Why Laddu Gopal is Called Little Krishna? The Divine Story of Bal Krishna
Amongst various other beautiful incarnations of Lord Krishna, Laddu Gopal is considered as one of the most special and adored incarnation. The small form of Krishna, which is usually decorated and worshipped as a child, is also called Laddu Gopal. The deity of Laddu Gopal is fed with laddu, sweet butter, milk, etc. and also taken care of in a similar manner as any little baby.
Laddu Gopal is an adorable form of Krishna, who plays and steals butter, etc. The name 'Gopal' is derived from Krishna as a protector of cows and young cowherds. On the other hand, 'Laddu' refers to the laddus which are offered as a prasad or offering for Laddu Gopal deity.
Who Is Laddu Gopal?
Laddu Gopal represents Lord Krishna in his childhood days in Vrindavan and Gokul. While there are other majestic incarnations of Krishna, including the divine king and teacher of Bhagavad Gita, Laddu Gopal depicts the playful and innocent form of Krishna in his childhood. The krishna statue of Laddu Gopal is mostly sitting, crawling or holding a ball of butter.
There are stories about the innocent childhood of Lord Krishna that devotees love hearing. It is believed that Krishna loved eating butter and curd, and used to steal them from people of Gokul. Yashoda would sometimes scold him for this act but could never resist hugging him because of the unconditional love for her boy. The stories of Yashoda Krishna are very heart-warming.
Bala Krishna, i.e., Little Krishna, is worshipped in a form of a child in devotees' homes. The worship includes waking up the child, bathing, feeding, changing clothes and finally putting the child asleep.
Why Is Krishna Called Little Krishna?
Krishna is called Little Krishna because of his childhood incarnation called Bala Krishna. Krishna was born in Mathura and was taken to Gokul by his father, Vasudeva to save him from King Kamsa. Later, Krishna was raised by Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda at Gokul. Childhood of Krishna became the backdrop of many beloved stories.
Childhood incarnation of Krishna is depicted as playful, mischievous and charming. He used to play with other children of Gokul and was caring towards calves. Krishna liked eating butter and used to steal butter and other dairy products from people of Gokul. The stories of stealing butter of Lord Krishna still continue to enchant people.
It is because of his childhood incarnation, Laddu Gopal is also considered as a child of devotees. It allows people to express their love, care and affection towards God in an easier way. The innocence of Lord Krishna is a reminder to devotees that love and devotion don't have to be complicated always.
Laddu Gopal and Krishna Janmashtami
The stories behind the incarnation of Laddu Gopal become even more interesting on Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami or Krishna Jayanthi. Although the customs and names of the festivals differ from one region to another, the spirit of the festival remains the same - celebration of divine birth of Krishna.
Janmashtami celebrations include decorating the altar where Laddu Gopal is worshipped. Devotees make a small cradle or a swing for Lord and place him in it. At midnight, which is traditionally considered as the time when Krishna was born, prayers, bhajans and devotional songs are offered by devotees.
Moreover, many devotees make different sweets and dishes for Krishna on this day. Offering of sweet butter, milk, curd, fruits and laddu is common on Krishna Janmashtami. Children usually get involved in Krishna decoration, preparing the cradles for Lord and dressing him up.
Why Do Devotees Dress Laddu Gopal?
Wearing clothes for Laddu Gopal is not just an act of decorating the deity. For many devotees, choosing laddu gopal dress for the deity is an act of expressing love towards God. Laddu Gopal is dressed differently depending upon the festivals, seasons or special days. On Janmashtami, colorful clothes, crowns, jewelry and flower decorations are common.
Some devotees keep different outfits for Laddu Gopal, changing them from one day to another. In summers, lighter clothes are worn by the deity, while in winters, warm clothes are chosen for the deity. Such a practice is based on treating the deity in the way a real child is treated.
Beautifully dressed Krishna statue makes any puja beautiful. However, the main purpose of decorating Laddu Gopal is devotion, rather than beauty. Even a simple dress and simple offering become very valuable when offered with sincerity of heart.
The Divine Story Behind Bala Krishna
The stories of Krishna's childhood are not only entertaining but are also symbolic. Playful acts of Krishna in those days had hidden meaning which referred to his divine nature. Stories of stealing butter, playing with the cowherd children and being lovingly taken care of by Yashoda depict various forms of devotion.
According to one of the popular stories, once Yashoda saw Krishna eating dirt. When she asked Krishna to open his mouth, she was supposed to have seen the whole universe inside of it. Such an incident perfectly shows the contrast between innocent little Krishna and divine Krishna.
That is the special magic of Bala Krishna. He is both an innocent child lovingly taken care of by Yashoda and the divine Lord who is worshipped by thousands of devotees. It is why the Laddu Gopal continues to be the part of Indian households.
Why We Celebrate the Little Krishna Form
Worshipping Bala Krishna teaches devotees the value of pure love. A child never asks for complicated explanation, and worshipping Laddu Gopal encourages the devotee to connect with God with affection, care and simple devotion.
On Janmashtami, Gokulashtami and Krishna Jayanthi, it is expressed even more. Devotees unite to celebrate the birth of Krishna, listen to stories about Krishna and reenact childhood leelas of God. For many devotees, Krishna Janmashtami is not only fasting and doing puja, but it is also the celebration of bringing Krishna in family life.
No matter whether you pray to a small krishna statue, prepare the beautiful krishna decoration or simply chant name of Krishna, the meaning is simple. Laddu Gopal is called Little Krishna because he is the child incarnation of Lord Krishna. His stories remind us of the divine essence of childhood.