Who is the Hindu deity of compassion, tenderness and love?

Sri Krishna is a major god of Hinduism and is worshipped as the 8th incarnation of Vishnu and as the Supreme God in his own right. He is worshipped as the Hindu god of compassion, tenderness and love. He is one of India's most revered figures and his image is ubiquitous throughout the Indian subcontinent, and is seen more and more in America and the west.

Krishna is known by many names, such as Govinda, Mukunda and Vasudeva. He is a central character in the "Mahabharata" and the "Bhagavad Gita", two classic works that are now known around the world. Krishna is portrayed in many ways in Hindu literature, including as a prankster, a divine hero and as the universal Supreme Being. He is often seen as a young boy playing a flute, drawing all souls into his web of undying divine love.