
24/07/2025
The kālās of Bhagwan Krishan refer to the divine aspects, powers, or manifestations of his consciousness and actions. In Vedic and Puranic thought, especially within the Bhagavata Purana and other Vaishnava texts, a kālā (Sanskrit: कला) is often considered a partial manifestation or aspect of divine power (Shakti). Sometimes, it’s also interpreted as a measure or degree of divinity expressed through a being or incarnation.
Kālā comes from the root kal meaning “to count” or “to measure.” So, a kālā is a portion or part. When we speak of someone having “16 kalās” (षोडश कला), it means full or complete manifestation of divine attributes.
In the Bhagavata Purana (1.3.28), Krishan is declared to be the Purna Avatār, or complete incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu:
ete chāmśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ krishnas tu bhagavān svayam
All the previous incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Bhagwan Vishnu, but Bhagwan Krishan is Bhagwan Himself.
Here, the text distinguishes between Amsha (partial) and Kala (fractional or aspect) incarnations.
There are traditionally 16 kalās that represent the complete divine endowment. These are often associated with:
• Chandra (the Moon), who is said to possess 16 kalās.
• Bhagwan Krishan, who is complete in all 16 kalās, signifying Purna Purushottam.
The 16 kalās often include attributes such as:
1. Śrī – Prosperity, Lakshmi
2. Bhā – Splendor
3. Līlā – Divine Play
4. Kānti – Radiance
5. Vidyā – Wisdom
6. Vīrya – Valor
7. Mādhurya – Sweetness
8. Karuṇā – Compassion
9. Aishvarya – Sovereignty
10. Satyatva – Truth
11. Daya – Mercy
12. Shaurya – Heroism
13. Tejas – Divine Energy
14. Dhairya – Courage
15. Vinaya – Humility
16. Prema – Divine Love
The Dashavatara (ten principal avatars of Vishnu) often display kalās to varying degrees:
• Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, etc. are partial (Amsha) avatars.
• Ramchandra is considered to possess 12 kalās.
• Bhagwan Krishan is the only avatar with all 16 kalās.
Krishan’s flute, smile, leelas, and teachings in the Gita all flow from his complete mastery over these kalās. In yogic and ta***ic understanding, the kalās may also relate to the Moon’s 16 phases, the Shodashi (Tripura Sundari), and the manifestation of consciousness in matter.
Bhagwan Krishan is Purna Purushottam, possessing all 16 kalās, representing the complete divine personality. Unlike other avatars who display only a portion of divine qualities, Krishan is the Svayam Bhagwan—the source of all manifestations.
🔱🕉