Bhagvata Purana

Radha, daughter of Vrishabhanu, was Krishna's faithful companion since childhood and subsequently, lover during that period of his life when he lived among the cowherds of Vrindavan. Their childhood intimacy, as projected through lore, was indicative of the love that was to blossom between them - they played, they danced, they fought, they grew up together and wanted to be together forever, but the world pulled them apart. He departed to safeguard the virtues of truth, and she waited for him. He vanquished his enemies, became the king, and came to be worshipped as a lord of the universe. She waited for him. He married Rukmini and Satyabhama, raised a family, fought the great war of Ayodhya, and she still held a torch for him. So great was Radha's love for Krishna that even today her name is uttered whenever Krishna is referred to, and Krishna worship is though to be incomplete without the deification of Radha.

For ages, this evergreen love theme has engrossed poets, painters, musicians and all Krishna devotees alike.

Lord Vishnu

Known as the Preserver, he is most famously identified with his avatars, or incarnations, especially Krishna and Rama. He is also frequently referred to as Narayana. Hindus believe that Vishnu incarnates periodically for the establishment and protection of righteousness, good dharma and destruction of evil adharma.

There are ten primary avatars of Vishnu ( dashavatara ), apart from other, less significant, incarnations.

They are (in order of avatar)

• Matsya(Fish)
• Kurma (Turtle)
• Varaha (Pig/Boar)
• Narasimha (torso upwards lion, below, human)
• Vamana (dwarf)
• Parashurama (Fierce man / Hunter)
• Rama (Greatest Warrior/ Ideal man)
• Krishna (Mentally advanced man) and sometimes Balarama(Rama with the plough) is mentioned as an avatar, who appeared as the elder brother of Krishna
• Buddha (The all knowing one) who appeared in the 5th century BCE.
• Kalki (Prophesied, yet to take place)

Manuscripts such as Bhavad Purana have shaped the Hindu understanding of Gods and Goddesses. Artists and artisans refer to these very texts for authentic description of gods.