Krishna and Kaliya: Conquest of Chaos

This sculpture portrays a pivotal scene from Hindu mythology, depicting young Lord Krishna subduing the venomous serpent Kaliya. The five-headed Kaliya rises from a swirling base, each head ferocious and menacing, symbolizing the serpent’s destructive nature. Krishna, seated calmly atop one of the heads, plays his flute with serene confidence, capturing his divine mastery over chaos and danger. In the Bhagavata Purana, Kaliya had poisoned the Yamuna River, endangering the environment and local people. In response, Krishna leaped into the river and danced on Kaliya’s heads, ultimately subduing the serpent and purifying the waters.