VASUDEV KRISHNA

This is a famous depiction of the story of the birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura. Parents, Vasudev and Devaki are imprisoned by the evil Kamsa to kill their eighth son who is prophesized to be his slayer. On the night of the birth of the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, the pouring rains dull the sounds inside the prison. Mathura is steeped in unprecedented sleep as the chains binding Devaki and Vasudev fall down and the prison doors open revealing sleeping guards. Vasudev quickly gathers the smiling baby in a basket and sets out to Gokul according to divine instructions. The river Jamuna is in full spate as he begins to cross it. To shelter the divine baby from the stinging rain, Shesh Nag (the five-hooded snake of Vishnu) provides an umbrella.

This sculpture is the dramatic moment frozen in stone. The anxiety of Vasudev is clear on his face as is the beauty of the smiling baby in the basket. The fury of the river is caught so aptly by the artist. This is a truly inspired piece of art.