Why Lord Krishna adorns a peacock feather?

Question

I want scriptural references that make mention of Lord Krishna adorning a peacock feather and perhaps also, why? Please let me know.

Answer 1

The Bhagavata Purana is full of references to Lord Kṛṣṇa's form, qualities, and activities. Here's a famous verse (10.21.5) starting with the word barhāpīḍaṁ (peacock feather decorating His head) when the Lord is entering the forest of Vṛndāvana and the sakhas (cowherd friends) sing His glories.

बर्हापीडं नटवरवपु: कर्णयो: कर्णिकारं
बिभ्रद् वास: कनककपिशं वैजयन्तीं च मालाम् ।
रन्ध्रान् वेणोरधरसुधया पूरयन्गोपवृन्दै-
र्वृन्दारण्यं स्वपदरमणं प्राविशद् गीतकीर्ति: ॥ ५ ॥

Wearing a peacock-feather ornament upon His head, blue karṇikāra flowers on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayantī garland, Lord Kṛṣṇa exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Vṛndāvana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints. He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories.

Why is Kṛṣṇa decorated with a peacock feather:

When the peacocks see Lord Krishna locked in an embrace with the Vraja-beauties (Gopis), they get the impression of a cloud bedecked with lightning. Hence, they start dancing robustly displaying their colorful plumage. Lord Krishna lovingly picks up the feathers shed by them and puts them in His crown.

~ Krishna Vallabha by Srila Gopala Bhatta Goswami, commentary to the Krishna Karnamrta (text 1)

Reference:

https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/10/21/5

https://www.quora.com/Why-did-Lord-Krishna-pick-a-peacock-feather-specifically-and-not-another-birds-feather

Answer 2

अपने मुकुट को मोर पंख से सजाकर, भगवान कृष्ण प्रतीकात्मक रूप से अहंकार पर अपनी विजय, विनम्रता और अनुग्रह के अवतार का प्रतीक बन जाते हैं।

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Translation as below

In Hinduism, Lord Krishna is revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. He is depicted in various forms, each carrying symbolic significance. The peacock feather on Lord Krishna's crown holds profound symbolism that resonates with his divine attributes and the lessons he imparts to humanity.

One interpretation of the peacock feather's significance is its association with victory over the ego and pride. In Hindu mythology, the peacock is often depicted as a symbol of beauty, grace, and resilience. However, the peacock's cry is said to resemble the sound of a distressed cry, representing the call of the ego. By adorning his crown with a peacock feather, Lord Krishna symbolically signifies his triumph over the ego and his embodiment of humility and grace.

Additionally, the peacock feather is associated with Lord Krishna's playful and mischievous nature. In Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna is depicted as a divine child who delights in playing pranks and engaging in playful activities with his devotees and companions, such as the gopis (cowherd girls). The colorful and vibrant peacock feather reflects Lord Krishna's joyous and playful essence, reminding devotees of the importance of embracing lightheartedness and joy in life.

Moreover, the peacock feather is also linked to Lord Krishna's association with nature and the environment. In Hindu cosmology, nature is revered as a manifestation of the divine, and Lord Krishna is often depicted surrounded by lush forests and vibrant flora and fauna. The peacock feather symbolizes Lord Krishna's connection to the natural world and his role as the protector of all living beings.

Overall, the significance of Lord Krishna adorning his crown with a peacock feather encompasses themes of humility, playfulness, and reverence for nature. Through this symbolic gesture, Lord Krishna teaches devotees important spiritual lessons and inspires them to cultivate qualities such as humility, joy, and reverence for the natural world in their own lives.

References:

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10, Verse 30: Lord Krishna declares, "Among birds, I am the son of Vinata [Garuda], and among flying things, I am the wind. Among the purifiers, I am the wind, of the wielders of weapons, I am Rama [Balarama], among fishes, I am the shark, and of flowing rivers, I am the Ganges." Bhagavata Purana, Section 10: The Bhagavata Purana contains numerous stories and descriptions of Lord Krishna's divine pastimes, including his playful interactions with devotees and his embodiment of divine qualities

Answer 3

I'd like to add, there's no reason why Krishna wears a peacock feather.

If there would be a cause, then Krishna would be subject to it, and hence controlled by that cause which would make that cause more powerful than God himself. This is why, all the forms of bhagavān are eternal and causeless. They do not have a reason to appear as they do.

Krishna wears a peacock feather because he can and he wants to. Similarly, while we can speculate why Lord Vishnu has 4 arms and a specific appearance, we cannot really point out when he decided to appear that way and know the reason for sure. He's allowed to do anything and he chooses to appear this way. Maybe he wants it to mean something, but God does not really care about show.