The Hindu God Krishna Lifts Mount Govardhan, from a History of the Lord (Bhagavata Purana) manuscript Artist: Unknown

ca. 1760–65

Asian Art

Not on view

To provide shelter from a ferocious storm for his beloved female cowherds (gopis) and others, Krishna lifts Mount Govardhan with a single finger. The storm was unleashed by Indra, the god of storms, who sits on his elephant amid the clouds at upper right. Krishna’s response illustrates his supremacy over Indra.

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Dimensions

without mounting: 8 7/8 × 12 13/16 in. (22.5 × 32.6 cm)
with mounting: 16 1/4 × 19 3/4 in. (41.2 × 50.2 cm)

Credit Line

The Vera M. and John D. MacDonald, B.A. 1927, Collection, Gift of Mrs. John D. MacDonald

Accession Number

2001.138.38

Geography

Basohli, India

Culture

Indian

Period

Mughal dynasty (1526–1857)

Classification

Paintings

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Vera M. MacDonald and John D. MacDonald, Boston, Mass., by 2001; given to the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn., 2001
Bibliography
  • Art for Yale: Collecting for a New Century, exh. cat. (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 2007), 170, pl. 152
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

histories (visual works), human figures (visual works)

Inscriptions

Bhagavata Purana Book 10 Chapter 25 Verses 19, 20, 21, 22, 23:\r\n19. Saying this, Vishnu lifted up the mountain of Govardhana with one hand and held it effortlessly, as a child holds a mushroom.\r\n20. Then the Lord spoke to the cowherds: "Mother, father and residents of Vraj, enter the cavity under the mountain with your herds of cows whenever you wish.\r\n21.Do not be afraid that the mountain might fall from my hand during this time. Enough of your fear of the rain and wind! I have arranged shelter from them for you."\r\n22. At this, reassured by Krsna, they entered the cavity with their wealth, their herds and dependants as far as there was room for them.\r\n23. Giving up concern for hunger and thirst, and any expectation of comfort, Krsna held up the mountain for seven days. Watched by the residents of Vraj, he did not move from the spot.\r\n\r\n--translated by Edwin F. Bryant , "Krishna: The Beautiful Legend of God: Srimad Bhagavata Purana Book X." \r\n\r\nSanskrit text in devanagari in black and red; two lines of Takri script on back.

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