God's Redness: Incarnations and Emotions
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is described in the Vedas as possessing a transcendental form that is full of knowledge and bliss. While He is often depicted as blackish (śyāmasundara) or golden (gaurāṅga), Śrīla Prabhupāda draws our attention to the scriptural descriptions of God's redness. This redness is not a material pigment but a spiritual quality that manifests in specific incarnations, in the enchanting beauty of the Lord's eyes, and as a symptom of His divine emotions.
The Red Incarnation of Tretā-yuga
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in each of the four millenniums (yugas), the Lord appears in a distinct color to establish the religious principles of that age. In the Tretā-yuga, the Lord assumed a reddish body to teach the process of performance of sacrifice (yajña). This was confirmed by Garga Muni during the name-giving ceremony of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
- In Treta-yuga, the Lord appeared in a body that had a reddish hue and four arms. There were three distinctive lines on His abdomen, and His hair was golden.
- The process for self-realization recommended in the Treta millennium was the performance of sacrifice, and this was taught by the red incarnation of God.
- In the past, your son has had bodies of three different colors, according to the age. These colors were white, red and yellow. In this age (Dvapara-yuga) He has accepted a blackish body.
The Enchanting Redness of the Lord's Eyes
Even when the Lord's bodily complexion is not red, His eyes are frequently described as possessing a beautiful reddish hue, resembling the interior of a lotus flower. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this feature in various forms of the Lord, from the meditative Lord Ṛṣabhadeva to the expansions of Lord Viṣṇu, highlighting it as an essential aspect of His all-attractive nature.
- Lord Brahma, along with Lord Siva, saw the crystal-clear personal beauty of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose blackish body resembles a marakata gem, whose eyes are reddish like the depths of a lotus.
- His (Lord Rsabhadeva's) mouth was beautifully decorated with His natural smile, and He appeared all the more lovely with His reddish eyes spread wide like the petals of a newly grown lotus flower.
- Those Visnu forms, by Their pure smiling, and by the sidelong glances of Their reddish eyes, created and protected the desires of Their own devotees, as if by the modes of passion and goodness.
- The Personality of Godhead, seen leaning favorably towards His loving servitors, His very sight intoxicating and attractive, appeared to be very much satisfied. He had a smiling face decorated with an enchanting reddish hue.
Redness in Anger and Heroism
The color red also manifests as a symptom of intense emotion, particularly anger (krodha) and chivalrous exertion (vīrya). Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates this through the pastimes of Lord Balarāma and Lord Varāha. Whether wrestling with powerful opponents or confronting demons, the Lord’s eyes and face turn blood-red, signifying His formidable power.
- Balarama's eyes are naturally reddish, and when He became agitated and angry His eyes became more reddish. This time He challenged Rukmi and made a bet of a hundred million coins.
- Another lady said, "Don't you see how the face of Lord Balarama has turned especially beautiful? There is a reddish hue on His white face because He is engaged in a strenuous wrestling match with Mustika."
- He saw there the all-powerful Personality of Godhead in His boar incarnation, bearing the earth upward on the ends of His tusks and robbing him of his splendor with His reddish eyes.
- The Lord was enriched with four hands, earrings of molten gold and eyes blood red with fury. As He loitered about, His club constantly encircled Him like a shooting star.
Conclusion
The transcendental form of the Lord is a reservoir of all colors and beauties. Whether manifesting as the specific red incarnation of the Tretā-yuga or displaying the flushed symptoms of chivalry and anger, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that these features are absolute. God's redness is never mundane; it is a source of ecstasy for the devotees and a signal of the Lord's supreme authority over the creation.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category God's Redness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.