Kaliya-mardan Krishna

This is an elegant bronze image of Krishna dancing on the serpent- hood of Kaliya-naga. It represents the story of how Krishna learnt that the village cattle were being poisoned when they drank from the waters of the Kalindi River. Being the protector of the cowherd community, the young Krishna finds the culprit is the proud Kaliya- naga or serpent demon. Krishna jumps into the water to subjugate the giant serpent, dancing on his hood till the serpent repents and begs for forgiveness. In this sculpture Krishna’s right hand is in abhaya-mudra the gesture of protection to all, while with the left hand he is triumphantly holding the tail of the snake and the five hooded Kaliya has his hands held in anjali mudra, the gesture of respect and worship.

The pedestal has four holes on each corner indicating that is was a mobile image made to be carried in temple processions.