South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c8.s5.3

c8.s5.3

Three stages in the life of Krishna have been marked out to be the most prominent. As a baby, not yet weaned from his mother’s breast, he is represented in the arms of Yasōdā. This form of Krishna receives the name Santāna-Gōpāla. SANTĀNA- Also as a baby divine, identified with Supreme Vishnu, GŌPĀLA. he is sometimes pictured as lying on a banyan-leaf (Vatapa- VATAPATRAtrasāyin) sucking the toe of his leg held by the hand. These SĀYIN. pictures of the baby-god are commonly seen in paintings.