Tattva-viveka
Makara kundala (shark-shaped earrings)
Nanda-tanuja Dasa - December 14, 2005 6:21 am
It is said that Govinda adorn by makara kundala -- shark-shaped earrings, which sometimes translated as dolphin or crocodile-shaped earrings. Such difference in interpretation prompted me to do some research. Apparently Makara is a legendary aquatic animal with the head of a crocodile, a trunk of an elephant and the body of a fish. Sounds like a dragon to me. Btw, kundala means coiled, so it's coiled Makara earrings.
1. Kamadeva is called makara ketu -- "One who has Makara for an emblem on his banner."
2. In Bhagavad Gita 10.31 Krsna is jhasanam makaras -- Makara among the fish.
3. Makara design is highly popular in Tibetian Phurba and Kartri ritual weapons.
4. Makara is associated with zodiacal sign of Capricorn.
5. Makara serves as vahana or vehicle of several gods, such as Varuna and Ganga.
6. Interestingly, Siva, being Ardhanarisvara, wears makara-kundala earring on the right ear, signifying the male principle, and the tatanka earring on the left denoting the female principle. This might indicate that Govinda is fully male 
So question is why Govinda wears makara kundala? What is the symbolism of it? What does it signify?
Robertnewman - December 15, 2005 1:22 am
Maybe he just likes it.So question is why Govinda wears makara kundala? What is the symbolism of it? What does it signify?
Nanda-tanuja Dasa - December 15, 2005 3:39 am
Maybe he just likes it.
There are many levels of understanding the lila and this is one of many facets of it, no doubt.