Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

krodha (‘anger’)

One of the three ‘gates to hell’, i.e.

propensities that have to be overcome if

one is to lead a religious life, personified

as child of Adharma. (See alsoLOBHA,

MOHA.)

køpä (‘grace’, ‘pity’, ‘compassion’)

A key term in VAIÆŒAVISMwhere God’s

grace is the only saving agent.

Kø•æa (‘black’)

The most popular (eighth) AVATÄRAof

VIÆŒU, the subject of major Hindu clas-

sics such as the Bhagavadgïtä and the

Bhägavatapuräæa. He is also called

Ÿyäma. For many of his worshippers he

is the (only) full manifestation of Vi•æu.

Traditional history places him at

around 3000 BCEand considers him the

ruler of Dväraka on the Arabian Sea.

He was a descendant of the YÄDAVA

race, an old pastoral tribe living on the

Yamunä around VØNDÄVANA on the

western bank, and around Gokula on

the eastern. When he was born, KAMŸA

had usurped rulership of Mathurä;

Kø•æa later killed him. The many

exploits of Kø•æa, as narrated in

VAIÆŒAVAscriptures, are celebrated in

many feasts, especially in VØNDÄVANA,

and have inspired numerous poets,

musicians, choreographers, painters and

sculptors.

Kø•æä

Personal name of DRAUPADÏ.

Kø•æa Dvaipäyana

See VYÄSA.

kø•æa-paksa (‘the dark part [of

the lunar month]’)

The period from the day after full moon

to new moon. Indian dating, especially

of feasts, always includes such markers.

(See also ŸUKLA PAKÆA.)

Køta Yuga

The first age of the world, also called

Satya Yuga, the golden age, when peo-

ple were virtuous and lived long lives. It

lasted for 1,728,000 years.

Køttikäs

The Pleiades; personified as the six

nurses of KÄRTTIKEYA.

k•amä (‘forgiveness’)

One of the main virtues of Hindu ETHICS.

K•atriya

Member of the second VARŒA, a warrior

or administrator.

k•etra (‘field’)

Metaphorically used (in the Bhagavad-

gïtä) to designate the body.

krodha 100

Women worshipping Kø•æa.

Encyclo - Letter K 10/2/03 9:46 am Page 100