Ananya

Vatsalya

I know you have many toys, but there’s always one special toy, maybe a teddy bear, that makes you feel happier and safer than all the others put together. Well, “Ananya” means something like that, but much, much bigger. It means “no other”.

When we talk about Krishna as Ananya, it means:

1. He’s the Only One: Krishna is one-of-a-kind source of all the good things. There’s nobody else like Him. Krishna is the exclusive, unparalleled goal and sanctuary for His devotees.

2. He Gives the Ultimate Happiness: You know how sometimes you feel happy, like when you play with friends? Krishna gives that ultimate kind of happiness, called Ananda, which is like the most blissful and most wonderful happiness that lasts forever. And only He can give you that forever-happiness.

3. He Loves You like your Dad/Mom: Krishna loves everyone like your kindest mommy or daddy. This love is called Vatsalya. Even if you make mistakes, He still loves you, forgives you, and wants to take care of you, just like your parents do. He’s always looking out for you with great kindness. You see the cow by the feet of Krishna? That represents us.

Because Krishna is the only one who can give you that amazing forever-happiness (Ananda) and loves you with such special kindness (Vatsalya), “Ananya” means we should love Him most of all and know that He is our very best friend and protector, the only one we truly need to be happy and safe.

Ananya