Niladevi

According to regional traditions, Niladevi took the incarnation of Nagnajiti, a wife of Krishna. In Sri Vaishnavism, Nagnajiti is also called Nappinnai (Pinnai, a favourite gopi of Krishna in Tamil tradition).^[9][4]

Niladevi appears in the Vaikhanasa Agama text.^[9][10][5] Some texts mention that Vishnu's iccha shakti takes three forms: Sridevi, Bhudevi, and Niladevi, representing the three gunas; The Sita Upanishad mentions that these three forms as those of goddess Sita; Niladevi is associated with tamas.^[4] Niladevi, besides tamas, is associated with the sun, the moon and fire.^[4] She appears as Krishna's Gopi in Cherusseri Namboothiri's Krishnagatha.^[4]

According to a dhyana mantra of Vishnu, in his Param aspect, he is depicted seated on the serpent Shesha with Sridevi on his right and Bhudevi and Niladevi on his left.^[11] Niladevi may be also depicted standing behind Vishnu with his two co-wives.^[10] In a depiction in the British Museum, Vishnu as Vaikuntha-Natha ("Lord of Vaikuntha") is seated on Shesha between Sridevi and Bhudevi, while his foot is supported by Niladevi.^[10]

The Alvar Andal is sometimes considered by the Sri Vaishnava denomination as an aspect of Niladevi.^{[11][12] [13]}

Niladevi's aspect of Nappinnai is mainly limited to Tamilakam. The name Nappinnai is found in the Divya Prabandham of the Alvars and Silappadikaram.^[14] According to these texts, Andal (one of the Alvars) wanted to offer her devotion to her patron deity Krishna just as the Braj gopis did in Dvapara Yuga. In her Tiruppavai, Andal wakes up Nappinai before waking up Krishna. As per Sri Vaishnavism, complete surrender to God is performed through his consort, and in the case of Krishna specifically, it is performed through Nappinai.^[14]

Niladevi took the avatar of Nappinnai, the daughter of Kumbagan (the brother of Yashoda). Krishna won Nappinnai's hand after conquering the seven ferocious bulls of her father. Nappinnai's brother is Sudama. Parasara Bhattar describes Krishna, intoxicated by her beauty, with the epithet "Neela thunga sthana giri thati suptham" (lit. "He who rests on the breasts of Nappinnai").^[15]

S. M. Srinivasa Chari states that Andal, singing Nachiyar Tirumoli as a gopika in Thiruppavai, she mentioned Nappinnai. This stands for the identification of Nappinnai as Radha.^[16][17] Alvar mentions the three nachiyars (consorts) as Ponmangai (Sridevi), Nilamangai (Bhudevi) and Pulamangai (Niladevi). Niladevi is mentioned to be the goddess of senses. It is Niladevi who keeps mind stable by offering him her bliss.^[6]

In certain spiritual traditions, both Andal and Nappinnai are seen as manifestations of Neeladevi, engaging in a divine dialogue within themselves. This conversation symbolizes the journey of bhakti (devotion) and the role of divine grace in guiding a devotee toward ultimate liberation.

As Andal, Neeladevi embodies the seeker—full of longing, surrender, and unwavering devotion to Krishna. She expresses the yearning of a true devotee, demonstrating how one should approach the divine with sincerity and love. On the other hand, as Nappinnai, she represents the bestower of grace, the one who grants access to Krishna and facilitates the devotee's union with Him.

The interaction between these two forms, especially in the three pasurams where Andal pleads with Nappinnai, is not merely a request for entry but a deeper spiritual lesson. It illustrates that pure bhakti is both the path and the guide—when devotion is sincere, divine grace itself will awaken within the seeker and lead them toward Krishna, just as Nappinnai, another form of Neeladevi, ultimately allows Andal to unite with Him.

Through this self-communion, Neeladevi teaches that devotion is not separate from divine intervention; rather, it is through pure bhakti that one invokes divine grace, and that grace, in turn, leads the soul to moksha—the ultimate liberation.

In certain regions, rooted in folk traditions and legends, there exists a tale about Nagnajiti, the daughter of King Nagnajit of Kosala, who was also known as Satya at birth. According to some commentaries, she was separated from her parents during a devastating flood and was later adopted by Khombagan, who found her floating on a lotus along a river. Khombagan is said to be Yashoda's brother, making Sodama Satya's foster brother.

Nagnajiti (also known as Satya and later as Nappinai) grew up alongside Krishna, and their families planned for the two to be married. Even as a child, Krishna demonstrated his extraordinary strength by taming seven bulls, showcasing his divine prowess.

However, one day, unaware of Sodama's deep devotion to Krishna, Nagnajiti playfully refused to let her foster brother play with him. Angered by this, Sodama cursed her, declaring that she would be separated from Krishna. The curse took effect when Krishna left Gokulam to kill Kamsa, leaving Nagnajiti heartbroken.

Years later, King Nagnajit performed a yagna and discovered the whereabouts of his lost daughter. She returned to Kosala and reclaimed her identity. Upon hearing this, Krishna, still devoted to her, traveled to Kosala to seek her hand in marriage.

At that time, Kosala's people were plagued by Valvano, a menacing force. Krishna defeated Valvano by lifting and casting him into the river, thereby saving the city. Through his strength and dedication, Krishna earned the right to marry Nagnajiti, who is also known in some traditions as Nappinai or Satya. Although this story is not found in canonical scriptures, it is preserved in folk narratives, highlighting Krishna's valor, love, and divine role in protecting his devotees.

Nappinai is also known as Poovirali because, during their childhood, she and Krishna used to play a game of throwing and catching a jasmine ball, which symbolized the universe. Based on this tradition, even today in Tamil Nadu, some wedding ceremonies include a game where the bride and groom play with a jasmine ball. Additionally, cultural practices such as Jallikattu (the act of controlling bulls) and Illavata Kal, a stone formed from cooled magma and used as a test of strength, where a man lifts a large stone, are believed to be inspired by Krishna's legendary feats, as they represent physical strength and valor . This story holds cultural and mythological importance in certain traditions.

Sodama's Arrival: The Silent Conversation of Queens

The golden city of Dwaraka shimmered under the afternoon sun as Sodama, clad in tattered clothes, stepped hesitantly through its grand gates. He carried nothing but a small bundle of aval (flattened rice)—his humble offering for Krishna, his dearest childhood friend.

Unseen to the world, a silent conversation unfolded.

The Queens Speak Without Words

Inside the palace, Krishna's three consorts—Nappinai, Rukmini, and Satyabhama—sat in their chambers, their hearts attuned to their Lord's emotions.

Though separated by walls, their minds spoke as one.

Nappinai (Niladevi):

"Something stirs in Krishna's heart. A presence from our Lord's past has arrived."

Her dark eyes glowed with recognition as she closed her hands over her chest. A flood of memories washed over her—Gokulam, the sound of Krishna's flute, and the boy who once ran alongside them, laughing under the vast sky.

Rukmini (Sridevi):

"It is the poor Brahmin… Sodama."

Rukmini's divine intuition had already revealed the guest's identity. She could sense the devotion, the love, the longing in Sodama's heart.

Satyabhama (Bhudevi):

"A poor man walking into Dwaraka with nothing? Why has Krishna not sent for his royal garments? Why does he let him wander in rags?"

Her thoughts carried the fire of her warrior spirit, yet there was no arrogance—only a fierce protectiveness over Krishna's dignity.

Nappinai gently replied, her voice like the soft glow of moonlight in their shared mind.

"Because to Krishna, Sodama has never changed. He does not see a poor man, nor a wealthy one. He only sees his dearest friend."

Satyabhama sighed.

"And yet, the world will see Krishna embracing a beggar. It is unbecoming of a king."

Rukmini's voice was like the flowing waters of wisdom.

"Then the world shall witness what true wealth is."

Krishna and Sodama: The Moment of Recognition

Krishna had already sensed Sodama's arrival before the guards announced him. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, his silken robes billowing as he ran barefoot through the palace halls.

The queens remained where they were, watching through their inner vision.

Satyabhama's mind flared with emotion.

"A king should walk with grace, not run like a cowherd!"

But Nappinai only smiled.

"He is not running as a king, Satyabhama. He is running as Krishna."

Krishna reached Sodama, his eyes filled with unspoken joy and longing.

The moment their eyes met, time itself seemed to pause. Without hesitation, Krishna embraced Sodama, pressing him tightly against his chest.

The royal guards stood stunned. The courtiers whispered. A hush fell over Dwaraka.

Rukmini whispered in their silent conversation:

"The world may call Krishna a king, but today, he reminds us all that love is above power."

Nappinai added softly:

"And devotion is above wealth."

Even Satyabhama, usually stubborn, was silent.

The Forgotten Bond: Nappinai and Sodama

As Krishna led Sodama inside, Nappinai watched silently from her chamber.

Something stirred within her—a memory, distant yet familiar. A boy with kind eyes, a brother from a past she had long thought lost.

Sodama stopped abruptly. A strange feeling tugged at his heart.

His eyes landed on a woman standing in the shadows, her saree shimmering like the evening sky, her dark hair flowing like the Yamuna.

There was something in her face—a flicker of familiarity, a longing, a story unfinished.

His heart pounded. Could it be?

"Nappinai…" he whispered.

Her breath caught. It had been years—a lifetime, it seemed—but the voice was the same. The voice that had once called her little sister in a childhood now lost.

“Sodama…”

At that moment, time unraveled.Tears welled up in her eyes as she ran forward and embraced him. “Anna (Brother), you have come!”

No longer was she Queen Nappinai of Dwaraka. No longer was he a poor Brahmin, visiting his childhood friend, Krishna.

Sodama hesitated.

“You are a queen now,” he whispered. “Do you still remember your days in Gokulam"

Nappinai laughed through her tears. “Every single day.”

They were simply brother and sister, separated by fate, reunited by love.

Nappinai's hands trembled as she touched his face, as if afraid he would vanish.

"I thought I had lost you," he whispered.

"And I thought I would never see you again," she replied,

Suddenly, Sodama's face fell, guilt shadowing his joy. “I was a foolish child, Nappinai. I did not know my words had power. If I had known, I would have never spoken them.”

Nappinai smiled gently. “And yet, perhaps it was meant to be. My journey led me back to Kosala, to my birth parents, and finally… back to Krishna.”

Krishna watched, a soft smile playing on his lips. For he had always known.

Rukmini and Satyabhama, through their silent bond, spoke to Krishna once more.

Rukmini:

"She is whole again."

Satyabhama:

"For all we know of war and wealth, nothing compares to finding a lost heart."

Krishna's laughter filled the air.

Aval: A Feast for the Divine

Sodama, trembling, unwrapped his small bundle of aval.

"This is all I could bring, Krishna…" he whispered, ashamed.

Krishna's face lit up brighter than the sun.

Without waiting, he took a handful of the simple rice and ate it with delight, savoring every bite as though it were the most divine offering in the world.

The queens, still seated apart, felt an overwhelming warmth in their hearts.

Satyabhama, at last, spoke in their shared silence.

"What a foolish man. He brings mere aval to Krishna, yet he is treated as if he has gifted him the world."

Rukmini smiled.

"Because to Krishna, love weighs more than gold."

Even Satyabhama had no retort. She simply closed her eyes, finally understanding.

Nappinai, watching from afar, let out a quiet sigh.

For a moment, she was no longer the queen of Dwaraka, nor the consort of a great king.

She was simply a girl from Gokulam, watching Krishna eat aval under a tree, just as he had done in their childhood.

A Gift Beyond Gold: Jasmine for a Sister

Sodama turned to Nappinai, reaching into his tattered shawl. He had no gold, no riches to offer her.

But in his hand lay a single jasmine flower.

"I have nothing, sister. But this… this is for you."

Nappinai's eyes welled with tears.

In Gokulam, before they were separated, she used to braid jasmine into her hair.

And now, after all these years, he placed one in her hands once more.

Nappinnai clutched it as if it were the most precious jewel in the world.

He offered jasmine flowers to rukmani and sathyabama too they accepted it gracefully and they have got a brother in the form of sodama

Krishna, his heart overflowing, spoke aloud for all to hear.

"Sodama has given me the greatest wealth. And today, he has given Nappinai , rukmani and sathyabama something greater than gold—a bond that time itself could not break."

Nappinai looked at Sodama.

"I thought I lost my brother. But today, you have returned to me."

And in that moment, Dwaraka itself seemed to glow brighter.

For the greatest wealth is not power or gold.

and krishna blessed sodama with unlimited wealth and happiness

It is friendship, love, and the ones we hold in our hearts—forever.

folk stories

One night in Dwaraka, under the full moon, Krishna and Nappinai danced together as they had in Gokulam—a sacred tradition known only to them. The rhythm of their hearts, the twinkling of anklets, and the soft murmur of the waves made it a moment untouched by the world.

But Satyabhama, curious and mischievous, wanted to experience this dance. She disguised herself as Nappinai, hoping to see if Krishna would still recognize her love.

Krishna, ever knowing, played along. But his movements were hesitant, his touch distant. He was searching for something beyond appearances—beyond imitation.

Then, Nappinai arrived, her fury like the rising tide.

“Satyabhama,” she called, her voice cutting through the night.

Satyabhama froze. Krishna turned, a knowing smile on his lips.

"What are you doing?" Nappinai asked.

Satyabhama, proud but uncertain, replied, "I only wanted to see if Krishna would dance with me the way he dances with you."

Nappinai's eyes narrowed. "And? Did he?"

Satyabhama hesitated. She knew the answer.

Krishna chuckled softly and placed a single flower in Nappinai's hair—where it belonged.

“A dance is not about steps. It is about the rhythm of the heart.”

Satyabhama sighed, accepting her defeat. "Then dance, Nappinai. And let me watch."

And so, Krishna and Nappinai danced again—a love only they could share.

The next morning, Krishna, ever the playful teacher, called upon Narada, the celestial sage. He wished to test the hearts of his consorts, not with words, but with a lesson.

In a sacred pool, Krishna placed two lotus flowers.

Krishna: “If love is to be tested, let the gods decide. One of these flowers represents true devotion, the other, fleeting desire. Whichever flower blooms, that love is just.”

Nappinai, proud in her love, watched her flower, believing it would bloom first.

Satyabhama, eager yet uncertain, waited anxiously.

But… neither flower bloomed.

Instead, Krishna stepped forward and touched the water.

Krishna: “Love is not a competition. It is not about who is greater, nor about who receives more. Love is in the patience of waiting, the kindness of understanding, and the truth that cannot be hidden.”

At his words, both flowers bloomed together, side by side.

Nappinai understood. "You do not love Satyabhama as you love me, but she is not undeserving of kindness."

Satyabhama, humbled, bowed to Nappinai.

"And I will no longer seek love in deception. I will find my own path, as you have yours."

The gods witnessed the moment, and Krishna, with wisdom and love, had taught both his consorts—and the world—a lesson:

True love is not about possession. It is about knowing when to give, when to forgive, and when to let go.

As Krishna rode into battle against Narakasura, taking Satyabhama with him, Dwaraka faced an unseen threat—not from invading armies, but from the wrath of a powerful sage.

A revered sage, Katyayana, had come to Dwaraka seeking Krishna's blessing for an important yajna (sacred ritual). But when he arrived, he found Krishna had already left for war.

Feeling that Dwaraka had placed battle above the sacred, he was overcome with disappointment. Standing at the shores, he raised his hands and declared:

“A kingdom that forgets dharma, that sends its ruler to war but keeps no one for the sacred, shall not stand! Without Krishna's presence, let Dwaraka fall like dust upon the ocean breeze!”

At once, the seas roared, winds howled, and the earth trembled.

Fear gripped Dwaraka. The people turned to Rukmini and Nappinai, knowing only they could restore balance.

• Rukmini, ever wise, sought out the sage. She traveled to his ashram, humbling herself before him. “Great one, forgive us. Krishna never ignored the sacred—his duty called him away, but dharma is in all things.”
• Nappinai, with her unwavering devotion, remained in dwaraka as a gwardian queen
  • Nappinai, steadfast and graceful, She did not wield weapons, nor raise her voice in command. Instead, she stood at the temple doors, lighting lamps and ensuring that Krishna's presence was never absent from his home. Even as the storm raged, she did not waver. She welcomed the frightened, led them in prayers, and kept the palace adorned in his presence—so that when Krishna returned, Dwaraka would greet him as if he had never left. She adorned Krishna's idol with flowers, lit lamps, and led the people in a night of kirtan (divine singing), invoking his presence.

The sage, still unmoved, said, “Words do not undo arrogance. If Krishna does not return before the full moon, the city shall fall.”

Hearing this Rukmani am with humility, carrying sacred offerings. She bowed before him and spoke:

"O revered sage, the Lord fights to protect dharma in battle, but here, we shall uphold it in prayer. Please, grant us the chance to restore balance."

Katyayana, seeing her sincerity, remained silent, his anger wavering.

Nappinai then stepped forward, her voice strong yet filled with devotion.

"If Dwaraka must stand, let it stand on faith. If Krishna is absent, we, his consorts, shall uphold his presence through our prayers."

With that, she and Rukmini undertook the yajna themselves, chanting mantras and invoking divine blessings. The storms calmed, and the trembling earth steadied.

As the deadline neared,

• Nappinai placed a fragrant garland upon Krishna's idol, offering her love and devotion.
• Rukmini, wise and composed, took a single Tulsi leaf—the most sacred of all offerings—and placed it upon Krishna's empty throne, symbolizing his unbroken presence.

As the final night approached, all eyes turned toward the temple. Then, in the stillness something divine happened,

The garland that Nappinai had placed on Krishna's idol suddenly moved—appearing on his empty throne. The flames of the lamps rose higher, and the air filled with divine fragrance.

At that moment, the sage in his ashram felt a shift. He closed his eyes and saw—not Krishna in battle, but his presence alive in Dwaraka, through the unwavering devotion of his wives.

Realizing his mistake, he lifted his hands. “Where such love exists, destruction has no place.” The curse lifted. The seas calmed. The city stood strong.

When Krishna and Sathyabama arrived, victorious from battle, they found Dwaraka untouched—not by war, but by love. krishna victorious yet weary, he saw the city shining brighter than before.

He looked upon Rukmini and Nappinai, understanding what they had done.

"You did not fight with swords, yet you won a battle greater than mine," Krishna said, his heart filled with love.

Thus, it was not only warriors who defended Dwaraka, but also its women—through wisdom, devotion, and unwavering faith.

Smiling, he placed a lotus in Rukmini's hands, honoring her wisdom. Then, he gently placed another in Nappinai's hair, honoring her devotion.

“Dwaraka was never in danger,” Krishna said softly. “Not while you were here.”

• • Rukmini placing Tulsi on Krishna's throne symbolizes that true presence is not about physicality but unwavering faith.
  • Nappinai's garland represents Krishna's eternal connection to his devotees.
  • Their actions together restore harmony, proving that love, wisdom, and devotion are the true protectors of a kingdom.
  • This story strongly implies nonviolence as a central theme. Instead of relying on war or physical defense, Dwaraka is protected through wisdom (Rukmini) and devotion (Nappinai). Their actions—Rukmini's humility in seeking forgiveness and placing the Tulsi leaf, and Nappinai's unwavering faith through prayers and guarding Dwaraka's doors—restore balance without conflict
  • Divine Feminine Power: The active roles of Nappinnai and Rukmini underscore the importance of the divine feminine in upholding dharma. Although not elaborated in the main Sanskrit texts, this aspect is celebrated in the regional devotional traditions, which see the consorts as embodiments of grace and wisdom that complement Krishna's divine mission.
  • Divine Devotion in Community: Bridging Andal's Teachings and the Nappinnai Narrative
  • The connection between Andal's teachings and this Nappinnai story is grounded in their shared emphasis on devotion expressed through ritual and community. Here's a detailed reasoning of that connection:
    1. Communal Worship as a Spiritual Foundation: Andal's hymns, particularly in the Tiruppavai, call upon not just her personal devotion but also invite the community to awaken to the divine. By invoking Nappinnai as a facilitator of divine grace, Andal sets an example of how every devotee contributes to creating a sacred atmosphere. This mirrors the Nappinnai narrative in Dwaraka, where Nappinnai (along with Rukmini) upholds the city's spiritual integrity through community rituals like lighting lamps and offering garlands. Both stories teach that individual devotion is inseparable from collective worship.
    2. Ritual Empowerment as a Means to Access Divine Presence: Andal's teachings emphasize that true devotion is active and participatory. Her call to awaken Nappinnai is symbolic—it's a reminder that ritual acts (like reciting prayers or engaging in communal singing) have the power to invite divine grace. In the Nappinnai narrative, the rituals performed by the guardians of Dwaraka (such as the lighting of lamps, the offering of Tulsi leaves, and the placement of garlands) serve as tangible expressions of inner devotion. These acts are not merely ceremonial; they are believed to create an environment where the divine can manifest and protect the community. In both traditions, rituals are the bridge between human effort and divine intervention.
       1. Unified Message of Devotion and Protection: Andal's teachings and the Nappinnai story both convey that devotion is a transformative force that protects and uplifts. Andal's call to her community to participate in worship is a lesson in collective empowerment; it is not solely about personal salvation but about creating a shared spiritual sanctuary. In the story of Dwaraka, the protective actions of Nappinnai and Rukmini ensure that even in Krishna's physical absence, the city remains safe and spiritually vibrant. This unified message—that through heartfelt, communal devotion, divine protection is secured—is a powerful common thread linking Andal's teachings with the Nappinnai narrative.
  • This story also aligns with teachings of krishna in bagavatgita about non violence

1. Ahimsa as a Virtue (Chapter 16, Verse 2) Krishna lists Ahimsa (nonviolence) as one of the divine qualities: "Ahimsa satyam akrodhas tyagah shantir apaishunam" (Nonviolence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peacefulness, and absence of fault-finding are divine qualities.) This shows that Krishna values nonviolence as part of an ideal, virtuous life.
2. Beyond Passive Nonviolence (Chapter 2, Verse 47-50) Krishna tells Arjuna that he must act according to dharma without attachment to the results. He discourages cowardice or inaction, even in the name of nonviolence. Instead, he promotes selfless duty (karma yoga), which means acting without selfish desire or hatred.
3. Violence in the Context of Dharma (Chapter 2, Verse 31-37) Krishna explains that for a Kshatriya (warrior) like Arjuna, fighting for righteousness is not personal violence but a duty. He says: "Considering your duty as a warrior, you should not waver. For a warrior, there is nothing nobler than a righteous war." Here, Krishna does not glorify war but clarifies that violence is justified when it is necessary to uphold justice and protect dharma.
4. True Nonviolence is in the Mind (Chapter 6, Verse 5-6) Krishna teaches that true nonviolence comes from control over one's mind and emotions. He advises Arjuna to rise above attachments and hatred, implying that inner peace is the foundation of real nonviolence.

Krishna does not promote absolute nonviolence (as in Jainism or Buddhism), but neither does he advocate unnecessary violence. His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita encourage a balance—nonviolence as an ideal, but action as a duty when righteousness is at stake. True nonviolence, according to Krishna, is not just the absence of physical violence but the absence of hatred, selfishness, and ignorance in one's heart.

Thirunarayur Nambi Temple