prowess as the player of the flute. The melodious sound of Krishna's flute is said to enchant not only his cows but also the hearts of all living beings.

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A Swayamvara was an ancient Indian marriage custom where a woman chose her husband from a competition among suitors. In the story, Rukmini didn't choose her husband through the traditional Swayamvar competition. She secretly loved Krishna and wanted to marry him, so Krishna eloped with her before the competition could take place.

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The scene of Kaaliyamardhanam depicts Krishna conquering the giant serpent Kaliya who was poisoning the Yamuna River.

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Krishna is often depicted as a charioteer, most famously in the Bhagavad Gita. In some depictions, Krishna's elder brother Balarama sits behind him in the chariot.

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"Panchajanya" is a sacred conch shell associated with Lord Krishna. It was obtained by Krishna during the Kurukshetra war from the sea god Varuna and used as a war horn, symbolizing victory and righteousness.

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Back home in the present day, the first rain awakens a burst of yellow and pink rain lilies.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Comment below!