Bhaktvashya Shri Krishna
What is Krishna's greatest quality? Discover "Bhaktvashya"—the divine attribute where the Supreme Lord allows Himself to be enslaved by the selfless love of His devotees.
The Greatest Quality of Shri Krishna
God is described by many glorious attributes: He is Omnipotent (All-Powerful), Omniscient(All-Knowing), and the Supreme Controller of the universe. However, among all His infinite qualities, one stands out as the crown jewel: Bhaktvashya (Devanagari: भक्तवश्य; ISO 15919: bhaktavaśya).
Literally translated, this means "He who is under the control of His devotee."
The Supreme Paradox
This quality presents a beautiful spiritual paradox.
- As God: He is the Master of Maya and the Governor of all universes. He is Satyakama (one whose will is always fulfilled) and Atmarama (completely self-satisfied, needing nothing).
- As Bhaktvashya: He willingly submits to the will of His selfless devotee.
In the Shrimad Bhagavatam (9.4.63), God Himself makes a startling confession about this loss of independence:
अहं भक्तपराधीनो ह्यस्वतंत्र इव द्विज । साधुभिर्ग्रस्त हृदयो भक्तिर्भक्तजनप्रियः ॥ ahaṁ bhaktaparādhīnō hyasvataṁtra iva dvija | sādhubhirgrasta hr̥dayō bhaktirbhaktajanapriyaḥ ||
"I am completely under the control of My fully surrendered devotees. Indeed, I am not at all independent. My heart is captivated by My devotees, and I am beloved to them."
Why God Hesitates to Give Divine Love
God is very generous in granting material rewards. For surrendered souls who ask, He grants kingdoms (like Dhruv), protection (like Draupadi), or life (like Gajraj). He is even willing to grant Mukti (Liberation) to those who desire it.
However, He is very reluctant to impart Divine Love (Prema). Why? Because once He grants Divine Love, the Supreme Master becomes an eternal, bonded slave of that devotee. He is no longer free; He is bound by the rope of their love.
The Humility of the Master
How deep is this subservience? God does not just protect His devotees; He follows them. As stated in the scriptures:
अनुब्रजाम्यहं नित्यं पूयेयेत्यंघ्रिरेणुभिः anubrajāmyahaṁ nityaṁ pūyēyētyaṁghrirēṇubhiḥ - Bhāgavatam 11.14.16
"I walk behind My devotees, hoping that the dust of their lotus feet may fall upon Me and purify Me."
He acts through His Saints (becoming the doer behind their actions) and takes care of their Yogakshema (providing what they lack and preserving what they have).
Conclusion
Shri Krishna is the ocean of Ananda (Bliss) and acts solely out of Akaran Karun (Causeless Mercy). While He controls the cosmos with a mere thought, He can only be captured by one thing: Selfless Love.
A wise devotee, understanding this "greatest quality," does not ask for material powers (bhukti, siddhi) or liberation (mukti). They ask only for the service of the Lord, knowing that in serving Him, they conquer the Conqueror of the Universe.