Kaliya Mardana: Krishna Subduing The Serpent

This sculpture depicts young Lord Krishna in the iconic Kaliya Mardana pose, dancing atop the serpent Kaliya. Krishna is shown balancing gracefully on Kaliya’s hood, his leg lifted in a playful yet commanding stance, while he firmly grasps the serpent’s tail with one hand. This composition captures the moment from Hindu mythology when Krishna subdues Kaliya, who had poisoned the Yamuna River, endangering life around it.

In the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna’s dance on Kaliya’s heads symbolizes the triumph of divine purity and strength over destructive forces. His calm demeanor while controlling the formidable snake reflects his mastery over evil, and his role as a protector of nature and dharma.