What is the essence of the Bhagavata ?
Krishna is the embodiment of the five elements - ether, air, fire, water and earth. He is also the embodiment of the five life breaths - Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana. "Kleem Krishnaya Govindaya Gopi-jnana-vallabhaya Swaah" - this mantra contains the essence of the Bhagavata. The five names represent the five Pranas (vital airs). Kleem refers to earth. Govindaya refers to Agni (the Fire God). Gopi-jana-vallabhaya refers to Vayu (Air). Swaah refers to ether. (SSS Vol 22, pg 252)
