Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 11:24 IST
Even Krishna couldn’t escape karma — a divine reminder that no one is above the law of cause and effect.
Krishna’s life, though divine in essence, unfolded like that of a mortal — filled with duty, compassion, war, and teachings
In the intricate philosophy of Hinduism, karma isn’t just a law — it’s the law. A cosmic scale of action and consequence, karma governs the fate of all beings, mortal and divine. And yet, the paradox remains: even Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, the very teacher of dharma in the Bhagavad Gita could not escape it. If he couldn’t, can anyone?
Why Krishna’s Death Was Not Just a Death
Krishna’s life, though divine in essence, unfolded like that of a mortal – filled with duty, compassion, war, and teachings. His death, however, is where the deeper symbolism of karma strikes hardest. Shot by a hunter named Jara, Krishna left his earthly form not in battle or grand sacrifice, but through what seems like an accident. But mythology hints at something far more complex.
This moment is often traced back to a karmic thread from the Ramayana, where Lord Rama (an earlier incarnation of Vishnu) killed Bali from behind — a controversial act, criticized even then. Bali was reborn as Jara, who unknowingly returned the debt. Thus, karma completed its cycle, revealing its impartial nature: not even divine avatars are exempt.
Another layer adds depth — the curse of Gandhari. After the Kurukshetra war claimed the lives of her sons, Gandhari, in grief and fury, cursed Krishna for allowing the destruction. Coupled with the downfall of the Yadavas due to arrogance and internal conflict, Krishna’s passing becomes not just the end of a life, but the natural unfolding of karmic law.
Krishna Never Escaped Karma — He Embraced It
Krishna wasn’t punished by karma. He honoured it. Throughout the Mahabharata, he operated within human limitations, choosing to be a guide rather than a controller. In the Bhagavad Gita, he teaches Arjuna the essence of karma yoga — to act without attachment, to perform one’s duties without clinging to the fruits of the effort.
Krishna’s own life reflected this. He took on the burdens of the world, walked through moral grey zones, and still accepted the consequences with serenity. In doing so, he became the highest example of living with karma, not against it.
“You have a right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits thereof.”
— Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47
This teaching underscores a powerful truth: it’s not about escaping karma, but aligning with its rhythm.
What It Means for Us
Krishna’s life and death offer a humbling, yet liberating lesson: karma is neutral, exact, and universal. Whether one is a king, a commoner, or a god in human form — no one bypasses the effects of their actions.
So what does that mean for us?
Every action counts. Karma doesn’t skip anyone. What we do today shapes our tomorrow — tangibly or subtly.
Intent matters, but outcome matters too. A good heart cannot always erase a harmful effect. Both action and awareness must walk hand in hand.
Spiritual detachment is key. As Krishna taught, freedom lies not in control, but in surrender — acting rightly and letting go of reward or blame.
Karma Is Not Punishment — It’s Reflection
Krishna’s story isn’t about divine failure; it’s about divine responsibility. Karma is not a weapon, but a mirror — reflecting what we choose, revealing who we are. His life invites us to see karma not as a force to fear, but a path to walk with awareness, grace, and integrity.
In the end, Krishna didn’t fall to karma. He fulfilled it — with full knowledge, full acceptance, and complete mastery.
And perhaps, that is the real liberation: not escaping karma, but embracing it so fully that it no longer binds us.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
- First Published:
#Krishna #Faced #Karma #Hope
