Murali Manohar: The Divine Flute of Shri Krishna
The various Gods in the Indian tradition are often depicted with a musical instrument. Lord Shiva is known for his damaru, or cosmic drum. Maa Saraswati is known for her beautiful Veena. However, the depiction of Lord Shri Krishna with a flute is the most well known and famous image.
“If you become my flute, then I can pick you up and touch my lips to breathe through your soul out of the hollowness of your heart. This will not only enlighten you but will also give a captivating melody for all creations.”
Lord Krishna is known as “Muralidhar,” or he who holds a murali, or a flute. His playing was so sweet & enchanting that it enticed all beings who heard it. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, the beauty of His flute is described as,
...but even stronghearted men are subject to falling down from their position at the sound of Your flute. In fact, we have seen that in Vrndavana even the cows, the deer, the birds, the trees-everyone-has been enchanted by the sweet vibration of Your flute and the fascinating beauty of Your person. (10.29.37)
We all know that His flute playing was so loved by the Gopas and Gopis, the cowherders and their wives. But do we know why Lord Krishna chose the bamboo flute out of all the other instruments?
The answer: SIMPLICITY.
The Flute in Folklore
Lord Krishna was walking through the forest of Vrindavan when he came across a shoot of bamboo. This shoot of bamboo was feeling worthless; it saw all other beings in the forest being able to contribute to society. The cows provided milk & the trees provided shade. What could a small shoot of bamboo provide? All it could do was surrender, and so it asked Lord Krishna to do with it as He wished. Lord Krishna picked it up, sliced seven holes into it, and filled it with prana shakti, or life force. And out came the beautiful melodies that He would be known for, eternally.
Spiritual Symbolism
The simple bamboo flute is more than just a musical instrument; it is a metaphor of a true devotee, who completely surrenders one’s life to be God’s instrument. Various scriptures of India, such as the Brahma Samhita, Harivansh, Srimad Bhagavatam, etc., explore the symbolism of the flute as a bridge to enlightenment and path to devotion.
We can empty ourselves of ego and desires and allow His love and will to flow through us. Simplicity and humility are the greatest qualities of a devotee that we can learn from the flute of Lord Krishna. Music, being a sadhana, and a path of devotion, requires the utmost surrender and humility to practice & master. The sweetest music comes from he who has left his ego aside and allowed the music to take control.
