This 19th-century Nepalese painting from our collection depicts Krishna—one of the most beloved incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu—in an encounter with Nepal’s ancestral sky deity, Hatha Dya. In the upper register, the great battle of the Mahabharata unfolds. At upper left, the blue-skinned Krishna serves as the warrior Arjuna’s battlefield advisor and charioteer, while Hatha Dya observes from the sky at upper right. In the Bhagavad Gita, a section of the Mahabharata, Krishna delivers to Arjuna battlefield teachings on duty, devotion, and the pursuit of wisdom that have inspired generations of devotees. September 4 marks Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna. According to legend, he was born at midnight on the eighth lunar day (ashtami) to restore balance to the world. Devotees celebrate with fasting, prayer, devotional music, and midnight festivities honoring his many roles—as a playful child, devoted friend, wise teacher, divine protector, and manifestation of the entire ...