Krishna with Butter Bowl

In classical Tanjavur art, Krishna is usually portrayed as fair skinned instead of the tradition blue black. The most popular and loved theme of tanjavur paintings is baby Krishna with a vessel full of butter in his hand. Butter and all other milk products were the favorite food of this cowherd child who was notorious for stealing milk and butter from neighbouring cowherdesses, but loved & adored by all of them nevertheless.

Legend has it that the cow is the mother of all gods and goddesses and therefore her milk is the most complete & perfect food for us. Is it any wonder then that Krishna grew up to a strong & fearless warrior & carried an unmatched intellect capable of directing the entire drama of 'Mahabharata'?