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The Hindu deity Krishna as a boy, being scolded for eating mud
The Hindu deity Krishna as a boy, being scolded for eating mud

The Hindu deity Krishna as a boy, being scolded for eating mud

Artist
Place of OriginHimachal Pradesh state, India, former kingdom of Kullu
Date1750-1800
MaterialsInk, opaque watercolors, and gold on paper
DimensionsH. 9 3/8 in x W. 6 3/8 in, H. 23.7 cm x W. 16.2 cm
Credit LineGift of George Hopper Fitch
Object numberB86D16
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
More Information
A loving and playful god, Krishna is a mighty deity whose cosmic powers are manifest from infancy. Many stories, like the one depicted here, tell of his childhood miracles and feats. Once, Krishna ate a handful of dirt while playing. When his adoptive mother Yashoda (unaware that her child was the great god) made him open his mouth to clean it, she saw the entire universe inside instead of mud. So terrified was she by the vision that Krishna had to erase her memory. This painting illustrates the moment right before Krishna opened his mouth.