Thursday, June 13, 2024
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Sri Krishna Avatar
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It was dwapara yuga. The evil acts of asuras were rampant. Dharma took a back seat. Selfishness was found everywhere. The thirst for power reached new highs. The penchant for a wicked life was limitless. Mother earth was unable to bear the weight of sinners and asuras. Without recourse she collapsed and assumed the form of a cow. She approached Brahma Deva to narrate her travail.
Brahma Deva was moved by mother earth's pitiable condition. He consoled her. Later he went along with Lord Siva and Devas to the milky ocean. Being white, the milky ocean stands for sattva (calm) guna. When people are tormented, one should satisfy them by sharing thoughts that are of sattva guna. Brahma Deva did exactly that. He then recited Purusha Sookta in praise of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu is all pervading. There is nothing that he doesn't know. He told Brahma and Devas that soon he would be born to Devaki and Vasudeva. He wanted Devas to be born in the Nanda Gokula. Mother earth was happy to hear the Lord's reassuring words. Brahma and Devas were satisfied.
Evil Kamsa
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Kamsa was synonymous with cruelty. Devaki, his sister, was married to Vasudeva. Kamsa happily came forward to drop the bride at her in-law's place.
"Vasu" means brightness or wealth. Vasudeva was an embodiment of a wealth of knowledge. Devaki was chaste and pure.
Devaki and Vasudeva approached a chariot that was made ready for their trip. Horses, elephants and soldiers were waiting on them. Kamsa held Devaki's hand and helped her board the chariot. Kamsa, the charioteer, and his father Ugrasena were being hailed by their subjects. He held the reins and the chariot was pulled by the horses.
In the hands of an incompetent charioteers the chariot of life will move with confusion. Life will be tormenting. The ego called Kamsa should not be the charioteer for the chariot of life. When the ego is in charge, life won't reach the destination.
Kamsa said"Sister, our bond will depend on my brother-in-law. You both should give me a word that you will give birth to a beautiful girl. I will then make her my daughter-in-law. Even by mistake if a son is born to you, then I won't be forgiving brother-in-law".
Devaki and Vasudeva smiled.
An egotist's speech will be misdirected and incoherent like a deluded man's humor. The cognoscenti consider them as banter.
As the chariot was moving, the weather changed. Dark clouds gathered. Lightning and thunder covered the sky. Darkness descended. Unable to move forward, Kamsa stopped the chariot. Then a disembodied voice was heard.
"Fool, Kamsa, she is not your sister but a threat to your life. She will destroy the chariot of your life. Her eighth child will kill you."
Some people under favorable conditions behave like tides on a full moon day; when circumstances sour they degrade like a waterfall from a peak. They are useless. They don't have the ability to think through. Kamsa was one such person.
The voice in the sky reverberated in the asura's ears. His rage touched the sky. He held a sword and dragged Devaki by her hair to the ground. He was about to behead her.
Devaki cried"Brother, instead of being a savior, why are you so unfair to me?"
Despite Devaki's pleadings Kamsa didn't relent. Vasudeva begged him not to kill a helpless woman. And that he would bring infamy by killing his own sister. When rage is riding the palanquin, prudence is the only way out.
"Valorous one, everything born gets a body and along with it death. It's only a matter of time when death strikes. This is the fact. Even when the body is renounced, karma will still be chasing one across many rebirths. Devaki is your own sister. It is unfair to kill her" said Vasudeva. Kamsa was not satisfied with Vasudeva's wise words. A wise person uses discrimination to come out of danger. That's exactly what Vasudeva had done.
Even though the situation was grim, Vasudeva with a smile said"The leader of asuras, please don't worry. Your problem is the fear from Devaki's children. I promise that we will give all the newborns to you".
Noble people, when circumstances turn against them, manage to smile and regale the wicked ones without revealing their reasons for sorrow. Wicked ones even when circumstances are favorable, because of their innate nature, hurt the noble ones with their inauspicious thoughts. This is the difference between greedy and principled men. Kamsa was pleased with Vasudeva's words. He let his sister go.
The wheel of time turned. One day Devaki delivered a son. Vasudeva, keeping his word, brought his first born to Kamsa who was dismayed by his honesty. Anyone should bow before one who commits a great sacrifice.
Kamsa said"Vasudeva, take your son with you. My enemy is the eighth born". Vasudeva returned to his home. An honest life begets peace and good health.
One day sage Narada visited Kamsa and told him that Devas were plotting to kill asuras. On learning that Devas would be born as yadavas and Sri Hari would be born as the eighth child to his sister, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and began killing all of their babies. When his father Ugrasena objected to him, he too was thrown into a prison. Ugrasena said,"Before the onset of an inauspicious period, evil thoughts occur". Kamsa asked"To you or to me?"
Sri Krishna's Birth
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Kamsa destroyed six of Devaki's newborns. The seventh child was Sankarshana who was an incarnate of Adisesha. Lord commanded Yoga Maya to protect Anantadeva, place the Sankarshana in Rohinidevi's womb and enter the womb of Nanda's wife Yasoda. He revealed that he would be born to Devaki.
The Self of all and one who bears the worlds, Lord entered Devaki's womb. The prison was lit up with his divine light. Devaki and Vasudeva were reciting the Lord's names without a wink. Even when one is neck deep in sorrow, reciting the Lord's name would be a blessing.
Kamsa was taken aback by the aura of Devaki. He surmised that the one who would kill him, entered her womb. He thought of killing her but the infamy it would bring dissuaded him. He decided to kill Sri Hari only.
To praise the Lord in Devaki's womb, the four-faced Brahma, Lord Siva, Sage Narada and others arrived on earth.
The auspicious moment finally arrived. The sky was peaceful. The stars were shining gloriously. Cool winds blew from the mountains. Rivers were flowing with crystal clear water. Ponds were replete with lotuses. Devas were sounding drums. Forests were vibrant with nightingale sounds. As ascetics were in peace, Devas were showering flowers. Like a moon rising in the east, the Lord who resides in all hearts, was born to the noble Devakidevi on the day for the star Rohini.
Self realization comes this way as well. The auspicious time will come to experience. The sahasrara on the scalp called Rohini will scintillate. The sparkling knowledge will arrive at an auspicious time of the day. The senses called directions will be calm. The zephyr from the mountains called peace will blow winds of happiness. The eyes like stars will twinkle. The spiritual enlightenment like the rivers with sweet water will flow unendingly. The gems of knowledge like lotuses will shine in the pond called heart. The sound of omkara like the beats of drums will reach the ears. The inner self called forest will rejoice with feelings called nightingales. The ascetic hearts called mind and intellect will lie down with peace; the raining down of flowers will be like unending happiness. In such a state, the Lord will be born as pure intellect called Vasudeva's son.
Every heart is like a prison. Like Devaki and Vasudeva when everyone recites Lord's prayer with purity in thought, speech and action, Achyuta will deify in the form of knowledge. Vasudeva was in total bliss to see the Lord adorned with various ornaments delivered as a child to him.
In his heart with joy Vasudeva donated countless cows to brahmins. A pure at heart person shares his happiness with others involuntarily.
With the birth of Sri Krishna the entire place looked resplendent. Vasudeva was convinced that Sri Krishna was none other than the Lord Vishnu.
He sang"You are apart from prakruti, the ultimate being, paramatma, embodiment of perennial happiness, transcendental consciousness. I came to know about you"
With four shoulders, wearing conch, disc and mace, the scintillating Lord appeared. Devaki too started praying:"Lord, you are the unmanifest essence, the primordial, brahman, light, devoid of gunas and modification, truthful, without distinction that is worshiped by all Devas. You are the Brahman and Lord of all. I seek refuge in you".
Even though she was happy to watch the form of the Lord not seen by ordinary men, she felt apprehensive about the cruel Kamsa.
She said"Lord, I am afraid about Kamsa, with a fickle mind, causing you peril. Please don't let him know that you were born to me"
"Lord, please withdraw your glorious form with four shoulders, holding conch, disc and mace" prayed Devaki.
Lord said,"Devi, during Swayambhuva Manu's period, in your earlier birth, you were born as Prusni. Vasudeva was then called Sutapa and was a prajapati. You both did amazing penance for thousands of years. I was pleased and offered you boons. You wished for a son like me. So I was born as Prusnigarbha to you. In your next births, when you were born as Aditi and Kasyapa, I was born to you as Vamana and spread cheer to you"
"You will attain salvation with love as you show tender affection and worship my divine form" said the Lord before turning into a beautiful baby boy.
Trip to Gokula
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At the same time Yoga Maya was born as a daughter of Yasoda. Sri Krishna said to Vasudeva
"Please rest me alongside Yasoda in Nanda Gokula and bring my sister Yoga Maya with you". Vasudeva held the baby as he commanded.
Those desiring the Lord over everything else will have their wishes come true. The holy wish that the Lord should be one's son, is itself the wish for liberation. Hence God helps them at every step. Those choosing Lord as the guide and savior in their lives are noble.
Sri Krishna was born in a prison. God showed that every heart is dark like a prison with ignorance and he will deify in such a heart.
As per the Lord's command Vasudeva put the child in a basket and carried it on his head. The doors in the prison opened by themselves as he stepped out.
The prison doors, usually locked with chains, were wide open. The guards were in deep slumber. For those holding Sri Krishna on their heads or in the mind, the gates in the heart will involuntarily open. The senses called guards will take a leave. When god is worn on the head, even the gates to salvation would open wide. Vasudeva was fortunate to carry the god on his head because of his constant recitation of Sri Krishna's name. Such people carry the Lord but not the bondage.
Not only men, even birds and animals have tongues. Only men can use the tongue for discussing scripture, singing the praise of the Lord. According to scripture people abusing their tongues will be born to sinful parents.
A tongue that won't partake in God's affairs but indulge in worldly matters is at fault. A tongue using cuss words and addicted to the taste of bad habits is unholy. Scripture says it is actually a ticket to hell.
Devotees, Vasudeva was fortunate because even when imprisoned he always chanted Lord's name. As a result, he was accorded the privilege of keeping Lord Narayana on his head. Spiritual life is not suitable for the arrogant.
Vasudeva exited the prison. It was raining at the time. A noble person's arrival always causes cool weather and engenders peace. Adisesha was waiting at the exit. As Vasudeva carried the Lord on his head, Adisesha covered them with his hood like an umbrella. When one keeps the Lord's image in mind, noble people will offer help.
Vasudeva arrived at river Yamuna. Due to the rain, Yamuna was flowing fast with whirlpools. As Vasudeva approached the river, Yamuna parted and gave way to him. To the one wearing the Lord, flow of time won't cause obstacles.
Yamuna is very holy. Yama means the god of death. The suffix"na" negates it. Yamuna is Sri Krishna's alter ego and Lord's favorite. Those who seek refuge in Yamuna won't experience Yama's wrath.
Jayadeva sang"The victorious against demon Mura, was walking in the garden adjoining Yamuna's banks".
On seeing Sri Krishna, Yamuna swelled. Just as Sri Krishna was of a blue hue, Yamuna also imitated him. Those keeping in their mind the auspicious attributes of the Lord are the most favorites of the Lord.
Yamuna gave way. Vasudeva was stepping forward. Adisesha was following him like an umbrella. Yamuna's heart was excited. Sri Krishna was in the basket carried on the head by Vasudeva. It was not everyday that Yamuna could touch the Lord. So on either sides, it bent as though its hands touched the feet of Sri Krishna as he pushed them toward it. Yamuna was ecstatic to touch the lotus feet of the Lord. Being a river, Yamuna flowed from higher ground to lower ground. But to salute Sri Krishna it raised against gravity. Thus she received the grace of the Lord. A devotee intent on seeing the Lord, must give up his natural tendencies and transcend them. One who chooses a moral high ground receives the grace of the Lord.
Vasudeva crossed Yamu. Just as Vasudeva carrying Sri Krishna on his head crossed the river, devotees should fill their hearts with the Lord and cross the ocean of life.
In Gokula all the people were in deep sleep. Vasudeva entered Nanda's house, placed Sri Krishna next to Yasoda, and carried Yoga Maya back to the prison. He placed her next to Devaki, and as before wore his shackles.
When carrying Sri Krishna there were no shackles, but as soon as Yoga Maya was brought to the prison, Vasudeva was shackled. To break away from maya we should always pray to Madhava. Then only we can break free from constraints. Yasoda, still tired of the labor, didn't notice whether she gave birth to a male or a female child.
Yoga Maya Reveals Truth to Kamsa
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On hearing the baby's cry, the guards woke up. The gates were locked as before. The guards went to Kamsa and informed about Devaki's delivery. On hearing them, Kamsa was afraid for his dear life. He arrived at the prison with unkempt hair worrying.
Devaki begged him to spare the life of the baby. And being a brother, she beseeched him to bring her auspiciousness.
Devaki's pleading didn't change the mind of Kamsa. He instead cursed her, grabbed the child away from her, held its feet and tossed it into the sky.
Can Kamsa kill Yoga Maya? She separated from Kamsa and stood with eight shoulders, carrying a trident. She said"You fool, your enemy and annihilator was born somewhere else and growing up. Don't kill innocent babies"
On hearing Yoga Maya's words, Kamsa repented. He saluted Devaki-Vasudeva and said"Please forgive me. I am wicked. I am a sinner who killed your babies. There is no atonement for my sin. By distancing relatives, creating bondage I pursued a wasteful life. Please forgive me".
He fell on the feet of Devaki-Vasudeva and said"You are noble souls who show kindness towards repenters. Please forgive my sins"
He immediately freed Devaki-Vasudeva which made them happy. Then Kamsa returned to his palace. When noble people change their heart it lasts forever. That is not the case with wicked people. They are swayed by others’ words, without having views of their own, like the debris following the wind.
The next day Kamsa called his ministers for a meeting to discuss his danger. The wicked demons gave a cruel plan to him.
"King, please give us permission to destroy recently born babies thereby neutralizing the threat to you. You should not spare your enemies even if it is a baby" said the asuras.
They said,"Unless a disease is cured at the beginning stages, it will spread throughout the body. Similarly the senses must be controlled foremost as once they become uncontrolled, it is hard to rein them in".
They advised Kamsa to get rid of rishis who were devotees of Lord Vishnu. What else could one expect from the asuras being an asura himself? Kamsa ordered his soldiers to torment Lord's devotees.
Suka Brahma told King Pareekshit the violence on ascetics would not be forgiven and death was the only solution to the perpetrators.
"King, whoever torments ascetics, will lose longevity, wealth, fame, dharma, better after life and fortune" said Suka Brahma.
Ascetics would not expect violence on them or wish for one. Those who blame the innocent could never achieve fame. The wicked who torment the noble souls that perform acts for the good of the world would be considered as criminals.
Bhakta Kabir Das said"Lakes, trees, noble men, clouds always bring pleasure to others". Kamsa invited his own death by his cruelty towards ascetics and noble people.
With Kamsa's cruel acts Madhura turned lackluster. Whereas with the arrival of Sri Krisna, Nanda Gokula turned into heaven.
Meeting Between Nanda and Vasudeva
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Like the sunrise bringing the world alive, with the arrival of Sri Krishna Gokula was in a celebratory mood. Sri Krishna is considered as the perfect avatar of Lord Vishnu with sixteen facets. When Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntha to become Sri Krishna in Vraja, Lakshmi Devi too followed suit.
With the arrival of the Goddess of Wealth in Vraja it turned into the most auspicious place. In Nanda Gokula everyone was never happier as Nanda arranged food and entertainment for all. He invited veda pundits to do the recitation of vedas, performed astrological rites, worshiped the forefathers and gave many alms. One who was well versed with scripture discoursed on Lord Vishnu's grace. The reciters of hymns praised Lord Vishnu. Several kinds of drum beats could be heard.
Nanda Gokula was decorated with flags, garlands made of tender leaves. All the cows and calves were making their natural sounds. River Yamuna was flowing like music. Peacocks were flashing their feathers. Birds were chirping all over.
The cows, oxen and calves decorated with turmeric were moving about auspiciously. Gopalas wore colorful clothes, jewelry and turbans. After hearing the news that Nanda had a son, everyone put their best faces and feet forward.
The Gopikas mesmerized by the beauty of the child said"Let, you live long as our ruler".
Vraja's beauty reached a pinnacle on that day.
As Vraja was celebrating, Nanda went to Madhura to pay taxes to Kamsa. When Vasudeva came to know that his best friend and brother came to Madhura, he went to receive him. They hugged each other.
Vasudeva said"Brother, you were relieved of the torment by having a child. This is your fortune. Are your cattle doing well and thriving?"
Vasudeva was a noble soul. That's why he asked about the well being of cattle. Where a cow is safe, there won't be famine. Vasudeva had a universal love of animals, birds and men.
Vasudeva remembered Sri Krishna. His heart skipped a beat. On seeing the fortunate Nanda who had the privilege to raise Sri Krishna he shed happy tears.
"Brother, is my son being loved by you? Does he consider you as a father? Is he safe with his mother?" asked Vasudeva with a faint voice.
Those weakened in speech and shedding happy tears upon hearing the Lord's name are foremost devotees.
Narada maharshi said in Bhakti Sutra"Ardent devotees make dynasties and the world pure with their discussions about the Lord even as they shed happy tears with muffled voices"
Sri Krishna Chaitanya Maha Prabhu said"O Lord, when will happy tears flow in me while reciting your name? When will my voice muffle with bliss? When will my body lose itself?"
Vasudeva was inquiring about his son's welfare. He was asking about Bala Rama and Rohini even though in his mind he was thinking about Sri Krishna.
Vasudeva was disguising his sorrow by uttering happy phrases. Noble people like Vasudeva want to see happiness in others before they experience it. Nanda means one who is content.
Vasudeva said"Brother, you paid the tax to Kamsa and met me who is your best friend. It is now time for you to leave. I am feeling the bad omens that in Gokula, enemies are rearing their heads". Nanda obliged and boarded his vehicle pulled by oxen.
Vrushabha (ox) means dharma. Lord is called"vrushabhaaksha", where aksha means eyes;"vrushapriya", lover of dharma;"vrushakarma";"vrushakriti" where"akriti" means the form.
Whose vehicle of life is pulled by dharma, he would be called Nanda. He was fortunate to be associated with Sri Krishna in his childhood. He does not know anything other than dharma and is always walking on the path of rectitude. Such people don't face sorrow.
Bhagavan is also called"nandaha" meaning one who is far from the worldly pleasures. Nanda also was that way. Even though he went to Madhura to pay Kamsa's tax, he would rather spend his time with a noble person like Vasudeva than an asura.
Those who know self, will always be an embodiment of happiness. They never transgress from dharma. Hence Nanda boarded a cart pulled by"vrushabha". In Gokula there was Sri Krishna. Gokula is nothing but our heart. If we board the vehicle of dharma, we can see paramatma called Sri Krishna in the heart called Gokula.
Pootana Story
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Following Kamsa's orders, asuras were killing babies. There was a demon called Pootana among them. She had a frightful appearance. She came to know that a beautiful, bluish complexioned baby was living in Nanda's house. She planned to kill the child and arrived at Nanda Gokula.
Kamsa ordered babies of age ten days or more be killed. The significance of ten was the ten senses. More than ten days means those who applied their minds. So Pootana would kill those limited by their senses, mind and intellect.
Pootana means ignorance."poota" means pure; by adding the suffix"na" we infer the meaning of Pootana as ignorance. What is the most auspicious thing? It can't be anything causing death. So it is knowledge alone.
In Bhagavad Gita, 4th chapter, Gnana Yoga Lord Sri Krishna said"Those seeking refuge in me are purified by the penance of knowledge, thus endowed with my form"
According to Bhagavad Gita there is nothing equivalent or as pure as knowledge. Hence"poota" means holy which is nothing but knowledge."pootana" means unholy which is ignorance or lack of scriptural knowledge. Even though Pootana was a demon, she looks enticing because of maya. Similarly ignorance looks cute. In the end it leads to maya. By giving babies her poisonous milk, she would try to kill them which was nothing but ignorance.
Pootana transformed herself into a buxom lady and was approaching Nanda's house. Gopikas fascinated by her thought she was Goddess Lakshmi Devi there to visit Sri Krishna. Yasoda too was fascinated by her. Who could resist maya?
She told Yasoda,"What a cute baby. You are the most fortunate. We too had children. What's the use when we can't look at them for long. This black gold is irresistible. Mother, I too am a housewife like you. But not as fortunate as you. Hence I am unable to give birth to this kind of a child"
Yasoda was carried away by Pootana's praises. True, who won't be ebullient from praise? It is not a virtue to listen to praise. Those addicted to praise won't have peace of mind. Yasoda yielded to praise inviting trouble.
Pootana was a chatterbox. The ignorant one's banter always sounds like music to the ears. When someone praises us, we must think of Pootana and transcend them.
"Mother, being unfortunate, I can't give birth to a child like yours. Only fortunate people like you have that capability. I have a request. I am bowing to you and saluting to you. Being a sinner I couldn't give birth to a child such as this cute baby. Your kindness will wash away my sins. Please give me the opportunity to suckle your child" said Pootana.
The gullible Yasoda agreed and went inside the home. She didn't know that she was handing over her child to a demon.
Pootana was going toward the child in a cradle. Sri Krishna closed his eyes.
The Self of all, Sri Krishna, realized that Pootana was a child killer and closed his eyes. Will Sri Krishna, an embodiment of knowledge, stare at the demon who was ignorant? We should not stare at the bad deeds being committed and close our eyes.
Whatever act Lord carries out has an explanation at a transcendental level. The Lord's closing of eyes has been interpreted by pundits in many ways.
One felt: Pootana is a woman and it is not alright to kill her; hence Lord closed his eyes. Will that explain satisfactorily? Sri Krishna's main mission was to remove ignorance. So this transcends gender differences, according to another pundit.
Not everyone is fortunate to be killed by the Lord. Accordingly Pootana who was about to be killed by Sri Krishna would attain better after life. But then being a demon and a child killer what noble act did Pootana carry out to deserve this fortune? Thus, Sri Krishna was contemplating, said another pundit.
Vindhyavali and Emperor Bali had a daughter called Ratnamala. To receive alms from Bali Lord Vishna arrived in Vamana avatar. The resplendent Lord was seen by Ratnamala. She wished for a child like him.
Later Lord received three feet of land as alms and sent Bali to patala loka. Ratnamala thought about destroying Vamana. Pining for a child like him she wished to suckle him. Being an enemy she wanted to poison him. Hence she was born as Pootana to give poisoned milk to the Lord.
"Would Lord who knows the past, present and future close his eyes to recall Pootana's past?" asked another pundit. There was no room for forgetfulness or recalling by the Lord who is an embodiment of all knowledge.
Another pundit said if Lord gave Pootana, who fed him poisoned milk, liberation, what about the reward for the love Gopikas showered on him and their dedication to him at all times?
But the Lord who gives fruit for karma would not be comparing Pootana with Gopikas. So said a pundit. So there was no need for the Lord to close his eyes.
If Lord kept his eyes open, Pootana looking at him would transform into a noble soul because such is the power of the Lord's eyes. Now if Pootana didn't suckle the baby, it would turn the tables on the story.
If that is true, why didn't Duryodhana or Sisupala, both of whom were killed by the Lord, didn't transform into noble souls by the Lord's stare?
Rain won't make a tree sweet. Sweetness is the good attribute of the tree. By absorbing rain water a tree gives either sweet or sour fruits. And the rain is not responsible for the sweetness or sourness. Similarly mahatmas could attain liberation from God's grace. There is no reason to believe others will get the same end result. Hence a pundit gave another explanation.
Sri Krishna was a perfect avatar of Lord Vishnu with sixteen facets. The primordial god was in the form of a child. Lord Siva wanted to see the glorious form of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna closed his eyes like we do in meditation because he was meditating on Lord Siva.
"Eswara, Pootana will give me poisoned milk which I am not used to drinking. Whereas you drank the halahala and became a blue-throated Lord. Hence I need your help. When Pootana gives her poisoned milk, you must imbibe it".
Thus Sri Krishna was meditating.
Pootana approached the Lord who won't see anyone looking beautiful on the outside with poison in their minds. Those leading an unholy life, can't get the blessing of Sri Krishna. Pootana lifted the baby and put him in her lap. In reality it was a deadly lap. But with Sri Krishna the story would be otherwise. He is the death of death. Hence Pootana's body became a ground to play.
"Like one mistaking a serpent as a rope and keeping it in his lap, Pootana put Sri Krishna in her lap" said Bhagavata.
Her bosom was coated with poison. She prepared to suckle him. Instantaneously her body was transformed. Her mind got detracted. Senses were out of control. Her heart was filled with joy.
Sri Krishna's lips touched her bosom. The lips that gave the discourse on vedas at the beginning of creation purified Pootana. The lips touching the flute to play most divine music ever heard were then touching Pootana. The lips that sang Bhagavad Gita in front of Arjuna and enlightened the whole world would then give liberation to Pootana. The lips that touched the cheeks of sixteen thousand gopikas were then hidden by Pootana's sari.
Devas were jealous of Pootana's fortune. Goddess Lakshmi didn't hide her hatred. Cows looked somber. Radha was smiling.
Pootana was in bliss. Her entire body was immersed in joy. With unimaginable happiness her body was shaking. As she reached the pinnacle of joy, she couldn't open her eyes. Gradually her prana was leaving her body. She cried out loud. Along with milk, Sri Krishna was sucking her prana. She could not bear it.
She cried"Leave me, leave me". She came to know the truth and realized her true form. She understood that the pleasures here and in heaven were temporary. Only salvation was permanent. She was praying to the Lord to break her free from bondage. Gradually Pootana appeared in her true form which was frightening. Like a tree felled at the trunk, she crashed on to the ground. Earth shook and the denizens of Vraja were frightened.
As her body fell several trees were smashed by it. Her body was unbelievably large. It had frightening fangs. The nostrils looked like valleys. Her bosom looked like mountains. The abdomen was like a huge lake.
Sri Krishna was playing atop her body surrounded by milk and blood from her body.
Yasoda and Rohini were flabbergasted by Pootana's body. They were happy to find Sri Krishna safe. They thanked God for safeguarding Sri Krishna. Yasoda gave him a bath, suckled and put him to bed.
At that juncture, Nanda returned from Madhura. He learnt about Pootana and recalled Vasudeva mentioning omens. He thought Vasudeva was a great ascetic.
Nanda ordered the body of Pootana to be burnt. Strangely when her body was being burnt, the odor was sweet.
Pootana's sins were washed away by suckling Sri Krishna. That explained why her body when being burnt emitted a sweet odor.
Pootana gave Sri Krishna poison and received elixir in exchange. Whatever we give to the Lord, would bring auspiciousness.
In Narada maharshi's Bhakti Sootras it was stated that a devotee should surrender all karma to God along with lust, hatred, arrogance and such bad qualities. Pootana directed her bad qualities towards Sri Krishna and attained salvation.
Sri Krishna dwells in devotees. He was suckled when his auspicious feet, worshiped by Devas, touched Pootana's body. Even though a demon, she attained heaven that was meant for chaste mothers. Whoever gives milk to Sri Krishna whether cows or mothers, undoubtedly will attain salvation.
When Pootana was killed, Sri Krishna was only six days old. On the sixth day after birth he destroyed her. There are six negative connotations for ignorance: kama(infatuation), krodha (hatred), lobha (covetousness), moha (lust), mada (self pride), matsara (jealousy). She represents the six negative attributes. So the message to us is to destroy these six attributes. There are similarly six gunas; six forms of wealth: riches, knowledge, fame, sree, dispassion, vital power; six modifications: birth, growth, bondage, old age, death, rebirth.
Yasoda was a fortunate woman. Yasa means fame. Da means to give. Hence whoever seeks Yasoda would receive fame and power. She was of pure mind. People with pure minds lead an extraordinary life. De means to lose or be stolen. So a pure mind helps us, an impure mind robs us.
Upanishad said"Mind is the cause for bondage and liberation".
By being close to self, mind grants us liberation. Conversely by not realizing self, one goes to hell because of ignorance. Pootana was able to exercise her ignorance when Yasoda left her alone with her child. Hence we must always pray to God and not let the mind wander away from the Lord.
Gopikas asked"Yasodadevi, why did you leave our most favorite child alone with her? Isn't it because of your negligence?"
Yasoda moved by repentance said"You are very correct. I don't know how to raise a child. From now on I won't leave Sri Krishna for an instant. Your blessings will help me to protect him".
When the mind is far removed from self, ignorance enters. Gopikas wanted Yasoda to not leave her child alone."Don't neglect self" said mahatmas and guru. Like Yasoda, we should vow not to forget God for an instant. By following the vow, our self will be a source of joy forever.
Nanda means pure intellect. Pootana arrived when Nanda went to pay taxes. Madhura means sweet. When intellect partakes in pleasures, the ignorance called Pootana would enter the heart called Gokula. Hence the mind and intellect should never leave Sri Krishna. When they are merged with the Lord, liberation is attained, per Gita.
In Bhakti Yoga of Bhagavad Gita Lord said"Keep your mind focused on me. Make your intellect enter me. From then on you will live inside me doubtlessly".
Pootana died on the fourteenth day after the full moon in the lunar calendar. The significance of fourteen is ten senses, mind, intellect, ego and so on that pave the way for ignorance. One should end this ignorance. Then only all calamities will end. This is the reason why Sri Krishna killed Pootana on that day.
Sakatasura
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One day Sri Krishna rolled on the bed. Yasoda was excited to watch him turn on his own. As the star of the day was Rohini, which was auspicious, she decided to celebrate the event and informed Nanada. No matter what it cost, Nanda felt happy to celebrate.
Nanda Gokula was filled with happiness and excitement. All the Gopikas, invited by Yasoda, arrived at their home. While brahmins were reciting veda mantras, married women were singing holy songs, Yasoda bathed Sri Krishna with holy water. She then dressed him in silk robes, decorated him with flowers and combed his hair. She then placed a peacock feather on his head and adorned him with golden necklaces.
Brahmins were served a feast and given valuable clothes and cows. They blessed Sri Krishna.
When bathing Sri Krishna, she made him recite veda mantras. When we get rituals done with brahmins, they should include chanting Lord's names. Then only the ritual would be done right. The rituals done by chanting the Lord's name will be holy and turn the people conducting the ritual holy. Later Yasoda suckled Sri Krishna.
In Madhura, Devakidevi was saying"Sri Krishna, you have to bathe early before sunrise. You haven't even gotten up. See how bright the sun shine is"
"Mother, you are lying that the sun has risen. Will there be darkness if the sun has risen?"
"Where is it dark?" asked Devakidevi
"Here it is" said Sri Krishna while closing his eyes.
She bathed Sri Krishna. She then adorned him with new clothes, flowers and peacock feathers. She suckled him and was ecstatic.
Devakidevi sitting in the garden didn't notice Vasudeva's arrival. She opened her eyes when he put his arm on her shoulder. She was holding a wooden doll. She realized that she was daydreaming.
"Dear, today's star is Rohini" said Devakidevi in tears.
"Dear, don't feel sad. You gave birth to a Lord who is here to remove the sorrow of the world. Who can override karma? You should not be melancholic. The indwelling Mukunda will remove our suffering soon" said Vasudeva
"Dear, I made a huge mistake. While bathing Sri Krishna, the turmeric touched his eyes. He must be in pain", said Devakidevi.
In Gokula, Sri Krishna was lying in Yasoda's lap. Tears came down from his eyes. Yasoda was anxious. She opened his eyes and noticed turmeric.
"What a sinner I am for not noticing the turmeric in the eyes" said Yasoda.
She then cleared his eyes with a soft cloth. Sri Krisna closed his eyes. He knew about the torture Devakisdevi was going through. He blessed her in his mind.
People pray to god wishing for wealth, children and so on. But how many actually forget themselves while thinking about him? Devaki was a noble person. That's why she would be meditating on Sri Krishna at all times. He took a vow to look after those who concentrate their minds on him. He was moved by the devotion of his mother.
All of our karma should be about the paramatma. All the forms we come across have to be perceived as that of one paramatma. Every wish should take us closer to his lotus feet. Then only we can receive God's grace. When we open our eyes to see his idol, paramatma will be closing his eyes and blessing us. As Sri Krishna was closing his eyes, Yasoda thought he was asleep. She started searching for a suitable place to put him to bed.
The residents of Vraja, gopikas and gopalas, were invited for felicitation by Yasoda and Nanda. Yasoda thought it would be better if Sri Krishna slept. Otherwise he would be requiring her attention and the felicitation function would be disturbed. She didn't know Sri Krishna was pretending to be asleep.
She decided to make a bed for him away from the noise. She made a bed below a cart and tucked him in. She also put fruit baskets, pots containing milk, butter and yogurt on top of the cart as a distraction. She then took off to the felicitation function.
The Lord was forgotten on a day meant for celebrating his birth. Jivas are so fickle minded. Festivals were created to pray to God. But people do everything else on festival days.
Yasoda put the eternal Lord under the cart and ephemeral things on the cart. Sri Krishna didn't like it. To reform her, he started crying loudly. But Yasoda wasn't nearby to console him.
When the mind is immersed in worldly transactions wise words won't be heeded. The mind externalized, can't perceive the calling of the Lord within. Sri Krishna's weeping didn't come to the notice of Yasoda.
In Kamsa's family there was a demon called Sakatasura. After hearing about the demise of Pootana, he arrived in Gokula with Kamsa's permission. He turned into a miniature form and boarded the cart. Sri Krishna who was below the cart, noticed him.
All of a sudden the cart started moving. The Gopalas playing nearby were surprised to see the cart move without oxen. Then the cart moving fast came towards Sri Krishna who kicked it with his tender foot. The cart rose high and fell at a distance.
The fruits and dairy products on the cart fell helter skelter. The cart crashed at a distance and broke apart. The residents of Vraja heard the loud noise. Rohini, Yasoda, Nanda came running. They saw Sri Krishna playing amidst the mayhem.
There was a dismembered foot near Sri Krishna. Sakatasura's body was torn into bits. Upon inquiry the Gopalas described what they saw.
They said"We saw Sri Krishna weeping when he kicked the cart. Then the cart broke apart"
The Yasoda-Nanda couple thanked god that nothing untoward happened to their child.
Nanda invited brahmins to give their spiritual blessing to Sri Krishna. The blessing of those who are devoid of jealousy, lies, pompousness, cruelty, envy, arrogance will bring auspiciousness.
Then Nanda gave cows bedecked with golden ornaments to brahmins as alms. Wealth can come at any time but not fortune. The unfortunate can become rich. But only the fortunate can give alms. Those who share what they have with others will attain good after life. Nanda and Yasoda were fortunate. That's why they gave alms to brahmins and the poor.
Charity has to be done to cleanse the mind, intellect, ego. One should not be charitable for the sake of fame or superstition or for selfish reasons.
Trunavarta's Killing
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Kamsa was convinced that the child in Gokula was his enemy. He called Trunavarta.
Trunavarta said"King, who is that enemy? Please tell me. I will destroy at this very moment"
"Trunavarta, already Pootana and Sakatasura were killed. The fake god is cheating us. I am convinced that the child in Gokula is my enemy".
Trunavarta told Kamsa that he shouldn't bother about the sin accrued for killing a child. He volunteered to bear the brunt of killing a child. He took permission from Kamsa and headed to Gokula in the form of a tornado.
Sri Krishna was one year old. He was able to imitate words and take steps. Gopalas encircled him and watched him make missteps. Some of them were holding and regaling him.
Sri Krishna requested gopalas to place him on the tree. He took a lotus from the pond, climbed on the back of a gopala and sat on a branch. At that time two gopikas carrying milk pots on their heads, came in opposite directions and stood under the tree.
One had to be fortunate to be near Sri Krishna. The gopikas were arguing with one another which was not desirable for the Lord who wishes for the welfare of all. Sri Krishna will remove the self-centered attitudes.
Sri Krishna inserted the stem of the lotus into their milk pots and using it like a straw drank the milk.
He then shared the milk with gopalas. When the gopikas realized that the pots were empty, they noticed that it was Sri Krishna's doing. As Sri Krishna smiled, they forgot about their argument and milk.
"The son of Nanda, your sweet smile, loving eyes, regaling acts entangled our hearts" would say gopikas in the coming chapters.
The gopikas were arguing about worldly matters which the Lord saw from up in the tree. A scholar could see everything transcending the mind and intellect. This is the reason why Sri Krishna wanted to climb the tree.
He would not tolerate his devotees discussing non-essential things. He would remove and put an end to their desires. This was what he had done with gopikas.
The gopikas were discussing how to sell milk and earn money, thus partaking in worldly matters. Like the milk filling up their pots, their minds were full of desires. Sri Krishna removed the petals on the lotus and used the rest as a straw. That means he removed the pride associated with knowledge which was not conducive to render service to the world, even though the scripture didn't call it bondage. So he inserted the lotus called knowledge into the minds symbolized by the gopikas' pots, and sucked out the desire represented by the milk in the pots.
The ignorant bear the brunt in their daily lives. When they worship the Lord, he would lighten their load by stealing the infatuation from their hearts. They would not sink but float in the ocean of life. The paramatma helps some by ligtening their load and by increasing the load for others. The latter was applicable in the Trunavarta's episode.
As people in Gokula were going about their duties, darkness enveloped during day time. Wind was blowing hard. Yasoda was carrying Sri Krishna and felt he was getting heavier by the minute. As he was too much to bear for her, she put him down. The wind blew violently. Everything was covered by dust. The sky wasn't visible. Yasoda was distressed and shaking. Closing her eyes she searched for Sri Krishna who was nowhere to be found. She was crying out loud for him.
Like a cow that had lost its calf, Yasoda was seeking Sri Krishna. She didn't know that the whirlwind lifted Sri Krishna into the sky. For an instant the whirlwind intensified. Everyone stopped in their tracks. Then the darkness was dispelled. Wind blew normally. Mothers got hold of their children and returned to their homes. But not Yasoda who was still looking for Sri Krishna. She searched everywhere. Shedding tears she was calling him out. Gopikas saw her saddening state and were shedding tears.
The whirlwind that carried Sri Krishna was nothing but the demon Trunavarta. As the asura lifted him into the sky, he became heavier by the minute, until the asura couldn't bear his weight anymore. The asura found it difficult to move and realized that killing Sri Krishna wasn't an easy task. He decided to let Sri Krishna go. But Sri Krishna held him by his throat and impaired the asura. His eyeballs came out and with a loud bang he fell on the ground. On seeing the grotesque body of the asura, all the residents of Gokula were frightened. As if he didn't know anything, Sri Krishna stepped down from the asura's body with a smile. On seeing Sri Krishna, Yasoda-Nanada and the denizens were elated. They were reminiscing about the good deeds they had done in the past to see the great escapades of Sri Krishna.
A sinner need not be killed by anyone, for the sin itself would kill him. Similarly the noble acts done by one would protect him. Thus thought Nanda. The constant meditation, giving alms, worship, good karma didn't go to waste. He teared to see that his child was safe because of the good things he had done in the past.
Upon Yasoda's enquiry Sri Krishna said"Mother, you put me down. Someone came and lifted me to the sky. I held his throat firmly. Then he fell down".
Yasoda was moved by his tale and thanked her stars for keeping him safe.
Truna means grass that represents pleasures of the world. Avarta means someone moving about. So Trunavarta was someone who thought pleasures would last for ever. Desire stands for Trunavarta. There is no peace for someone running from one desire to another. When Trunavarta arrived at Gokula, everyone experienced a lack of peace. He moved like a whirlwind which represents the desires in our hearts. When the whirlwind of desires blows then the truth isn't apparent. The people of Gokula couldn't open their eyes from the dust, which means desires obscure clear vision.
When the whirlwind came, Yasoda was carrying Sri Krishna, who was getting heavier. When the mind is preoccupied with worldly matters, it can't contemplate over the Lord.
Yasoda, unable to bear his weight, put Sri Krishna down. Similarly we lose sight of the Lord when our desires over-take us. This is a big mistake. It is natural to forget about god when impermanent desires occupy our hearts. The seeker of liberation should be careful at this juncture. Let the desires rise in the mind. If the Lord's name is chanted fervently like snow melting from sunshine, all the desires will disappear. But we don't do that. We leave god upon encircled by desires. Yasoda did that. As soon as the whirlwind appeared she put Sri Krishna down. When one gives credence to a desire in one's mind, losing sight of the Lord, the desire will take the Lord away from him. Trunavarta lifted Sri Krishna into the sky.
Whirlwind subsided. Desires change at all times. Yasoda was crying for Sri Krishna. After knowing the truth, jivas will cry for the Lord. A devotee's wails are the real offering to the Lord. Yasoda's devotion reached a new high by wailing for Sri Krishna. Then the desire would be powerless. Sri Krishna was gaining weight. Trunavarta, simultaneously, was weakened and ultimately killed by him. With increased devotion, the penchant for worldly matters goes down. That is called salvation. Winning over desires means opening the gates to salvation.
When Trunavarta was killed, Sri Krishna was one year old, turning two. This is the duality of life. When the mind turns to the second thing, the desire takes root in the heart. This was the reason why Trunavarta appeared as Sri Krishna was one year old going to two. As long as the mind is non-dual, desire won't enter the heart. When the duality enters, desire will permanently settle down in the heart as a whirlwind.
One day Yasoda was suckling Sri Krishna. Later she was playing with him.
Then Sri Krishna yawned. Yasoda saw sky, heaven, earth, sun, moon, wind, oceans, mountains, rivers, forests, jivas in his mouth.
When she saw the universe in his mouth, Yasoda was flabbergasted with her whole body shaking. Then she closed her eyes.
Sri Krishna demonstrated that the entire universe resides in him but he was not limited by it.
In Raja Vidya, Raja Guhya Yoga of Bhagavad Gita the Lord said"All jivas are residing in me but I am not within them". He made Yasoda experience it.
After Trunavarta's annihilation, Sri Krishna showed the universe in his mouth to his mother. To one conquering desires, the Lord would be nearer to the heart. Desire is indwelling. When it is gotten rid of, truth will dawn. The experience of truth is within rather than without. Hence Sri Krishna didn't show his form outside but had shown the universe within him. This is the non-duality where the universe isn't something different from the self.
Chandogya Upanishad said"Where the other isn't seen, nor heard, nor known, that is the experience of bliss called bhooma"
Christening
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One day Yadava's priest and ascetic Garga maharshi visited Nanda after being prodded by Vasudeva. A mahatma's visit would engender happiness like the spring season. Nanda welcomed the maharshi, prostrated before him and worshiped him.
Nanda said"You are the best among the knowers of Brahman. Being our guru please christen my two sons".
"Nanda, Kamsa knows that I am Yadavas' priest and a famous one at that. Not only that since you are a friend of Vasudeva, if I christened your sons, he will think your sons are actually Devaki's and commit evil acts" said Garga maharshi.
"Mahatma, if you think there is a danger from Kamsa, please conduct the ceremony in secret" said Nanda.
Garga maharshi acceded to the request and performed the ceremony in secret. One has to chant Lord's names in privacy. A real seeker of liberation won't advertise his meditation.
"This son of Rohini will regale family and friends with his good attributes. Hence he shall be named after Rama. Being of enormous strength he will be famous as Balarama" said Gargi maharshi.
"Nanda, your son is resplendent with bluish hue, hence he shall be known as Sri Krishna. He will bring happiness to the cattle and Gokula and fill your lives with great abundance. Your son is equivalent to Lord Narayana" said Gargi.
Nanda was content and considered himself fortunate. People believed a name with two letters would engender riches and with four letters would bring spiritual enlightenment. Girl child's names should end with"a" or"e" according to Aswalayana maharshi. Also naming children as per the birth star was also a custom in vogue. Similarly forefathers' names and the names of family's deities could be used.
Stealing Sport
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Sri Krishna's sports in Vraja were amazing. They are filled with unimaginable spiritual gems. By recalling them, the ascetics pursuing non-duality will strive for communion with the Lord. The sport of stealing was very pleasing and entertaining.
Sun was rising in Gokula. The air was replete with nightingale sounds, buzzing of honey bees, bleating cows, the sounds of bangles of gopikas carrying pots filled with water, the echos of anklets of gopikas going to milk the cows, the songs of gopalas feeding the cows, the sounds of pulleys used to draw water at the wells. Transcending these natural phenomena, were the sports of Sri Krishna that move the hearts and souls.
Gopikas would come running to Yasoda and say"We are not able to tolerate your child's escapades. Our daily routine is turning topsy turvy. You have to control him"
They would say"Before we could milk the cows, he releases the calves. When we chide him, he is mocking us".
Yasoda would merely smile.
They would say"Sri Krishna, isn't it your fault to release the calves before milking the cows".
He would reply"That is my duty" and giggle.
Calves were tied up with ropes. After milking the cows, they would be loosened. Similarly jivas were trapped in bondage. When the past karma had been exhausted they would be liberated. When calves look pleadingly at Sri Krishna, he would run to them and untie their ropes. Similarly dwelling in the hearts of jivas, he would free them from bondage.
Another Gopika would say"Yasodadevi, your son has stolen milk and curd. He not only imbibed them, but also shared them with his friends, including some simians. Then he broke the milk pots".
This creation was because of the Lord who gave us lives to partake in it. We live because of his magnanimity. Those who covet wealth are thieves according to the Lord. Hence he steals their wealth and distributes among his devotees. Lord is the epitome of kindness. He loves all life forms equally.
A gopika would say"Showing anger at my husband, he made our children cry"
God shows anger when one eats food without first offering to him. Such a person will experience sorrow. If one helps others, without being non-cooperative and selfish, the Lord will ensure that his family lives comfortably. On the other hand, if one is selfish and does not share his abundance with others, his children will not get anything and will be subjected to sorrow.
Lord will ensure the happiness of one who strives to make others happy. Those thinking their pleasures are paramount, will experience sorrow by themselves being lonely.
Upon Sri Krishna's return to home Yasoda would shout"What are these complaints? Why are you misbehaving like this?"
Then he would say"They are all liars. They are jealous of your love toward me. They want to break your affection for me. Please don't punish me by believing in them"
Then he would pretend to be crying.
On hearing Sri Krishna's words Yasoda would mellow and shed happy tears. Then she would say"Please don't feel sad. Will I punish you by believing in their unkind words? Can I live without affection?"
Then Sri Krishna would wink at his brother Balarama.
Sri Krishna entered a house to steal butter. The couple living there discussed their business and went to bed. As soon as they slept, he, followed by his friends, imbibed all the milk, curd and butter they stored. While leaving, they tied the couple's hair and stepped on their legs. The couple awoke and saw him. When they tried to catch him, being tied to each others' hair, they fell flat on the ground. Sri Krishna, smirking at them, ran away.
The householder stage in life is a means to attain the Lord. It is meant for progress in spirituality but not for destruction. A couple should worship the Lord and discuss about him before sleeping rather than talk about worldly business. Those ignoring the Lord and transacting with the world will fall into bondage. Such a life is not conducive to salvation. To teach this lesson, the Lord had tied their hair.
Bondage pertains to the mind, not the body. That's why the Lord immobilized them by tying up their hair. The desires in the mind should not lead to bondage.
During marriage it is a custom to tie the clothes of the bride and the groom. In Sankhya Yoga of Bhagavad Gita it was said that the body is like a cloth. Through marriage the couple will bond with their bodies only. Later on based on their wishes a bond between their minds will take place. Marriage brings them together. When oil is poured, a lamp will glow. Whereas when water is poured on the lamp it stops glowing. Similarly between wife and husband there has to be love but not lust. Love will keep them alive and lust ends their marriage.
A wife and husband should be co-operative and focused on the Lord. Otherwise married life will be a burden. People pursuing lust can't commune with the Lord. Such a wife and husband will be a burden to each other. The couple tried to catch Sri Krishna. They not only failed to do so, they also restrained each other with hair locks. They became a hindrance to each other. Similarly without knowing the importance of family ashram, a couple will live in confusion and be unsuccessful. Such a life is not desired, according to the Lord who stepped on them before leaving. The couple had to realize this and stop their degradation by praying to the Lord.
Once Sri Krishna went along with gopalas to steal in a house. The pots were hung high above from the ceiling. The gopalas didn't know what to do.
Sri Krishna took a stone and threw it at the pots. The stone broke the earthen pots releasing the milk, curd and butter in them. They all enjoyed feasting on it. The gopika heard the noise and came to check. Sri Krishna and friends ran away giggling.
The importance of this escapade is that the awareness of self has to happen in the sahasraara above the head by breaking the pot called ignorance and imbibing the milk called knowledge.
In the Gnana Yoga of Gita, the Lord said"Intellect is covered by ignorance".
Breaking the pot means destroying ignorance. The one receiving enlightenment should spread it to others, like Sri Krishna sharing the spoils with his friends.
Narada maharshi said in Bhakti Sutras that one has to be enlightened and share the enlightenment with others. This was the basis for sanatana dharma.
Sri Krishna shared the spoils with not only his friends, but also with simians and such animals. The Lord will not discriminate when giving enlightenment. Here love is the paramount virtue. So the differences in caste and religion are not intended by the Lord.
Narada said"There are no caste, wealth, status and such differences among devotees"
Next morning the gopika went to Yasoda and told her what had happened in her house the previous night. Yasoda asked Sri Krishna if it was true. He stood speechless for a moment before replying"When I was sleeping next to my mother, how could I visit your home at night?"
Yasoda confirmed what Sri Krishna said and rebuked the gopika for spreading lies unjustly about Sri Krishna
The gopika felt"I am not worried about butter. I wanted to imbibe Sri Krishna's cute form"
Once Sri Krishna went with gopalas to steal milk and butter from a house. As the pots were hung high to the ceiling they couldn't reach them. So they formed a human pyramid and Sri Krishna was able to climb and retrieve the pots. After imbibing the content in the pots, Sri Krishna smeared butter on the couple's faces and ran away.
The significance of this escapade is that just as kundalini power rises from below the spine and travels along the six chakras all the way up to sahasraara on the head, Sri Krishna climbed up the human pyramid to reach the pots. The milk in the pots represents knowledge that has to be imbibed to attain liberation.
Upon waking up the couple realized that Sri Krishna came to steal in their house. So they decided to complain to Yasoda.
When one does good to others, good will be done unto him. The couple tried to make their wealth unreachable, thus not sharing with others. So they couldn't enjoy what they have because of selfishness. Such people have all the wealth in the world but not enjoy it.
Gopika showed the butter smeared on her face to Yasoda and cried for help.
Sri Krishna once again claimed he had no reason to stoop so low as to steal from others, when there was aplenty in his home. Yasoda believed in him.
One day Sri Krishna went to steal in a house and got caught red handed.
Gopika:"Sri Krishna, you are found out"
Sri Krishna:"Am I a thief who has runaway or lost gold to be found?"
Gopika:"You are the gold in Gokula. Stop the banter and answer my question. Why did you put your hand in the milk pot? Why are you stealing butter? Don't you know it is wrong?"
Sri Krishna:"I don't know. How do I know not helping others is alright. I am learning from you."
Gopika:"Helping others? Is stealing the same as helping others?"
Sri Krishna:"I didn't steal anything. Thieves recognize thieves among others."
Gopika:"Are you calling me a thief?"
Sri Krishna:"I am not saying you are a thief. I am asking you not to call me a thief."
Gopika:"If you are not a thief, what business is it yours to put your hands in my pot?"
Sri Krishna:"I didn't put my hands to steal. I was removing ants from the pots."
Gopika then smiled and Sri Krishna ran away.
The earthen pot stands for the human body. The mind is the butter in the pot. Ants were crawling in the pot. Sri Krishna won't eat butter surrounded by ants. Similarly, a mind polluted with evil thoughts that won't seek refuge is not accepted by the Lord. He will rescue the devotees and wash away their bad thoughts.
One day he emptied the pot in a gopika's house and put the empty pot in the neighbor's house. Upon searching, the gopika found the pot in the neighbor's house and thought the neighbor stole it from her. Soon an argument ensued between the neighbors who quarreled with each other while Sri Krishna was enjoying the sight.
Men out of greed accumulate wealth. When they die they don't take with them anything to the nether world. The family and friends enjoy his wealth.
The act of putting the pot in the neighbor was interpreted as jiva accumulates wealth like butter in the pot and as he passes away others receive it as inheritance. They create castles of greed and then fight over the wealth. Hence the wealth one can't take with him to the nether world is practically useless and worse, causes fights. One has to instead focus on the Lord.
Gokula was inundated by Sri Krishna's escapades. Gopika's hearts turned into flowers of worship at his feet. Their minds were focused entirely on him. They were love sick with him. They couldn't take their attention away from him even for an instant.
Once a gopika who sold curd usually by shouting"Curd for sale", was shouting"Sri Krishna for sale" as her mind was entirely filled with his escapades. Can a Lord, who holds the universe in his abdomen, be up for sale?
One day he went to a gopika's house to steal butter. The wakeful Gopika caught him in the act.
Gopika:"Child, who are you?"
Sri Krishna:"I am Balarama's brother"
Gopika:"What is your business here?"
Sri Krishna:"I thought this is my house."
Gopika:"That's alright. Why did you put your hand in the butter?"
Sri Krishna:"Don't be anxious, I am looking for a calf in the pot"
Everyone is holding the calf called peace. The pot is the gross body. The butter in it is the subtle body. With meditation when one moves around with a subtle body, then peace will come to experience. This is the message of this escapade. Peace is experienced in the mind but not to be found outside.
At one house the wife and husband were having a meal. He put a hand-fan in between them and pecked on the cheek of the wife by obstructing husband's vision.
Sri Krishna felt that while having a meal, one should not partake in worldly matters. The subtle matter in the food becomes our mind. Hence while cooking and eating food one has to chant the Lord's name.
A gopika came to Yasoda to complain"Your son broke the milk pot in my house. Feeling helpless I tied him to a pillar. What will you say?
Another gopika came and said "Your son stole butter in my house. Since you don't believe in me, I tied him up. My husband is guarding him. What will you do?"
An old gopika came and said"We can't live in Gokula any longer. Your son wounded my daughter-in-law's cheek for not passing the pot containing curd. We made him immobile. Come and see for yourself".
Another gopika came and said"You say your son didn't steal anything. Here, I brought him. What will you say now?"
Yasoda said"Where? Where is my Sri Krishna?"
"Here he is" said Gopika pointing to her own son.
Yasoda said"What are you complaining about? Why are you calling your son as mine?"
The gopika said"What?" and looked at the child she was dragging. He was not Sri Krishna, but her own son. On the way, Sri Krishna switched himself with her son.
"Where did you come from?" asked gopika.
The boy said"If you catch our leader, what about us?"
"Say it aloud" said the gopika.
Yasoda was upset. She rebuked the gopikas for making false charges on her dear child. She went inside her house and found him sleeping in a swing.
She came out and demanded that they show where Sri Krishna was tied.
They led the way toward their homes.
They were already repenting their actions as Yasoda might punish Sri Krishna which they couldn't bear.
They came to the pillar where a gopika claimed Sri Krishna was tied. Instead they saw her mother-in-law. They untied her and asked"Where is Sri Krishna?"
"Keep quiet. Without any remorse you tied your own mother-in-law and now asking about Sri Krishna" said the woman.
At the second house they found a gopika's husband tied up rather than guarding Sri Krishna. He chided his wife for her disgraceful act.
The remaining house was that of the old gopika. Sri Krishna was not there. Yasoda asked the daughter-in-law, who was supposed to have been wounded on the cheek,"Where is my child?".
She answered that Sri Krishna didn't show up near her house for two days.
Yasoda expressed her disgust at the gopikas' behavior and returned to her home.
Sri Krishna stole the love called butter from his devotees. Thus he steals the mind and was famous as a butter thief. In thievery there is selfishness. But there is significance in Sri Krishna's stealing. He used to distribute the milk and butter among gopalas who were indigent. He was stealing from the haves and giving it to have nots.
His sports, words and songs gave a new look to Gokula. With his soft speech and personality he endeared to all. Similarly even yogis were attracted to him. His exquisite appearance infatuated all the lokas.
In Sri Krishna Karnamruta Lila, Suka said"Let the self realized meditate on the Lord in their hearts. But we will regale with the childhood tales of Sri Krishna, the son of Yasoda".
Sri Krishna used to throw stones at the pots gopikas were carrying, thus making the pots leak. When asked for an explanation he would say"What do I know?" and take off.
Like water in the pots, inside each of us there is ego. Unless ego is removed, there is no salvation for the jiva. That is the significance of Sri Krishna making the pots leak.
Sri Krishna entered a house with his friends. The house was well decorated and he gingerly stepped inside. The householder said"Why did you come to my home? You are a thief".
Pretending anger Sri Krishna said"You are the thief. I am the master of the house"
The householder retorted"You are the thief".
Angered by his accusation, Sri Krishna defecated in his house and left.
During festivals people decorate their homes. But ignore the meditation on the Lord. The Lord will come when invited. If one ignores him, then the Lord will defecate in the house. So anyone ignoring the Lord will end up in the dirt. Devotion is needed, not external beauty.
The lives of those forgetting the Lord during festivals will be tarnished. A householder should not be arrogant. He should not let the feeling that he is the master enter his mind. We all are living by God's grace. Not only a house, even the body is operating because of him. Without his vital power the body will be a corpse. Hence anyone thinking he is the master for his body, is a thief. God won't care for him.
Upon the gopika complaining to Yasoda about his defecation, Yasoda ran after him. She was shouting"Krishna, stop"
Sri Krishna was replying"Mother, don't punish me"
What a sight to see a mortal trying to punish the Lord. It was possible because Lord submits himself to his devotees. He would do their chores or even beg.
One girl was a great Sri Krishna devotee. For a living she was selling fruits. To purchase fruits from her Sri Krishna was going with grain in his palms. On the way the grain fell on the ground. Helpless, he approached the girl.
Then Sri Krishna would beg the girl to give him the fruits, as per Vedanta Desika in Yadavabhyudaya.
What a victory for devotion! The Lord had stood in front of the devotee as a beggar. Yasoda was able to punish the Lord because the Lord yields to his devotees.
Unable to tolerate her child being called a thief Yasoda ran after him with a stick. On one hand she loved him. And on the other she was not able to withstand the insults and epithets thrown by others. She decided to teach him a lesson. By carrying a stick she ran after him. But he was not easy to catch.
"Krishna, stop" she would say.
"Mother, don't cane me" Sri Krishna would say.
In Madhura
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Devakidevi was crying, with eyes closed, holding the wooden doll"Please don't hit my child. He is not at fault. He is not to be blamed"
Vasudeva came and woke up his wife and reminded her that it was only a dream.
"Sri Krishna, where are you? Why are you making me weep? Why did you make my fate so cruel? While regaling everyone, why did you turn me into a doll? You play with everyone but see me torment. This is not fair. You made me desolate"
"How did you become so stone-hearted while eating soft butter? I am not to be blamed for your stay in Gokula. So please don't blame me for not raising you. I am unfortunate for not raising my son with my hands"
"Please don't be angry with me. I have committed a grave sin in the past to deserve this separation from you. There is no atonement for my sin"
"Sri Krishna, show me your peacock-like walk. Show me your cute face. How does your voice sound? I heard you give hope to everyone. Why did you imprison me in darkness?"
"Sri Krishna, I bow before Yasoda who is raising you and offer countless salutations to Nanda for taking care of you. Had I been the dirt in Gokula I would have been happy. I will serve the river Yamuna that swells on seeing you."
"Sri Krishna, I heard Pootana suckled you. Am I inferior to demons for not being able to suckle you? It seems I am the real demon. Annihilate me as you did to Pootana" wailed Devakidevi in Madhura.
In Gokula
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Yasoda was chasing Sri Krishna. She was exasperated and tired. She dropped the cane she was carrying. Seeing his mother tired and without the cane, Sri Krishna turned back. For as long as one has the cane called ego, Achyuta can't be attained. When the ego is lost, he comes closer.
Finally Yasoda caught up with Sri Krishna. She wanted to tie him up with a rope. No matter how much rope was given, it fell short of a couple of inches. Everyone was amazed. Achyuta said the two inches represent ego and bondage. For as long as one has those two qualities, Sri Krishna won't bless him.
Maya enveloped Yasodadevi. She was chiding Sri Krishna"Why did you steal butter from their houses?"
Sri Krishna:"Mother, they are trying to create a bad impression of me. I don't know anything about it."
Gopika:"The people who saw you stealing complained."
Sri Krishna:"I don't know. I didn't see."
Yasoda:"Krishna, it is clear that you have been stealing. You say you didn't see them. That means you were stealing without watching them."
Sri Krishna:"I am only a child. I don't know the sophistry of your language. They must've stolen and eaten it. I meant, if I saw them do that I would've caught them red handed."
Yasoda:"How do you suppose, being a child, you can catch the stealers?"
Sri Krishna:"That's simple. I will tell them I am Yasoda's child which will frighten them and make them stop in their tracks."
Everyone laughed. Yasodadevi relented. She held him with love. He was winking at the gopikas as though telling them it was hard to catch him. Only devotion can capture the Lord.
One day Yasodadevi was churning butter milk. Sri Krishna arrived looking famished.
"Sri Krishna, why are you crying? Would you like fresh milk from the cows" said Yasoda.
Sri Krishna told her he would rather drink mother's milk.
Yasoda stopped churning to suckle him.
Sri Krishna will show his magnanimity to those churning curds called worldly matters, in a pot called family. Yasoda dropped whatever she was doing and came for him. Similarly whoever sacrifices worldly matters, Sri Krishna will grace them.
While suckling Sri Krishna, she noticed that the milk was boiling on the stove. She immediately ran and put the pot away from the fire.
Some felt Sri Krishna was testing his mother by provoking the god of fire to boil away the milk. He was trying to find out if one's happiness is paramount, or others' well being is more important.
Sri Krishna would rather drink Yasoda's milk than cow's. So the milk on the stove felt rejected and jumped into the fire thinking its life was useless. One aspiring to be with the Lord will have a pure heart.
The milk on the fire felt"Sri Krishna, I am here for you withstanding the intensity of the fire. Whereas you are suckling from Yasodadevi. Please accept me too".
Sri Krishna was resplendent while lying in the lap of Yasodadevi. The milk on the fire felt it couldn't escape the wrath of the fire despite seeing the pleasing form of the Lord. It thought it was better to die by jumping into the fire than experience the karma from its past sins.
Noticing that his mother's attention was more for the milk on the fire than him, he took a stone and hit the pot containing butter. As it was dripping Yasoda came back and asked"Who did this?".
He laughed and ran away.
Yasoda was distracted by the boiling milk. She left alone the Lord who lies on the milky ocean. The ones disregarding the Lord have to experience sorrow. So dispassion and love of the god are more important.
The act of suckling has been glorified in the scripture. Keeping Sri Krishna in her lap, Yasodadevi forgot the rest of the world. It shows the jiva's merger with paramatma.
Sri Krishna loved swimming. He conveyed the message that life is like a river with whirlpools and waves of excitement and dejection. One has to handle it with knowledge.
Sometimes he made bets with his friends about who could swim to the opposite shore the fastest. So he conveyed the message that it is not enough to navigate the river of life. One has to try to attain salvation with the help of the Lord.
Sometimes Sri Krishna used to sit on the backs of gopalas and ride them like a horse. He used to discourse that a jiva should not just bear the burden of bondage but carry the Lord to attain liberation.
Sri Krishna Karnamruta said"It is better to worship the lotus feet of the Lord for a householder immersed in worldly matters. For those lying in the darkness of bondage, the Lord is the light"
Cosmic Form
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"Mother, Sri Krishna is ingesting sand" Balarama told Yasodadevi. She ran to Sri Krishna.
She held his hands and asked"Krishna, tell me the truth. Did you eat sand?"
Sri Krishna pretended to be afraid of her.
He said"Being a son of you, do I tell lies? I will tell you the truth. When you give me butter, why would I eat dirt?"
She asked"If so, why did they complain to me about you?"
"They are lying. Please don't believe them. They don't like me" said Sri Krishna.
When she persisted he asked her to probe his mouth. Then he opened his mouth.
Yasoda was stumped by what she saw. She saw sky, earth, space, sun, moon, stars, fire, wind, oceans, mountains, rivers, a microcosm in his mouth.
"Is this a dream? Or is it Vishnu maya? Or is it my fickleness? Or is this real? Or I lost my faculties? Am I not Yasodadevi? Where is my child? Where is this microcosm?" thought Yasoda. Then she came to the awareness that he was the Lord.
Her mind was filled with devotion and fixated Sri Krishna in her heart. Involuntarily she saluted with folded hands and surrendered to the Lord.
She said"I, my husband, cattle, gopalas, gopikas are in this child's mouth. He is none but the Lord"
Sri Krishna thought from then on his mother would look at him with devotion rather than affection. So he used maya to make her forget the vision.
Children sometimes eat sand. By eating sand, Sri Krishna was appearing like any other child, not necessarily a divine incarnate. To camouflage himself he ate the sand.
The Lord appeared as Sri Krishna to do good to the earth. In that regard, he ingested a bit of the earth.
One felt he ate dirt as an antidote to Pootana's poisonous milk. But what can poison do to the Lord? The dirt of Brindavana was holy because of the gopikas and gopalas who are devotees of Sri Krishna. So he decided to spread it all around the universe which was contained in his abdomen.
Yasoda instead of turning into a devotee, remained as an affectionate mother. She considered the Kailasa mountain she saw in his mouth as morsels of butter. The earth she saw was the sand he ate. The milky ocean she saw was nothing but the milk Sri Krishna stole and drank.
Fortune of Earlier Birth
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Nanda and Yasoda were fortunate to witness the escapades of young Sri Krishna, but not Devaki and Vasudeva who gave birth to him. Nor the yogis and Devas. King Pareekshit asked Suka Yogindra how did Nanda and Yasoda become so fortunate.
Among the eight Vasus, Drona was outstanding. Dhara was his wife. Brahma Deva assigned them the duty of protecting the cows on earth. They obeyed his command.
Before leaving for earth they said"Brahma Deva, when we are borne, please ensure that we will be ardent devotees of Sri Hari. On earth, through devotion, men will be free from sorrow"
Fortunate are those that plan with forethought. They will always overcome obstacles. Before being born on the earth, Drona-Dhara elected to be non-selfish. Birth and death are strange. No one understands them clearly. For as long as there is accumulated karma, birth is inevitable. So one has to wish for devotion to the Lord. Only devotion can ensure the welfare of the man.
We sleep and get up from bed. These are akin to birth and death for death is a prolonged sleep. Hence when waking up, one has to wish for devotion to the Lord.
Dara-Drona were born as Yasoda-Nanda in Gokula. As per their wish they were able to raise Lord Narayana as though he was born to them. To fulfill Brahma Deva's boon to them, Sri Krishna performed several escapades and engendered happiness to them.
One day Sri Krishna was mumbling in his sleep"Hey Sambho was your journey safe? Hey Brahma, please sit on the left side. Hey Shanmukha are you alright? Hey Indra, how are you? Hey Kubera, I haven't seen you for a long time".
Yasodadevi on hearing these was perturbed. She didn't realize that he was an avatar of Lord Vishnu. So she performed occult rituals thinking Sri Krishna's mumblings were inauspicious.
Ulookha
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When Yasoda didn't suckle him because of duties at home, Sri Krishna took a stone and broke a pot containing curd. The wealth of those ignoring Sri Krishna will go to waste.
When Yasoda still didn't pay attention to him, he got on top of a mortar and reached the pot containing butter hung to the ceiling. He imbibed some of it and the rest he fed to the simians.
Yasoda came with a cane in her hand and followed Sri Krishna. He was running. She thought his behavior was unusual. Even though he was a child, his behavior was like adults. She didn't know what to do.
No matter what, she decided to discipline him. So by pretending to punish him, she followed him. Finally he was caught by her.
Yasoda tried to tie him up with a rope. But no matter how much rope she brought, he could not be tied up.
But she didn't give up. She was perspiring and struggling. Sri Krishna felt sympathy for her and yielded. Whoever aspires to please the Lord with persistence will be blessed. This was called the Damodara escapade.
Sri Suka said"The ruler of the universe, the Lord, had yielded to devotion and got tied up by his devotee. Yasoda was fortunate to tie him up. Neither Brahma, Rudra nor his consort Lakshmi Devi were that fortunate".
"The evil Duryodhana tried to imprison the Lord. What was the outcome? He not only perished but got his friends and family killed. The same Lord was tied up by Yasoda. What was the result? She was praised by all Devas. So I salute Yasodadevi for her devotion with respect" said Madhusoodana Saraswati in Mandakini Stotra.
Both Duryodhana and Yasodadevi tried to tie up the Lord. One tried to do it with vengeance and the other with love. Arrogance will always cause inauspiciousness. Love, on the other hand, will always be victorious.
Yasodadevi couldn't tie up Sri Krishna in the first attempt. She succeeded when he yielded by himself. He took pity on Yasodadevi who perspired profusely.
The perspiration represents the egress of ego. Once attachment to the body and ego are renounced Sri Krishna will be imprisoned in the heart.
Also, Yasodadevi wore flowers on her head that fell off as she persisted to tie up Sri Krishna. The flowers represent one's desires. Unless our selfish desires leave, Sri Krishna won't be amenable to us.
Gopalas on seeing Sri Krishna tied up felt sadness. They ran to their mothers to inform them. Gopikas rallied around Sri Krishna who was tied to the heavy mortar.
"Yasodadevi, what is this strange punishment? You tied the tender Sri Krishna to a mortar. Is it dharma? Even though he stole milk and butter from our homes, we never wished to punish him this severely. We will be happy to compensate you if he spoiled your milk or curd" said the Gopikas.
Yasoda pooh-poohed them.
Sri Krishna was in dire straits. He was tied with a rope to the heavy mortar. Gopikas turned back with sadness. Yasodadevi went inside her home. Sri Krishna sat and closed his eyes like a yogi.
Sri Krishna was thinking that he should relieve the stress of gopikas who were saddened to see him tied up. Similarly he visualized Yasodadevi shedding tears while cooking in the kitchen.
He could see Devakidevi holding a wooden doll and pleading"When will you release me from this bondage?"
"Dear, our Sri Krishna was tied up with rope" said Devaki.
"Dear, our child is always tied up not by men but by love. Please don't worry. No danger will befall on our child. The Lord can surmount any danger. You are in delusion due to the love for him. Please listen to me. Sri Krishna will come soon to see us. I will convey all of your babblings to him" said Vasudeva.
Devaki smiled.
Sri Krishna was relieved to see his mother feel happy. He opened his eyes to see a simian watching him from a tree branch.
"Look at my decrepit state. You get the butter and I get the punishment" he said.
The simian shed tears.
Yamalarjuna
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Sri Krishna tied to the mortar started moving. The mortar fell on its side and started rolling. In the backyard there were two yamalarjuna trees. He moved in between the trees. But the mortar couldn't pass through the gap between the trees. Sri Krishna tried to drag it along with force. Instantaneously the two trees fell to the ground. Two men deified from the fallen trees. They saluted and praised Sri Krishna who blessed them.
The two men were Nalakoobara and Manigreeva, the sons of Kubera. They were intoxicated with their riches. One day they frolicked in the river Ganga with naked women. They ignored Narada maharshi as he was passing by. Narada decided to teach them a lesson.
Narada cursed them to be yamalarjuna trees for a hundred years. Repenting their mistake, the two begged for reprieve. Narada felt sympathy and told them they would be released from the curse by Sri Krishna's touch.
To fulfill the word of Narada, who was an ardent devotee of the Lord, Sri Krishna dragged the mortar all the way to the yamalarjuna trees and released the two men from the curse.
Those performing immoral acts in holy places and tormenting mahatmas will be born as trees. The sin accrued can only be cleansed by the Lord. Resolve and ignorance represent the two trees. Their branches are the countless karma and fruits are the results of karma. If Sri Krishna stands between the resolve and ignorance, they will be eliminated like the felling of the two trees.
The two men praised Sri Krishna as"Salutations to you, auspicious one, the leader of Yadavas, the son of Vasudeva, an embodiment of peace" and went about their way.
Even when he is restrained, the Lord will release the restraints on others.
Journey to Brindavana
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Hearing the loud noise from the fallen trees, Nanda and Yasoda came running. They saw Sri Krishna still tied to the mortar and the uprooted trees. They surmised it must be some demon's act. The gopalas who witnessed the incident told them what happened. But still they could not believe it. They recalled Garga maharshi's words that Sri Krishna was Lord Narayana's equivalent. Nanda thought that could be true. Then he freed Sri Krishna and everyone celebrated.
Gopikas used to tell him that they would give him a toffee if he danced. Sri Krishna would think the toffees could be shared with the indigent friends and simians. So he used to oblige.
Once when Sri Krishna was playing with a peacock, a gopika passing by invited Sri Krishna to her house. Sri Krishna wanted to know what he would get out of it. Gopika said anything he would want. He wanted butter and the gopika agreed. The Lord, like a mendicant, was following a gopika. Such a grace was never shown to mahatmas performing penance.
Gopika:"Sri Krishna, sit here. I will give you butter. Can you sing like a nightingale?"
Sri Krishna obliged.
Gopika:"While I am churning the milk, can you bring the mortar here?"
As Sri Krishna was lifting the mortar, the dress wrapping his torso fell.
Gopika laughed.
Sri Krishna:"Why are you laughing? I am only a child."
He then brought the motor and wore the dress. The message here is one wears the body like a dress. As one's attachment to the body is gone, like Sri Krishna was disrobed, one will be able to serve others selflessly just as Sri Krishna was able to move the mortar.
When the gopika gave him the butter, he shared it with his friends and simians.
One girl was selling fruits. Sri Krishna wanted to exchange grain for the fruits. So he was carrying grain in his palms. But the grain fell on the ground as he was walking towards the girl. The girl still gave him fruits without expecting anything in return. Sri Krishna left smiling. When she looked at her basket, it was filled with precious stones. The Lord will be satisfied with any trinket given to him with devotion. He will grant salvation by asking for a fruit with devotion.
The elderly denizens of Gokula, including Nanda, met to discuss the calamities occurring in Vraja. Among them there was an old man called Upananda. Keeping the best interest of Balarama and Sri Krishna he said:
"Pootana, Sakatasura, Trunavarta were killed by Sri Krishna. Recently he survived the felling of trees. Before another calamity strikes, it is better to leave"
Everyone agreed with Upananda. The old, young, women and their possessions were loaded into the carts. With drums, trumpets and recitation of veda mantras they started moving. Gopikas bedecked in colorful clothes and ornaments were singing the praises of Sri Krishna. Rohini, Yasoda and Sri Krishna traveled in a chariot, listening to the sweet whispers of Sri Krishna, towards Brindavana.
Balarama and Sri Krishna were satisfied to see Brindavana, Govardhana and Yamuna's bank where Sri Krishna's exciting escapades took place.
One day on the banks of river Yamuna Balrama, Sri Krishna and gopalas were looking after cows grazing there.
A demon called Vatsasura, sent by Kamsa, arrived there. Yamuna's banks were holy. Yamuna's flow was the flow of life. And on the banks people attain salvation. Holy people like Balarama-Sri Krishna visit it along with demons like Vatsasura.
Vatsasura transformed himself into a calf and entered the field where cattle were grazing. No one except Sri Krishna saw it.
Sri Krishna followed Vatsasura who was in the form of a calf, held the two legs with one hand and tail with the other, lifted it above the ground and banged it on the ground. The demon was killed. Then he tossed him to a wood apple tree. The gopalas were elated to see the demon killed. Devas showered flowers from heaven.
No matter how hard we do penance, control the senses and attain sattva that is symbolized by cow, the ego called Vatsasura enters the mind. In the beginning it looks like a calf. If we ignore it, it will morph into a big ox and cause all kinds of negative effects. Hence a seeker of liberation should introspect and get rid of ego.
Killing Bakasura
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One day the gopalas were taking the calves to a pond to quench their thirst. There lay a crane that was as big as a mountain peak. They were all speechless and frightened.
The demon in the form of a crane swallowed Sri Krishna while everyone was watching. Inside the stomach of the crane Sri Krishna created a big fire. Unable to bear the heat the crane vomitted and Sri Krishna came out.
Then the crane attacked Sri Krishna with its beak that was as sharp as a knife. Sri Krishna held its beak, while everyone watched in fear, and tore it into two pieces like one would tear a blade of grass. Everyone including the devas expressed their happiness.
Upon hearing the news Nanda and other gopas were amazed. They thought Sri Krishna escaped death this time. Demons despite trying in all ways to kill Sri Krishna were succumbing.
The denizens of Vraja thought the powerful demons were no match for Sri Krishna. They were dying like locust falling on fire.
The word"baka" means a crane. A crane is known to"meditate" by burying its head in mud. It represents pompousness. The banks of Yamuna were places of worship where the ego called Vatsasura and pompousness like Baka stood as obstacles. A seeker of liberation should surrender to the Lord and overcome the two. Then he will realize the self.
Aghasura
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Sri Krishna and Balarama used to play hide and seek with gopalas. It was hard to catch a hold of Sri Krishna. When the gopalas, unable to catch him, felt dejected, he used to make an appearance.
How can the Lord who resides in devotees' hearts make himself unavailable to them? At times he would disappear. That is to make them more devout. When a poor man finds a diamond and loses it, he will constantly think about it. Similarly Lord by disappearance makes the devotees suffer the pangs of separation so as to draw them closer to himself. This is the significance of hide and seek.
As a child Sri Krishna played many sports to send different messages. One day he started early with gopalas. They reached the forest while playing all along.
Gopalas were fortunate. Their fortune was indescribable. By performing yoga in several births, the god whom yogis were not able to attain, the gopalas touched and played with.
As they were playing, Aghasura, whom Devas feared, arrived there. He was the brother of Pootana and Bakasura. Ordered by Kamsa, he wanted to avenge the death of his sister and brother. He turned into a huge serpent and waited for children to pass by. His body was like a mountain. His lower jaw was on the ground, and upper jaw was in the sky.
Excited on seeing the strange sight, without being aware of the asura, the gopalas entered the serpent along with the cattle. Sri Krishna entered Aghasura and grew into a huge size eventually killing Aghasura. Sri Krishna then brought the gopalas and cattle safely to the forest.
The ego which supports the asura guna is Aghasura. The ego by keeping its mouth wide open tries to gobble us. It is extremely hard to enter it and come out safely. Meditation on the Lord, grows the self analysis like the Lord inside Aghasura and pervades all, thereby annihilating the ego. As soon as ego ends, self will be realized.
Sri Krishna was five years old when he destroyed Aghasura. The ego works through the five senses to perform karma. The ego has to be destroyed in all the five senses to seek liberation.
Breaking Fast
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Sri Krishna went along with gopalas to the bank of Yamuna and said:
"Friends, see how beautiful this forest is. The bees and birds attracted by lotus blooms are mesmerizing. The sand dunes are ideal for playing. Let's eat our breakfast. It's already late. We all are hungry. The calves will be grazing nearby"
The gopalas agreed. They sat like petals of a lotus, with Sri Krishna at the center.
Every child wanted to sit alongside Sri Krishna. They wanted to feed him the breakfast they brought with them.
There is nothing in the world that truly belongs to us. Everything we have is from the god. If one is a great writer, then he should write about god. If one is an accomplished singer, then he must praise the Lord. If one's prowess is dancing, then he has to dance for the Lord. There is nothing that dwindles in the service of the Lord.
To satisfy Sri Krishna, the gopalas opened the breakfast carriers. They looked at Sri Krishna. They thought Sri Krishna was looking at them. He is the true friend to devotees. He can't abandon his devotees and always graces them. He is equanimous and treats everyone the same.
The receiver of the fruit of the yagna, was eating his breakfast along with gopalas and regaling them with his skilful and humorous phrases. Devas watching from the sky were amazed by the sight.
"His mother is good. When she loves him, breakfast will be nice. When she is angry it will be hot like pickle" would say Sri Krishna making the gopalas chuckle.
As they were eating breakfast, the grazing cattle moved on to greener pasture. Gopalas were afraid they might get lost. Sri Krishna volunteered to bring back the cattle and entered the forest. The four-faced Brahma had a strange thought. He watched Sri Krishna kill Aghasura and saw in dismay the gopalas come alive when he thought they were dead. He wanted to see more such miracles. So he hid the cattle in a place no one would know.
Sri Krishna searched all over the forest. He eventually returned to the sand dunes near Yamuna where he last saw his friends. No one was visible. Brahma hid the gopalas along with the cattle. Sri Krishna felt it was strange and realized that it was the act of Brahma who was curious to see what he would do. He decided to clone himself into gopalas and cattle.
Being the source of all forms and shapes, he multiplied into gopalas and cattle and arrived in their village blowing his flute.
The gopalas arrived amidst the sounds of flutes. All the parents were happy to receive their children.
Earlier gopikas used to give better treatment to Sri Krishna than their own children. Now they started showing the same love to their children. Previously Sri Krishna saw the gopikas as mothers of their own children. Now he saw himself as their child.
Like this Sri Krishna spent a year with multiple forms which was an instant in Brahma's time. When he saw Sri Krishna, gopalas and cattle the same as before Brahma was dismayed. He checked to ensure that the gopalas and cattle he captured were safe and sound asleep. Then he wondered where did the gopalas and cattle in Brindavana come from?
Brahma Deva thought for long. He couldn't figure out the differences between the real gopalas and the gopalas created by Sri Krishna. As he was thinking, they all appeared in Sri Krishna's form.
They all had four shoulders, wore conch, disc, mace, crown and so on like the Sri Hari.
Then Brahma Deva externalized his vision. Like a dead man he opened his eyes with difficulty to see the world and himself. When Brahma Deva kept his gaze on Brindavana, he saw Sri Krishna searching for the cattle. He was amazed and his body shook with excitement. Then he fell on the feet of Sri Krishna and washed his feet with his tears. He started singing praises of the Lord and sought his forgiveness.
"Overpowered by rajas guna, I am naturally ignorant. So I thought I am the master of this universe. Please be rest assured that I am your servant. My vision was enveloped by arrogance and from now on I will follow your order; and grant me forgiveness" said Brahma Deva.
Sri Krishna blessed Brahma Deva and returned to the bank of Yamuna. On seeing him, the gopalas were surprised.
They said"You left just a moment ago. How could you come back so fast?".
The past year seemed like an instant for them.
On their way back home, Sri Krishna showed them the serpent skin. The gopalas told their parents Sri Krishna killed a big serpent and saved their lives.
Dhenukasura
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One day when Sri Krishna was feeding simians, a gopika accosted him and invited him to go along with her to the well to fetch water.
Sri Krishna:"I won't come"
Gopika:"Will you come if I give you butter?"
Sri Krishna:"Sure, I will come."
Sri Krishna:"Your walk is beautiful"
Gopika:"Sri Krishna you are mocking me. I will tell my husband."
Sri Krishna:"What do I care? I don't have a husband"
Gopika was all smiles. After she filled the pot with water, she requested him to keep the pot on her head.
Gopika:"Can you lift the pot to my head?"
Sri Krishna:"I won't. I offered to accompany you but not carry the pot."
Gopika somehow kept the pot on her head. They walked back to her home. She requested him again to set the pot down. This time Sri Krishna acquiesced and helped her.
Gopika:"Sri Krishna, at the well you didn't help me to keep the pot on my head. Now when I asked you to set it down, you readily agreed. What is this strange behavior?"
Sri Krishna:"Nothing strange. I will never refuse to do the task that is mine. I won't do the task that is not mine. I only put the burden down and not the other way."
The Lord's duty is to lower the burden on jivas. Among his friends were Sridama, Gopala and Subala.
One day they approached Sri Krishna and Balarama and told them that there was a garden called Tala nearby and the palm fruits there were very tasty. In that garden there was a demon called Dhenuka in the form of a donkey. He prevented everyone from eating the palm fruits. Even though everyone liked to eat the fruit, being afraid of Dhenukasura, they were not entering the garden.
"Sri Krishna, we want to eat the palm fruits. If you and Balarama agree, we will go there" said the gopalas.
Balarama and Sri Krishna obliged and entered the Tala.
Dhenukasura occupied the garden that didn't belong to him and didn't let anyone in out of his selfishness and covetousness.
One who covets that which doesn't belong to him is a Dhenukasura. That means one who desires others' wealth will be born as a donkey. In the Tala, even when the fruits had ripened, he wouldn't let others in. Such a person would be born as a donkey. Wealth by itself is not bad. But the greed to own it is wrong. One who accumulates unreasonable wealth is like Dhenukasura; a donkey.
Balarama and Sri Krishna entered Tala. Balarama shook the tall palm trees. The ripe fruit fell on the ground. On hearing the noise, Dhenukasura came running. He hit Balarama on his chest with his rear legs and moved hither thither like a mad man.
Cruel people don't verify facts. Dhenukasura without thinking came and attacked Balarama. An asura doesn't have foresight.
When he tried to repeat the same act, Balarama grabbed the two legs of the donkey and spun him around. The asura died on the spot. Balarama tossed his dead body on a palm tree. It fell on another palm tree and like dominos all the trees fell leaving the garden in disarray.
The denouement for selfish living will be like this. Those who live on other people's money, will be like Dhenukasura exercising absolute authority. When wealth shrinks everything will collapse.
One who is attached to selfish living is Dhenukasura. He would be egotistical with his wealth and bodily strength. Such a person would be destroyed in Balarama's hands.
Upon hearing that Dhenukasura was killed, his relatives attacked Balarama. They were neutralized by Blarama and Sri Krishna. Devas showered floral petals on them.
From then on the Tala garden was available to people and cattle for free roaming and enjoyment.
Kaliya
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At a stone's throw from Brindavana there was a pond that was surrounded by bushes and creepers. The water in the pond was dirty and muddy. A serpent called Kaliya lived there. Because of its poison, the pond presented a danger for the cattle and gopalas. The residents of Vraja used to live in fear.
Sri Krishna decided to alleviate the danger the residents of Vraja were under
As the gopalas were watching, he jumped into the pond. Kaliya, spraying its poison, attacked Sri Krishna who fought with it fearlessly.
As the fight continued, Kaliya weakened and saluted Sri Krishna who stood on its hood and danced. All the residents of Vraja were relieved to see Sri Krishna who graciously blessed them. The wives of Kaliya praised the Lord.
The pond is the bondage. The creepers around it are the obstacles in life. The bushes are the troubles one has to experience in life. The mud in the pond represents the infatuation. Kaliya is the delusion. To weaken Kaliya, Sri Krishna arrived. When its strength waned, its fear and delusion ended. Like Sri Krishna we should rejoice in life after suppressing the delusion. When its fangs were removed Kaliya yielded. Similarly we should get rid of ego to avoid infatuation.
Sri Krishna told Kaliya:"Fearing Garuda, the eagle, you left Ramanaka island and took refuge in this pond. You no longer have to fear. As my footprints are on your hood, Garuda won't attack you".
Once upon a time, Garuda used to kill serpents for food. The serpents approached Garuda and offered themselves as food voluntarily. According to their agreement, one serpent would be sent to Garudu on every full moon. When the turn of Kaliya, who thought he was mighty and strong, came he refused to go to Garuda as food. As a result a battle ensued between Garuda and Kaliya. Kaliya, unable to counter the powerful Garuda, ran and sought refuge in the pond near river Yamuna where Garuda couldn't venture.
The reason Garuda couldn't enter the pond was: Long ago Garuda caught a fish in that pond. Watching one of them being caught by Garuda, the fish were in sorrow. Soubhari maharshi sympathized with the fish and asked Garuda to free the fish. But Garudu refused to set the fish free. The maharshi decided to help the fish by cursing Kaliya to meet with death if he ever entered the pond. Since Kaliya knew about this curse, he took shelter in that pond.
Like Kaliya entering the pond, we are entering bondage. Because of Kaliya the pond became poisonous. We make householder life miserable with hatred and arrogance. At some time, like Kaliya, we have to leave this pond called bondage. Just as Kaliya was rescued by Sri Krishna's foot prints on its hood, we would attain liberation by meditating on the Lord.
Wild Fire
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After Kaliya's incident, that night a forest fire started. The Vraja was surrounded by a huge fire. The gopalas and gopikas were frightened and came to Sri Krishna for help.
Sri Krishna smiled and doused the fire as easily as inhaling air. In the forest called life, the wild fire called torment will take place because of hot winds called love and hatred. They make it difficult to stay balanced even for a moment. This especially happens at nights when we roll on the bed without sleep. At that time seeking the Lord's refuge is the only way to attain peace.
Pralambasura
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Kamsa sent Pralambasura, the brother of Trunavarta, to eliminate Sri Krishna. He transformed into a gopala. Pralamba means betrayer. He started playing with Sri Krishna and other gopalas.
Sri Krishna noticed him and divided gopalas into two teams led by Balarama and himself. In that sport the losers should carry the winners on their shoulders. Sri Krishna's team lost the match. As per the bet, Sri Krishna carried Sridama, Bhadrasena carried Vrushaba and Pralamba was carrying Balarama.
Thinking he found the perfect moment to kidnap, Pralamba started running with Balarama who killed him with his fist.
Devas showered floral petals from the sky.
In spiritual life, betrayal is not expected. The Lord won't appreciate duality. That's why Pralamba could not catch Sri Krishna. A straightforward person without betrayal experiences the self.
One day gopalas were playing on the bank of Yamuna. The cattle were grazing. They moved on to another pasture. Upon not finding the cattle, the gopalas started searching in all directions. But the cattle were nowhere to be found. They followed the footmarks and figured out that the cattle entered a forest called Munja. The gopalas were tired and sat on the ground.
Meanwhile a wildfire started in the forest. Aided by wind it was moving fast in all directions. Gopalas were frightened and sought Sri Krishna's refuge.
Sri Krishna said"You don't fear. Close your eyes for a moment". They followed his order. He then swallowed the entire fire.
When they opened their eyes the fire was nowhere to be seen. They thought of Sri Krishna as the incarnation of the Lord Vishnu and thanked him profusely.
Where we live is the Badarika forest. In that wildfire called sorrow will always be there. Those running after worldly things, experience fear for life. When the Lord asked gopalas to close their eyes, it means we should close our eyes to external distractions. When they opened their eyes they saw pleasing things that they wanted to see.
When we look inwards, the vision will attain knowledge. The creation will look auspicious and an external entity. With the appearance of Brahma, maya won't affect us.
The gopalas returned to their homes in the evening with cows. The gopikas, unable to stand their separation from Sri Krishna, were pleased to see him. Gopikas' hearts merged with Sri Krishna. They didn't find anything distracting with their mind focused on Sri Krishna. In Sri Krishna's presence they experienced contentment. He captured their hearts and was worshiped by all. With Sri Krishna's absence, they felt sorrow.
Autumn
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Rainy season gives an eternal message to all of us. For eight long months the sun vaporizes the moisture on the earth. In the rainy season he lets it all go thereby giving reprieve from sultry and hot weather. Like rainy clouds touching the earth, mahatmas come down to the level of common people for peace and stability.
During summer months mother earth will bake and quake. When rain falls she will be drenched and strengthened. Similarly, the bodies of those doing penance will shrivel and enliven after attaining the fruit.
In kali yug, along with atheists, the discourse on other religions proliferate. The sounds of vedas are hardly perceptible. Similarly in the evenings during the rainy season fireflies appear but not the planets in the sky.
Like brahmin boys, after completing morning ablutions, await the calling of their guru to begin the recitation of vedas, the frogs in hibernation awaken with the sound of thunders and give chorus with their sounds.
Like the rich indulging in their senses and bad habits, the rivers shriveled by the summer heat, start overflowing as the rainy season arrives.
Like a jiva attaining liberation by the service to the Lord, the jivas living closer to the rivers fed by rain water, attain scintillating forms.
Like the devotees with unshakeable faith, mountains stand still no matter how hard the rain falls on them.
Like concubines not paying attention to men everyday, the lightning is not resident in the clouds steadfastly.
Like a jiva covered with his own ignorance, the moon will be obscured by clouds that derive their silhouette from it.
Like the jivas baked in the fire of bondage feel contentment after befriending spiritually inclined, the peacocks express their joy at the sight of rainy clouds.
Like the path of rectitude being diverted by the atheists in the kali yug, the fast flowing rivers fed by rain water break all barrages.
Like the kings giving alms to people by the proddings of brahmins, the cloud called king, moved by wind called brahmin, provides rain called alms.
After the rainy season, autumn arrives. Like wicked people reforming by devotion, the muddy lakes are purified by the blossoming of lotuses.
Like Sri Krishna removing the sorrow of all four varnas, with the onset of autumn the clouds in the sky, the illnesses of jivas, the mud on the ground, the dirt in the water will disappear.
Like the yogis cleansed of all sins remain at peace with dispassion, the clouds unburdening their moisture remain pure.
Like the gurus giving esoteric knowledge to the qualified disciples and not otherwise, the mountains provide pure water in some places and not in others.
Like the fools caught in the bondage with wife and children are unaware of the passage of time , the fishes and marine life living in lakes with limited water are unable to discern that the water gradually evaporates.
Like the yogis who turn their minds away from senses and worldly matters towards self, the river water going to waste by ending up in the oceans is being diverted to farming by canals.
Like the able king who brings joy to all but the thieves, all waterborne lotuses and such except for white water lilies bloom at the sight of autumn sun.
The moon in the sky is as bright as the king of yadavas, Sri Krishna. While the moon is surrounded by the stars, Sri Krishna was surrounded by the Vrushti dynasty.
As with the onset of autumn the weather and nature have pacified, to leave his impression among his devotees in the sky of their hearts, Sri Krishna played his divine music on the flute.
Brindavana
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Brindavana was a holy place where Sri Krishna drenched the hearts of gopikas with his love. It was replete with fond memories of Sri Krishna. Every bit of Brindavana was soaked in Sri Krishna's divinity and shone with his resplendence. In those sacred places rocks speak, trees tell tales, wind sings. Wherever one turns in Brindavana there was Sri Krishna's message.
Sharing the dias with Sri Krishna was the flute. Sipping on Sri Krishna's lips, it was a part of him. As much as gopikas loved the flute they hated it as well. It wouldn't keep quiet for a moment. It wouldn't let them finish their household duties. It would make their minds immobile. Hence gopikas did not always like Sri Krishna's flute. An anonymous gopika felt the flute was heartless. Radha complained that every note that emanated from the flute broke her heart irreparably. Gopikas blamed the flute who with the support of Sri Krishna vowed to make them cry.
"Flute, you and arrow are twins of the same mother. Both of you perpetrate violence. Despite that, we salute the arrow but not you. Because when an arrow strikes, death is imminent. There is reprieve from the pangs of separation. But you are not like that. You wound us, subject us to emotional turmoil, hang us in limbo between life and death, accentuate our dread of separation from Sri Krishna and immerse us in insurmountable sorrow" would say gopikas.
Gopikas would say"Flute, your body is hollow. Sri Krishna fills it with his breath. Despite being a piece of bamboo, you melt the stony hearts like butter. When Sri Krishna is near us, the music from you gives us hope and fills us with optimism. You are an embodiment of love. Whereas when Sri Krishna is away from us, as we are unable to bear the separation, you stay with him as though to torment us with your mellifluous sounds. It is like adding fuel to our burning hearts. Then we imagine you have a stony heart"
In the holy Brindavana flute was a special attraction. Sri Krishna's flute playing melts hearts. The dancing peacocks upon hearing his flute would stop dancing. Cows would stop without blinking their eyes. Deers would stop in their tracks like a lamp placed in a windless perch. Calves would stop drinking the milk with tears flowing down their eyes. Yamuna would stop flowing as if to give her full attention. The clouds in the sky would stop drifting and form like an umbrella above Sri Krishna. The birds would sit on tree branches glued like a child in swing staring at the doll attached to it.
The sound of flute is eternal. It is not heard in one instant and gone the next. It stays on at all times. It is audible to all those trying. Our hearts are Brindavana. The various sounds air makes while we breathe are like the flute's sounds. That is omkara. Those listening to the flute-like sounds in their hearts, are like gopikas devoted to the Lord. Those hearing the omkara within themselves are immortal.
On hearing the flute sound, the peacocks called love and hatred stop their dancing. The ego called cows stop blinking. The fickle mind like deer will stop moving. The desires called calves stop feeding on the senses called milk. The Yamuna's waves called lust will stop flowing. The ignorance called clouds will be static without motion. The karma called birds will stay glued. In that state, jiva called gopika merges with paramatma called Sri Krishna in her heart called Brindavana by the omkara sound like the notes of the flute.
Sri Krishna used to play flute in Brindavana that attracted even Gandharvas on autumn nights. On hearing his flute, the gopikas busy with household chores would feel uncontrolled infatuation. They would feel like running towards the lotus feet of Sri Krishna. Their bodies would stiffen like wood. Their minds would be like waveless ponds without any desires. They wouldn't blink their eyes. They wouldn't feel like staying in their homes. Not caring how late in the night it was, they very much wanted to see Sri Krishna.
The mothers suckling their children would run towards Brindavana on hearing Sri Krishna's flute. Those milking the cow would stop and make a dash for Brindavana. Those cooking in the kitchen, would set everything aside and run to Brindavana. Those serving food to their husbands would drop everything and scramble to Brindavana like deer. Those eating food rushed to Brindavana without cleaning themselves.
The gopikas followed the notes from Sri Krishna's flute wherever they might be. Houses, walls, trees couldn't be an obstacle to them. The path of the flute was lit up like full moon light, had no obstacles, was very far reaching, and at the same time narrow. Only gopikas could traverse it. Rest was unqualified. Thus spoke devotee Nanda Das.
When we hear Brindavana, besides Radha, the flute strikes our memories. Sri Krishna mesmerizing the whole world with his flute was called"Venu Gopala". One can't describe his love of flute. He always carried it. The flute is fortunate to imbibe the Lord's breath. How did the flute achieve such distinction? On analyzing a flute, we find that it is empty. The Lord took it up because it is empty but not because it begged him to. Whoever removes the I-mine thoughts will be empty of desires and turn into implements in the hands of the Lord.
A flute by itself is an inert piece of bamboo. But it assumed life in the hands of the Lord and was no longer inert. With Lord's breath it played amazing ragas. Our bodies are like the flute. A flute has seven holes. Lord fills them with his breath and emanates notes. The five senses, mind and intellect stand for the seven holes. Those transcending I-mine feelings and emptying themselves of desires, will receive Lord's generosity.
One gopika thought she didn't have enough good karma to be in the Lord's hands as a flute. She felt she had to do good karma in the present life to deserve such an exalted status in the next birth.
A flute without asserting itself or an attitude surrendered to Sri Krishna and played whatever raga he wanted. That is the speciality of the flute. Whoever amplifies Lord's words is noble. Every note coming from the flute is inspired by the Lord. Similarly we should speak such words as approved by the Lord. If we can speak in Lord's terms, he will wear us on his hand.
Sri Krishna Karnamruta said"Sri Krishna's flute is infatuating the world, expressing the essence of vedas, pacifying the trees, melting the mountains, mesmerizing the animals, satisfying the cows, inspiring the gopalas, turning maharshi's inward, spreading the seven notes, conveying the essence of omkara"
A flute will issue wonderful notes. But it won't keep anything for itself. Similarly we should do karma without expecting fruit. One should not advertise his good karma.
A gopika was making toffees with a rolling stick. On hearing the flute, she put the rolling stick in the fire instead of dry wood. Such was the magnetism of the flute.
Until the notes of the flute reach them, gopikas would partake in household chores. On hearing the notes, they completely forget themselves and the world. Lord's flute had the power to end the desires of the fleeting world.
"Being a foot long, the flute can't make missteps. But you make us take amazing strides, play us up and regale us. Being noble you sound the notes and being fortunate we are able to listen to you" said one gopika.
One gopika prayed to the flute"Please grant me a boon. While I am cooking, don't send me your notes. The wood in the stove is melting because of your sound and the fire is being doused. I am unable to cook".
One gopika was serving her husband while holding her child. She put the pot hung to the ceiling down to serve ghee to him. Then she heard Sri Krishna's flute. In a hurry, instead of placing the pot on the hanger, she placed her child on it.
One gopika said"Sri Krishna you wore the flute and are praised as "Murali Dhara". The flute's name (Murali) preceded yours. One needs to do good karma to deserve anything. Even if you sleep on our bosoms, there is no one to recognize us. Those who are picked by you are more fortunate than those picking you. What if a mountain or Kamsa, those selected by you are fortunate".
Stealing Clothes of Gopikas
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The gopikas who couldn't leave Sri Krishna for a moment, decided to perform a ritual. They used to get up before sunrise, go to river Yamuna for ablutions, sit on the sand dunes, make an idol of goddess Katyayani and worship it.
They performed the ritual for seven days. One should do worship to please the god but not to give a laundry list of wishes to the god. When God is on our side, we can receive anything. Hence the one we seek is god only. One has to pray to the Lord to see him rather than to please the body that can fall at any time by meditating on him in mind and intellect. Gopikas performed the ritual with such focus.
They used to go to bathe in the river by holding each other's hands. It implies the spiritual journey can't be done in isolation. One should mix with devotees and follow the mahatmas.
In Narada Bhakti Sootra it was said"It is difficult to befriend mahatmas. Even when we succeed, it is even more difficult to understand them. When a mahatma's teachings are understood, the result is bliss"
In Bhaja Govinda, Adi Sankara said"The boat that enables to cross the ocean of life is the association with noble people"
They performed the ritual for a month. They reached Yamuna, got themselves disrobed and entered the water.
Sri Krishna arrived with his friends. He wanted to give them the result for the performance of the ritual. He grabbed gopikas' clothes and climbed up a flowering tree nearby. And then he was playing the flute. On seeing Sri Krishna, the gopikas blushed. They tried to hide their nakedness with their overflowing hair and hands.
They said"Sri Krishna, please give our clothes and save our chastity".
Sri Krishna was indifferent.
They didn't know what to do. They threatened that they would complain to Nanda. Sri Krishna didn't heed them. Will Vasudeva yield to threats? They thought praying to him was the only way.
"Girls, you can come here and take clothes. I am not jesting" said Sri Krishna.
Gopikas were shivering in the cold. At the same time they didn't want to go naked near Sri Krishna. They realized that they had no choice.
One gopika said"I won't go near him, even if I were to die".
Another gopika said"Sri Krishna seems to be adamant. Let us form a line and get our clothes back".
A gopika asked"Who is going to lead us?"
No one volunteered.
Sri Krishna was playing the flute. Gopikas begged him. But Sri Krishna didn't pay any attention to them.
They somehow came out of the river and covering themselves with their hands approached Sri Krishna.
"Gopikas, it is wrong to bathe nakedly while performing this ritual. To atone for it you have to salute me and grab your clothes" said Sri Krishna.
Gopikas raised their hands to salute him. The next moment Sri Krishna gave back their clothes. In Gita the Lord said"The body is like a cloth".
By stealing their clothes and making them salute, he removed the gopikas' attachment to their bodies, and granted them their wish.
Sri Krishna said"Gopikas, by giving up the attachment to your bodies, you have obtained the fruit of the ritual and attained me as your husband. You will perform raasa sport with me at night. Raasa sport is not about lust. It is for the happiness of the self. That's why I made you give up attachment to your bodies, thereby making you eligible for the raasa sport".
Fruit of Yagna
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Sri Krishna and Balarama along with gopalas were herding cows near Brindavana on a very hot day.
They were sitting under the shade of a tree. Sri Krishna said the trees that gave shade were noble.
Trees live like rishis and function like yagna. They tolerate rain, heat and wind. Even though they are suffering, they help us by giving their fruits and shade. The life led in the service of others is noble. Such an exalted life is like yagna.
The trees that live like yogis who help others, are unaware of luxuries and illnesses, are better than stone hearted brahmins.
The gopalas were tired and hungry. They sought Sri Krishna's help.
Whether hunger or an illness, only god has to help us. One should not think the cure for an illness is entirely due to the doctor. The Lord will give us treatment with the doctor who is a proxy. Those surrendering to the Lord, convey to him all of their problems. So gopalas sought Sri Krishna when they were hungry.
Sri Krishna said"Closeby some vedic pundits, aspiring for heaven, are conducting a yagna. Please go there and ask for food. If you recite my name, they will consider you as qualified to receive their alms. Don't be ashamed to ask"
On whoever's tongue the Lord's name is being chanted, he will be like god. The one giving is god as much as one receiving is god. No matter whom we ask, we should think we are beseeching the god.
When one asks God it will be called a prayer. Asking others is called begging. Mind shouldn't beg. It should be able to pray. By chanting the Lord's name, the prayer is reinforced. That's why Sri Krishna commanded gopalas to chant his name. He also told them not to be ashamed. One should not hesitate to beg when following the Lord's command.
Gopalas arrived at the yagna and prostrated before the brahmins. They introduced themselves as the friend of Sri Krishna and requested to give them food. The brahmins ignored them. Gopalas went back to Sri Krishna.
The pundits reciting vedas rejected Lord's word while performing a yagna. The reason was they were performing the yagna so that their desires would be fulfilled. They lost their discrimination. Those performing karma hoping for reward, sometimes forget the Lord is the one that gives the fruit for their karma.
When gopalas told Sri Krishna about the brahmins, he smiled and said"Now, go there and ask the wives of the brahmins for food. They are resting their hearts on me and they will definitely give you food"
The gopalas went back and informed the wives about Sri Krishna and asked for food. The wives had enormous devotion for the Lord and were waiting to see him. On hearing the gopalas they were surprised and felt happy.
They packed the food and like rivers flowing towards the ocean, ran toward Sri Krishna regardless of the objections from their husbands, fathers and brothers. They reached Yamuna and saw Sri Krishna.
The wives took a glimpse at the Lord and were mesmerized by his grace. Their eyes shed happy tears. Experiencing unimaginable bliss, they were speechless.
Sri Krishna said"You took a lot of trouble in coming here. You overcame lots of obstacles. Those desiring truth keep their attention and hearts in me. They experience enormous peace. The ones singing my praises will attain better after lives. Those reminiscing my stories will have their accumulated karma annihilated. They will attain liberation. Those desiring realization of self, are dear to me. There is no other object that one has to realize. You are fortunate. Your husbands are completing the yagna. Please go back and receive their blessings"
The wives said"Lord, it is unfair of you to speak this way. After meeting with you, and feeling like we attained your holy abode, we can't leave your feet and go back to our household duties. We fought our way to here. Your lotus feet are our only refuge."
Sri Krishna said"Because of my grace no one will find faults with you. In the mortal world your bodies won't last forever. So keep your hearts on me and attain liberation".
Sri Krishna said"The bliss you enjoy by listening to my stories, by witnessing me, by worshiping my idol, by singing about my gunas, you won't obtain in my presence. So please go back to your homes". The wives obeyed.
One wife couldn't go to Yamuna to meet Sri Krishna as she was restrained by her husband.
Gopalas informed the wives that Sri Krishna was hungry. Hearing them, the wives packed food and were ready to go. One brahmin husband commanded his wife to go inside.
Husband:"Where are you going?"
Wife:"The place I should go and deserve to go."
Husband:"I am asking what it is."
Wife:"The bank of Yamuna"
Husband:"Why are you stressing yourself?"
Wife:"It is not stress, but the reliever of stress and dissolution of the make believe life."
Husband:"What a deluded talk. I won't let you go to Sri Krishna who uses maya to defraud people. Besides, he is a womanizer."
Wife:"True I am deluded. This is no ordinary delusion. It mesmerizes all the worlds and transcends duality. What you say is true. My Sri Krishna is a thief. He can steal countless hearts in an instant. He uses maya. He can ingest the maya that puts all jivas to infatuation. He is not a womanizer but a Lord to them. He is impeccable by being served by his consort Sri Devi."
Husband:"You should not go there."
Wife:"Is it possible for me? Can we stop a river from flowing towards the ocean? Can we ask fire to not rise up? Can we stop a chick from flying? Whose feet I have been praying for all these days in my mind has now appeared before me. The karma accumulated from previous births is going to be destroyed. No one can stop me. I have no desires. Nor do I have familial bonds. My only refuge is Achyuta. I can't live without him."
Husband:"Stop... you can't set foot outside. I am commanding you as your husband."
Wife:"Who is the wife? Who is the husband? How long do these bonds exist? The husband of all, the doer of all karma, the commander of all is the Lord. You too should pray to him and attain liberation."
Husband dragged her inside the house and locked the doors.
"Lord, being all pervading, will these doors be obstacles? The doors and your flute are of wood. You are all pervasive with your graceful form. When your grace is upon us where is the bondage? I am a prisoner, with ardent devotion for you. When I am the self, where is the need for this body? As I return the mind and heart that are yours back to you, what remains as mine?" said the gopika before swooning.
Sri Krishna shared the meal served by the wives with gopalas. The wives returned to the place where the yagna took place. The brahmins were repentant for their behavior. They considered their wives as more fortunate than them.
Without thread marriage, service to guru, penance, analysis of self, prayers to sun god the wives of the brahmins received the grace from the Lord. The brahmins thought they were not as fortunate as their wives. The Lord looks for devotion. Because the brahmins were seeking fulfillment of desires, they couldn't receive the blessing of the Lord. So they were repentant.
To remind them of their duty was the reason for the Lord seeking food from them. Fulfillment of desires should not be the objective. Attaining liberation through devotion is more important.
On realizing their mistake, the brahmins wanted to meet Sri Krishna. But they were afraid of Kamsa who might punish them if he came to know. So they silently prayed with repentance. Before the cessation of all karma, by which the Lord is attained, one has to partake in worldly transactions. Unless the Lord is appeased with devotion and discipline, there is no easy way to ingress and egress from the Lord.
Indra's Yagna
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In Vraja Nanda and gopalas were making arrangements for a yagna to appease Indra. Sri Krishna approached Nanda and asked"Father, it seems you want to do a yagna for Indra. Why are you doing this yagna? What is the expected result? Please tell me the details".
Nanda was silent. He didn't have answers for any of Sri Krishna's questions.
Sri Krishna said the ascetics who were self-realized didn't hide any karma.
Sri Krishna said"Father, I want to know if the yagna you are contemplating to do is approved in the scripture"
Scripture is the embodiment of truth. The karma approved by the scripture will make a man complete. Sri Krishna advises us to perform karma approved by the scripture.
Nanda said"Son, jivas are sustained by rain which is caused by the clouds. Indra has the domain over clouds and thereby the rains. Hence traditionally we prayed to Indra with grain and such".
He said the ritual done for ages by his forefathers should not be stopped and the god who granted food must not be forgotten. Sri Krishna differed from his father.
Sri Krishna said"Father, the birth-death, happiness-sorrow, auspicious-inauspiciousness are granted to jivas based on karma. Indra can't alter the fruit of karma. Hence there is no need to worship Indra exclusively. Anyone who performed one hundred yagnas is eligible for Indra's position".
"It is better to worship those who are helping us directly. We are living by the cows that depend on mountains. So Indra's Indra, the Lord of the universe, is in the form of Govardhana mountain. In my view it is better to worship Govardhana than Indra" said Sri Krishna who decided to punish the egotistical Indra.
Everyone agreed with Sri Krishna and decided to worship Govardhana instead of Indra.
Gopalas and gopikas carried delectable food, milk, curd, butter to Govardhana. Brahmins conducted fire rituals and received alms.
They fed canines, gave clothes and grain to people of low varna. They fed cows grass. Everyone wore new clothes. They worshiped cows and saluted brahmins. They prayed to Govardhana.
Sri Krishna wanted to inculcate the feeling that Govardhana was really god. Gopalas said they forgot to bring Yamuna's water. Sri Krishna asked them to salute the Govardhana who would fulfill all of their wishes. Gopalas followed Sri Krishna's advice and water flowed from the top of the mountain. Gopalas were elated.
Sri Krishna donned a special form and said"I am Govardhana god". He then accepted the worship of all. After the festival, all the gopalas and gopikas returned to Vraja.
When hiding the clothes of gopika's Sri Krishna emphasized on dispassion. In the case of Govardhana worship, he showed that there was no difference between the devotee and the god. In the coming chapters he will show that there is no difference between jiva and Brahman. The Govardhana worship eliminates the perception that we are only jivas. The raasa sport will reinforce that we are not different from Brahman. When the Govardhana worship was done, Sri Krishna was seven years old.
Govardhana
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Indra came to know about the worship of Govardhana. He was upset that at the behest of Sri Krishna the residents of Vraja ignored him.
Indra thought"The residents of Vraja rejected me listening to that talkative, childish, ignorant, cheating mortal Sri Krishna".
He decided to torture them. He ordered clouds to rain on Vraja. Mounting his vehicle airavata he arrived at Vraja.
At Vraja thick clouds gathered. In a short time the weather changed for the worse. It rained heavily with thunder and lightning. The residents had nowhere to stay dry. They all came to Sri Krishna for help.
Sri Krishna understood the situation. He decided to teach a lesson to Indra and destroy his egotism. He carried the Govardhana with one hand and held it like an umbrella. The cattle, gopalas and gopikas stayed dry under the Govardhana.
It rained heavily for seven days. The Lord carried the Govardhana on his little finger for all these days. Indra's ego was destroyed and he was frightened.
On watching Sri Krishna's he was amazed and withdrew the clouds. He then fell on the feet of Sri Krishna and begged forgiveness. Sri Krishna forgave him. Then Indra worshiped Sri Krishna's feet with milk.
The ruler of our senses is Indra. We face many obstacles in attaining God during spiritual practice. Just as Indra tried to disrupt the life in Vraja, the senses attempt to create obstacles to our spiritual quest. The excitement generated by senses and the six negative qualities (kama, krodha, mada, matsara, lobha, moha) is the cyclone with lightning, thunder and wind. In those times Lord will protect us like an umbrella.
Akshaya
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The gopalas gathered to discuss Sri Krishna's escapades. One of the eldest among spoke:
"When he was days old infant he killed Pootana easily. At the age of three months he destroyed Sakatasura. When he was a year old, the demon Trunavarta came as a whirlwind to steal him and he met with the same fate as other demons. When his mother tied him to a mortar, as a punishment for stealing butter, he traversed the path between yamalarjuna trees and felled them."
"He destroyed Bakasura by splitting him into two. Vatsasura tried to enter the cow herd as a calf and he threw him at the wood apple tree killing him. Along with Balarama he killed Dhenukasura and made Tala forest accessible to all. Similarly they eliminated Pralambasura. Sri Krishna got rid of Kaliya. We are very fond of Sri Krishna".
"Nanda, how could a seven year old lift Govardhana mountain? We are perplexed" said the elderly gopala.
"Gopalas, I will try to demystify what you are saying. I am going to tell you what Garga maharshi told me"
"He is born in every yuga. In the previous births he was of white, red, yellow color. In this dwapara yuga he is of bluish hue. As he was born to Vasudeva, he was also called Vaasudeva. He has multifarious forms and names. He engenders to us all auspicious things. He is equivalent to Lord Narayana in all respects. Please be rid of any doubts" said Nanda.
One day Indra came with Kamadhenu to visit Sri Krishna. He heard about Sri Krishna's eminence from Brahma Deva. He also was able to see his prowess when Sri Krishna lifted Govardhana. He saluted Sri Krishna and rested his crown at his holy feet.
Free from ego, Indra touched Sri Krishna's feet and praised him.
"Sri Krishna, the god, salutations to you. You are a mahatma. You are Vasudeva. You are the best among men. The master of Vishnu's soldiers" said Indra.
Sri Krishna said"Indra, despite your position being ephemeral, you displayed a great deal of ego. I merely wanted to remind you. Hence I stopped the yagna"
"One who is intoxicated with riches can't appease me. So whomever I wish to grace, I will remove their wealth".
Lord blessed Indra. Kamadhenu, accompanying Indra, saluted him and worshiped him with her milk.
Devas showered flowers. Narada and Tumbura praised the Lord. All lokas were happy. Cows' milk freely flowed from their udders. Trees rained honey. As Sri Krishna was praised, all jivas experienced peace.
Varuna's Surrender
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The residents of Vraja were performing rituals on the eleventh day after full moon in the lunar calendar. Among all rituals this was considered as the most supreme.
Nanda fasted on the eleventh day and on the twelfth day he went to Yamuna for ablutions. He was taking a bath at midnight which was the time asuras would be active. One of Varuna's guards, thinking he was an asura, took him to his master.
When Nanda didn't return to the village everyone in Vraja was concerned. Sri Krishna was able to know that Nanda was in Varuna loka. So he went there. On seeing Sri Krishna, Varuna was very pleased. He worshiped and praised the Lord.
"Lord, my life's mission is fulfilled by your appearance. Any number of devotees attained you. So far I am not that fortunate. Please take me as your servant" said Varuna
He said"Lord, one my soldiers by mistake brought your father to me. Please forgive the mistake done by my soldier and forgive me for keeping your father here. Please take him with you"
Sri Krishna returned to Vraja with Nanda. Everyone was elated. Nanda told all how Varuna praised Sri Krishna. Everyone treated Sri Krishna like the paramatma. They were hoping that Sri Krishna would give them a superior life. Sri Krishna surmised the feelings of Vraja's residents. He showed Vaikuntha to them.
Vaikuntha is truth, embodiment of knowledge, boundless, resplendent, permanent. Vraja's residents were able to see that which had been attained by maharshis. Sri Krishna took Nanda and others to where Akrura performed a yagna. In that lake, they saw Brahma and rejoiced in their fortune.
Varuna is the one who rules the tongue. One has to control the temptations of the tongue. People are used to enjoying the six flavors: astringent, sweet, salt, pungent, bitter, sour. Unless one gives up the taste for these, there is no experience of raasa sport.
Nanda means the embodiment of happiness. Jiva is such. When the jiva with ignorance enters the world, he would be enthralled by the six kinds of taste. That is Varuna loka.
Nanda was rescued from Varuna loka by Sri Krishna. Whose tongue is a slave to the six tastes, needs to inculcate it the taste for chanting the Lord's name. That way, the senses would be restrained and the devotion to the Lord would enhance, resulting in bliss.
Raasa Sport
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Raasa is a spiritual experience. It is meant to remove lust and inculcate pure love. The lust in the jivas will be transformed into dispassion and then to love. Those who are devout to the Lord and render dispassionate service can understand its secrets.
In raasa, Sri Krishna would be ensconced between two gopikas. Every gopika thought Sri Krishna was with her. Such an experience could be possible only because of the Lord.
Gopikas loved Sri Krishna and couldn't bear the separation from him for a moment. They gave up household chores, husbands, familial bonds to be near Sri Krishna. The love for Sri Krishna was not due to their narrow minds. Nor was it about fulfilling carnal pleasure. It was about the union between jiva and paramatma.
There was no beginning or end to raasa. It keeps going on inside everyone. In raasa Sri Krishna would be near every gopika. Sri Krishna would be enclosed between two gopikas. The desires emanating from us are gopikas. Between two desires is the paramatma. One has to control the desires and realize the self. This is the message of raasa.
Patanjali yoga said restricting the desires is yoga. Scripture says to end desires is to attain salvation. It is to be realized that Sri Krishna's sixteen thousand wives represent countless desires in us. Sri Krishna was eight years old when he did raasa sport in Brindavana. In ashtanga yoga, the eighth stage is samadhi. It represents union with the Lord.
The Lord is the essence of everything. Raasa is merging of jiva with the Lord while realizing he is the essence. In raasa, the mind would be completely turned off.
In raasa gopikas participate in a sport with Sri Krishna. Narada maharshi said it was a result of unbearable separation.
One evening Sri Krishna was returning with cows from the forest. He saw a peacock feather amidst the cows. A gopika came running.
Sri Krishna asked the reason for her excitement.
She said"This creation is imperfect. Brahma doesn't know what he is doing".
Sri Krishna said"This creation is functional. There is nothing non-essential in it. What is it that you find superfluous?"
She said"Brahma Deva gave eyes to see. Fine, but why did he create eyelids? Because of them, I am unable to see you for a few moments. The eye lids are obstructing my view of yourself."
The gopikas were no ordinary women. Maharshis were born as gopikas. They performed penance for countless lives and still couldn't overcome their lust. To be victors over lust, they thought surrendering to Sri Krishna was the only way. So they were born in Vraja and befriended Sri Krishna thereby imbibing the essence of the Lord. They were able to obtain knowledge of Brahma from the Lord.
Gopikas didn't have the awareness of their bodies. One gopika was lighting an oil wick. Someone said Sri Krishna was coming. She was distracted and turned her head to see Sri Krishna's face. Immersed in the Sri Krishna devotion, she didn't notice that the flame burnt her skin. Thus the gopikas with devotion transcended their body, senses, mind and intellect and remained steadfast in their self.
The autumn nights arrived in Vraja. Sri Krishna decided to fulfill the wishes of the gopikas. To steal their hearts, he played the flute in Brindavana on the bank of Yamuna.
Gopikas were walking towards Sri Krishna involuntarily. One gopika was serving food to her family. On hearing Sri Krishna's flute, she dropped everything and headed towards Sri Krishna.
One gopika was suckling her child. She left the child hungry and walked in the direction of the sound of the Sri Krishna's flute.
One gopika was serving her husband. Upon hearing Sri Krishna's flute she ran towards Yamuna leaving her husband alone.
Similarly gopikas taking bath, drying up, combing their hair and so on started towards Bridavana.
They all congregated at the Brindavana over-riding the objections of their parents, husbands, brothers and relations.
Like rain coming down on earth, rivers flowing into the ocean, gopikas reached Vasudeva.
Sri Krishna dissuaded them from coming at night when wild animals would be prowling and wanted them to serve their husbands, take care of their children and cattle.
They were very upset. They thought Sri Krishna was stone hearted and letting them down. They expressed their inability to bear separation from him. They questioned for whom they should live. They considered Sri Krishna as the husband for all.
They were refusing to go back to Vraja. They would rather end their lives by the fire in their hearts in his presence.
He said to one gopika"I like you very much" and walked towards a tree.
"I can't stand your tears. Let's talk" said Sri Krishna as he led her towards the sand dunes of Yamuna.
He was telling a gopika"Dear, your face is like a full moon. I am tired of listening to the cuckoo sounds all the time. Let me hear your voice to treat my ears. Your tinkling anklets are mesmerizing me"
He tried to turn a gopika's face towards him to kiss her.
Every gopika thought Sri Krishna was showering his full attention towards her.
He was shining like the moon surrounded by the stars and satisfying the hearts of gopikas. Sometimes gopikas sang praises of the Lord.
They were proud of the companionship with Sri Krishna and thought they were superior to others. So Sri Krishna, who abhorred pride, disappeared.
The gopikas were in sorrow. They imitated the Lord's laugh, walk and movements. They were calling out by his name.
They resigned to their fate and prayed that Sri Krishna should be safe.
The gopikas were tired of searching for Sri Krishna. Then they saw some deers and wanted to know if they saw Sri Krishna. They were asking birds, clouds, animals, trees and whatever they find about the whereabouts of Sri Krishna. Then they saw the footprints of Sri Krishna. Next to his footprints, they found a woman's footprints. This disturbed them.
They thought the woman was fortunate. When her footprints disappeared, they thought Sri Krishna lifted her up and walked with her on his shoulders. They became depressed.
After a concerted search they found the woman whose footprints they were tracking and asked about what happened. She recalled the bliss she enjoyed with Sri Krishna. She told them she couldn't walk and wanted Sri Krishna to carry her on his shoulders and as she was climbing up his shoulders, he disappeared. She was crying for being taken over by her pride and ignorance.
They realized Sri Krishna won't yield to the egotists. They sang the praises of Sri Krishna. Hoping to see him again they were chanting his name.
Gopikas
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The gopikas used to feel sorrow when Sri Krishna disappeared. Unable to bear the separation from Sri Krishna, they would imitate him. They would reenact the killing of Pootana, Saktasura and so on. One gopika would imitate his calling of the cows. Another would dance like his dance on Kaliya's hood.
A gopika called Radha fervently wished for Sri Krishna's association. She would cry out his name and used to think of herself as Sri Krishna. Then she would cry out her name and feel lost. She was like an insect trapped between two fiery ends of a stick.
"Dear Sri Krishna, with your birth Vraja became auspicious. Hence Lakshmi Devi also arrived there. We gopikas have rested our prana on you and are searching for you in all directions. Please appear in front of us and save us"
Sudarsana's Release From Curse
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On a festival days Nanda and gopalas arrived at Ambika forest. They did ablutions in the river Saraswati and prayed Siva-Parvati.
They were propitiating Parama Siva. They gave cows, god and clothes as alms to brahmins. That night they spent there.
At midnight a hungry serpent came and caught hold of Nanda. He started calling for Sri Krishna.
Sri Krishna came hearing Nanda's cries. He kicked the serpent which assumed the form of a gandharva. Sri Krishna asked"Being so charming, how did you end up as a serpent?"
"Lord, I am called Sudharsana. One day I was flying on my aircraft. I saw maharshis in the lineage of Angirasa who were very ugly. One of them had a hunch back and was dark. I couldn't resist laughing at him and made fun of him. My pride about my body made me do such a bad act."
The maharshi cursed me"You will be born as a serpent whom everyone fears and tries to kill".
"I fell on his feet in repentance. Maharshi was sympathetic."
He said"Madhava will be born among Yadavas. When he kicks you with his holy feet, you will be released from your curse".
"Because of the curse, I am reformed and got the fortune of seeing your gracious form."
He praised Sri Krishna and sought his leave. Then he returned to his loka.
Sankhachooda
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One day Kubera's servant Sankhachooda came to Vraja. He was infatuated by the beauty of gopikas and tried to kidnap them. The gopikas cried for Sri Krishna and Balarama to help them.
Balarama and Sri Krishna arrived brandishing uprooted trees. Sankhachooda started running. While Balarama was guarding the gopikas, Sri Krishna followed Sankhachooda and killed him. He brought the gem shining on his head and gave it to Balarama.
Sankhachooda was a follower of Kubera. That means he was wealthy. When one is wealthy, bad gunas take him as a prisoner.
One who is subservient to women and gold will torment noble people like Sankhachooda. Such people meet with a negative outcome. Wealth is not bad. But greed for wealth is. Gold should be used for good ceremonies but not for bad karma. Sri Krishna killed Sankhachooda who was intoxicated with wealth and indulging in bad karma.
One who is proud of his wealth wears it on his head. Wealth should not go to the head. It is better to remain in your hands. Siva wore Ganga on his head. Knowledge should be in the head.
Arishtasura's Demise
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One day a demon called Arishta came to Vraja. He donned the form of an ox and attacked the cattle. He roared loudly and every one ran helter skelter.
The residents of Vraja came to Sri Krishna and sought his help. As Sri Krishna approached him, Arishta attacked him. Sri Krishna held his horns and wrestled him to the ground. Then he yanked his horns and stabbed him to death.
Like Arishta entering Vraja, everyone's heart will be filled with nescience called Arishtasura. The residents of Vraja were frightened on seeing Arishta. Similarly when the heart is filled with nescience our life will be full of fear. In such times, we should pray to the Lord to end our ignorance. The Lord will help, if our prayer is sincere.
Kamsa
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Kamsa was in rage as Sri Krishna thwarted all of his plans to eliminate him. One day Narada came to visit him. Kamsa saluted him and expressed his torment with him.
"Kamsa, the eighth child born to Devaki, was actually Yasoda's child. Balarama was Devaki's seventh child who became Rohini's child. Sri Krishna in Brindavana is actually Devaki's child. Fearing you, Vasudeva gave him to Nanda. These two boys killed your followers" said Narada.
Kamsa wanted to kill Vasudeva but was dissuaded by Narada."King, by killing Vasudeva you won't achieve your mission. Besides you live with infamy. Your enemy is Sri Krishna" said Narada.
Later Kamsa sent Devaki and Vasudeva back to prison. He called his ministers for suggestions. Among them was a demon called Kesi. Kamsa ordered Kesi to go to Vraja and kill Sri Krishna.
He turned to the wrestlers Chanoora and Mushtika and said"Sri Krishna and Balarama are living in Brindavana. They are the children of Devaki-Vasudeva. They are planning on killing me. I will invite them to Madhura. You must kill them in the wrestling match".
Then he called a mahout and said"On their way to the wrestling field, Sri Krishna and Balarama will come through a gate. Keep the mad elephant Kuvalayapida there and kill both of them".
Then he called yadava Akroora and said"I need your help. No one loves me more than you. Balarama and Sri Krishna are in Vraja. You have to somehow bring them to Madhura. I will arrange a yagna to which you have to invite them personally. You are Akroora, meaning one without cruelty and everyone believes in you. Please do me this favor"
Akroora said"King, you have thought through the danger to your life and a way to overcome it. But the result is in God's hands. Whether your desires are fulfilled or not, you must behave equanimously. I will do my best to complete your mission".
Kesi's Death
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Sent by Kamsa, Kesi donned the form of a horse and came to Vraja to kill Sri Krishna. He neiged violently and attacked Sri Krishna with his rear legs. Sri Krishna held his legs and tossed him to the ground. He recovered, opened his mouth wide and attacked Sri Krishna who inserted his hand into his mouth. Kesi tried to chew it. As it turned out to be a metal, all of his teeth had fallen. Sri Krishna's hand kept growing. Kesi was unable to breathe. He started sweating and his eyeballs popped out. Eventually he died in Sri Krishna's hands.
The demon Kesi assumed the form of a horse which stands for our senses. It is hard to overcome senses. He made his mouth wide open which means the senses are wide awake to receive worldly matters. The only way to overcome them is to seek refuge in the Lord whose hand subdues them.
Vyomasura's Death
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One day gopalas were playing a game where some would be police, some would be thieves and others would be sheep.
A demon called Vyoma, the son of Maya, transformed into a gopala and joined the group. He assumed the role of a thief and took one gopala at a time to a cave and covered its entrance with a stone.
Sri Krishna sensed it and held Vyomasura like a lion holding a wolf. Then the demon transformed into a huge mountain. Even then Sri Krishna didn't let him go and eventually killed him.
Then all the gopalas were freed. Devas showered flowers on Sri Krishna
Everyone plays this game in life. We all are endowed with many good qualities, but our mind is covered by maya. That is Vyomasura. Like the demon disguising himself, the mind will disguise itself as desire. Following desire is the set of six attributes (kama, krodha, mada, matsara, lobha, moha). They take the sheep with good qualities in us to a mountain called heart and cover it with a stone called maya. Lord's grace then works with prayer.
Akroora's Arrival
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Akroora set off to Vraja. He thanked Kamsa for giving him an opportunity to meet Sri Krishna. He arrived in Vraja and saw Balarama-Sri Krishna tending to cattle. He prostrated before them.
"Uncle, how are you?" said Sri Krishna.
He nodded his head as he was unable to reply with his eyes tearing and voice feeble on seeing Sri Krishna.
After supper Sri Krishna enquired the reason for his visit.
Akroora said"Sri Krishna, what is it that you don't know. Kamsa's cruelty is waxing. He didn't hesitate to kill Vasudeva. Upon dissuaded by Narada he held him captive. He knows that you are not Yasoda's child but Devaki's. He is trying to kill you both. He sent me to bring you. In Madhura, he planned to kill you with a mad elephant or in a wrestling match".
The brothers decided to visit Madhura and informed Nanda who asked gopalas to get ready to go to Madhura.
But Yasoda was upset. She felt without Sri Krishna life in Vraja would be unbearable. She wanted to send Balarama alone without Sri Krishna. Nanda reassured her that everything would be alright. Sri Krishna was then ten years old.
He said"How long can you keep Sri Krishna in your lap? How long will a chick stay in the nest? Sri Krishna has all the qualities to become the leader of Vraja. I felt like showing him Madhura once. This is the opportunity that came knocking. We will get back in a few days. Please stay in peace"
Entering Madhura
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Accompanied by gopalas Sri Krishna entered Madhura. All the women in Madhura were adorned with beautiful clothes, ornaments and make up. They eagerly awaited to glimpse Sri Krishna.
On the way Sri Krishna saw a washerman and requested him for clothes. The Lord who takes care of the world was requesting a washerman. But the washerman was indifferent.
He said"Fools, living in rural areas and herding cattle in the forests, you don't know the value of these clothes. Only Kamsa is qualified to wear them. Have you ever seen clothes such as these? If you express such wishes once more you won't be alive"
Taken aback by the washerman's comment, Sri Krishna reminisced that in Lord Rama's avatar, a washerman was responsible for the Sita's ejection from the palace into forests. In this avatar, he didn't want him to be spared.
The washerman died. All of the valuable clothes were worn by the gopalas.
A weaver approached him and gave him exotic clothes. Sri Krishna thanked and blessed him with riches.
On the way Sri Krishna met Sudama who was his devotee. Sudama prostrated before the Lord and thanked him profusely for visiting his humble abode.
He said"Your visit released me from the indebtedness to forefathers, rishis and Devas. I am your servant. Please command me"
Sri Krishna and Balarama wore the fragrant garlands made by Sudama and wanted to give boons to him.
He said"Lord, please give me ardent devotion for you, the company of your devotees and generosity towards jivas."
Thus Sudama showed his devotion to the Lord without seeking wealth or material comforts.
Kubja
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On the way Sri Krishna accosted a woman carrying sandalwood paste.
He said"For whom are you taking the sandalwood paste? Please give us the paste".
"Dear, people call me Kubja. As I have a body with three malformations, they call me Trivakra. I am a servant of Kamsa. I am skilled in mixing perfumes. Hence Kamsa gave me patronage. I am taking this perfume for Kamsa. You can have it" said Kubja.
Lord wanted to return the favor. He pressed her two feet with his and with fingers lifted her chin up. By the touch of the Lord, Kubja turned into a beautiful woman. Kubja was impressed and invited the Lord to her house.
Sri Krishna said"Like travelers finding a lake on a hot summer afternoon, your house is enticing for people like me. But I came here on a mission. I will visit your house at another time".
Our heart is Kubja who is a servant of Kamsa. Our heart embraces ignorance. Kubja has three malformations. Our mind has three gunas. For as long as we are ignorant, the malformations don't go away.
Kubja met Sri Krishna and gave the perfume to him. She saluted and appeased him. Salutation means surrender. Sri Krishna would shower his grace on anyone who surrendered to him. That's why she was turned into a beautiful woman without any malformations.
The next day Kamsa ordered the wrestling match to begin. The arena was decorated exquisitely. The residents of Madhura sat on one side and the kings and brahmins sat on the other side.
Kamsa was fretting in his seat. Meanwhile wrestlers like Chanoora, Mushtika, Koota, Sala, Tosala arrived at the arena. Nanda and gopalas took their seats after giving the gifts they brought for Kamsa.
Kuvalayapeeda
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As Balarama-Sri Krishna were approaching the wrestling arena, they came across the mad elephant Kuvalayapeeda. The mahout was standing next to the elephant. Sri Krishna taunted the mahout who was enraged. He made the elephant attack Sri Krishna. It tried to catch Sri Krishna's hand with its trunk. Sri Krishna escaped and punched it with his fist. As it recovered, he went under it. Unable to find him, it started spinning. It figured where Sri Krishna was. So it stepped forward and turned back. It caught Sri Krishna with its trunk. Sri Krishna managed to free himself. He dragged it by its tail all over. He tricked it by making turns and running and stopping.
When he fell down, the elephant tried to pierce him with its tusks. As he escaped, its tusks got embedded in the ground. The elephant was in pain. He made it fall on the ground by grabbing its trunk. Then he yanked its tusk and stabbed it. Thus Kuvalayapeeda was killed.
Wearing the tusks, the brothers entered the wrestling arena. Sri Krishna was felt like thunder by the wrestlers. To the other men he was a perfect being. The women thought of him as cupid. Gopalas viewed him as a relative. The king perceived him as a dictator. The old people considered him as their child. For Kamsa he was the god of death. To the ignorant he was ugly. The yogis thought of him as paramatma. For the members of the Vrushta dynasty he seemed like the Lord.
Kamsa was dejected upon seeing the brothers. After hearing how Sri Krishna overcame Kuvalayapeeda, he was almost certain they would be the victors.
The death of Chanoora and Mushtika
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Chanoora said"Balarama and Sri Krishna, many wrestlers consider you as skilful in wrestling. The king wanted to witness your skills in person. It is the duty of subjects to satisfy the king. So we will entertain the king"
Sri Krishna said"What you say is true. Wrestling is my favorite sport. If I can please the king, I will receive his patronage. Hence we will wrestle with our equivalents who adhere to dharma"
Chanoora said"You both are not children. Even though you are young, you have amazing strength. You easily killed Kuvalayapeeda that was considered a powerful elephant. So you have to fight with me and Balarama will fight with Mushtika".
Balarama-Sri Krishna agreed.
The brothers fought ferociously with Kamsa's wrestlers. Those watching them felt it was an uneven match. They pitied the brothers who appeared to them as children. They considered it as a showdown between the weak and the strong.
The women of Madhura felt they were unfortunate watching the mayhem while the gopikas in Vraja enjoyed Sri Krishna's pleasant personality.
Devaki-Vasudeva were not too pleased to hear the spectators' comments. They thought Sri Krishna was getting tired. At that juncture Chanoora rose like an eagle and kicked on Sri Krishna's chest. But Sri Krishna didn't perturb like an elephant hit by a flower. He decided to end Chanoora's life. He held his two hands, rotated him in the air and tossed him on the ground. Chanoora died. Balarama banged Mushtika with his fists powerfully. Mushtika died too. Watching their fellow wrestlers die, the other wrestlers entered the arena to fight with the brothers. They too succumbed.
Kamsa, feeling the rage after seeing his best wrestlers die in the hands of Sri Krishna-Balarama, started babbling about killing their brothers, relatives and the rest.
Sri Krishna attacked Kamsa who fell on the ground. Sri Krishna sat on his chest and said
"For twelve long years I have been killing your alter ego. Today I will kill you".
Then he hit him with his fist. Kamsa oozing blood through his face died on the spot. All the subjects rejoiced. Devas showered flowers on Sri Krishna.
The brothers of Kamsa--Kanku, Nyagrodha--attacked Sri Krishna. Balabhadra killed them. The wives of the deceased came. They were consoled by Sri Krishna. The last rites of the Kamsa were done.
The brothers released Devaki-Vasudeva from the prison. Knowing Sri Krishna as paramatma himself, they didn't hug him. Sri Krishna released his maya on them so they would act like normal parents. He called them out and they hugged him. They all rejoiced.
Balarama-Sri Krishna said"Because of the fear of evil Kamsa we stayed in Nanda Gokula. As a result we couldn't serve you. Please forgive us"
Devaki-Vasudeva were in tears. Sri Krishna consoled them and made Devaki's father Ugrasena as the king of yadavas. Sri Krishna approached Nanda and said"Father, please convey my salutations to my mother Yasodadevi. For me you are the parents who nurtured me. You are my first care givers. I am indebted to you. Yasodadevi's heart is like butter. By receiving her love, unable to serve her for the rest of my life, I came to Madhura. Please ask her to forgive me."
Sri Krishna told Nanda"Gopikas loved me more than themselves. They gave me more service than their children. I have no way to compensate them. Please tell them that I salute them"
"Father, tell the gopalas to take good care of the cows and calves. I will be able to see them soon".
"Father, as a child I might have made transgressions with you. Please forgive me and forget the inconvenience I gave you. You being unselfish raised me. I take a vow that I will be unselfish too and bring a good name to you. I will come to Vraja soon". Then he prostrated before Nanda.
Nanda lifted up Sri Krishna and hugged him."Sri Krishna, please give us a boon such that we won't forget you even for an instant". He returned to Vraja along with gopalas.
Thread Ceremony
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Vasudeva wanted to perform thread ceremonies for Sri Krishna and Balarama. So he invited Garga maharshi and brahmins. He gave many alms just as he envisioned when he was in prison after the birth of Sri Krishna.
To perform auspicious events we need Lord's blessing. Hence we need to meditate on the Lord during those events. And after the event we have to think of the Lord for its successful completion.
After the thread ceremony, Balarama-Sri Krishna went to study under a guru called Sandipani in Avantipura near Kasi. There was no need for them, who were omniscient, to really approach a guru. But without a guru, one's knowledge wouldn't be complete. While serving the guru, the mind and intellect would be purified. Hence they approached the guru to demonstrate his importance.
Balarama-Sri Krishna served Sandipani like a god. He was very much satisfied with their service and taught all the things he knew such as vedas, dharma, logic, royal duties. They learnt the sixy four arts in sixty four days.
Balarama-Sri Krishna were done with learning from Sandipani and decided to repay him in gratitude. But he didn't seek anything. So they went to his wife. She wanted her son who drowned in the ocean at Prabhasa back.
Balarama-Sri Krishna went to Prabhasa. The lord of the sea welcomed and worshiped them. They wanted the guru's son back. But the lord of the sea expressed he didn't have guru's son in possession because a demon called Panchajana kidnapped him. Sri Krishna entered the sea, found Panchajana and killed him. He tore open his abdomen but the guru's son could not be found. He retrieved a conch that was later called Panchajanya. It is one of the adornments of the Lord.
They then went to the lord of death Yama. He saluted them and gave guru's son who was in his possession. They all returned to Sandipani's ashram. The guru's wife was elated to reunite with her son.
When Balarama-Sri Krishna asked if there was anything else he wanted, Sandipani replied"When able beings like you are my disciples, will I have any desires?"
When one has found paramatma, there won't be any desires. They become self realized and all knowing. Those dipping in the pond called desires will not be enlightened. A model guru has only one desire: all jivas should live in peace. And the vedas that engender auspicious life should always be shining. A guru giving knowledge without selfishness, expects his disciples to do the same when they become gurus. Before bidding farewell to Balarama-Sri Krishna, Sandipani said"Vedas should always be shining in this and nether worlds"
The disciples who spread the knowledge of their gurus fulfill their wishes. Those who satisfy their guru are real disciples. Hence Sri Krishna in Kurukshetra gave a discourse called Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna without expecting anything in return.
Balarama-Sri Krishna prostrated before Sandipani and returned to Madhura.
Akroora in Hastinapura
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Akroora arrived in Hastinapura as per Sri Krishna's command. He observed Dhrutarashtra for some months. He personally observed how Duryodhana schemed to torment Pandavas who were chaste, embodiment of good conduct, favorites of people. He heard from Vidura and Kunti how Kauravas tried to poison Pandavas.
Akroora decided to go to Madhura. He went to Dhrutarashtra and spoke with him.
"King, our lives are not permanent. Our bodies are impermanent. So are relations. Every jiva arrives alone and leaves alone from the world."
"Karma has to be experienced by oneself. Like baby fish depend on the same water as their parents, children will depend upon their parents' livelihood. One may ignore dharma, earn riches and take care of kith and kin. When he is bereft of riches, the relations leave him alone. In that circumstance karma has to be experienced. King, this world, like a dream, is enveloped by maya, and impermanent. So conduct yourself with restraint and equanimity".
Dhrutarashtra said"You gave me good advice. Like a diseased person won't appreciate food, your words are not able to satisfy me. I am love struck with my sons. It seems to me that your words are good to follow. But they are not able to convince me. Like a lightning behind a cloud, your words are fleeting. Who can describe the greatness of Sri Krishna who was born among Yadavas to restore dharma on earth? I salute him"
This shows the unfortunate soul of Dhrutarashtra. Even when a mahatma like Akroora was within his reach, he was unable to uphold morality. His bond with Duryodhana was stronger than anything else. Hence the company of evil people will always be inauspicious.
Akroora returned to Madhura and kept Sri Krishna abreast of his trip.
Construction of Dwaraka
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Kamsa's wives Asti and Prapti went back to their father Jarasandha and told him that Yadavas killed their husband. Jarasandha was the king of Magadha and he wanted to avenge the death of his son-in-law by destroying Yadavas.
Jarasandha led a large army and attacked Madhura.
Yadavas were frightened by Jarasandha's army. Sri Krishna decided to wipe out his army but spare Jarasandha's life. He ordered Balarama to prepare his army to fight with Jarasandha. He boarded a chariot and blew his conch Panchajanya.
Jarasandha said"Sri Krishna, you are a child. It is not fitting for a warrior like me to fight with a low life like you. You are a criminal and a coward. Balarama, you be courageous and fight with me. Either you ascend to heaven or kill me".
Sri Krishna said"Jarasandha, self praise is not a desirable attribute for a warrior. One has to show his valor rather than describe it. You are weak and close to death"
Soon a battle ensued. Sri Krishna using his bow Saranga destroyed Jarasandha's elephants, horses and soldiers. Blood was flowing like a river.
Sri Krishna spared Jarasandha's life and let him go back to Magadha. As Balarama-Sri Krishna entered Madhura, they were received warmly by the denizens.
Jarasandha didn't stop there. He attacked Madhura seventeen times. As he was preparing to attack the eighteenth time, a king called Kalayavana too wanted to attack Madhura.
Sri Krishna with forethought built a city under the ocean called Dwaraka. He moved the subjects, relations and other Yadava's into Dwaraka.
Kalayavana received boons to not die in the hands of Yadavas. So Sri Krishna ran when he came to attack him. Kalayavana followed him. Sri Krishna went into a cave in Pravarshana mountain where an ascetic was in penance and hid in a corner. Kalayavana came following him and thinking the ascetic was Sri Krishna in disguise, kicked him. The ascetic was enraged and burnt Kalayavana with his yogic power. Kalayavana turned into ashes.
Pareekshit asked Suka Brahma about the ascetic's background.
Muchikunda
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Muchikunda was the son of king Mandhata in the Ikshvaku dynasty. He rescued even Devas and a great devotee.
After Kalayavana's death, Sri Krishna made his appearance before Muchikunda who worshiped him. Sri Krishna wanted him to seek a boon.
Muchikunda said"Man trapped in the maya is unable to recognize you as the Lord. He is unable to free himself from the sorrow of bondage. After attaining the most difficult human life, men are wasting their lives without worshiping you. I too led such a life."
"Lord, falling into the whirlpool of karma I became entangled in worldly matters.
One day the body adorned with jewels will be called a king, and eventually when it falls and burns it will be called ashes. Even men of good character are being mesmerized by women and act like wild animals at home".
"Lord, I don't need any boons. Please give me an opportunity to serve you. I don't want anything but salvation from you" said Muchikunda
Sri Krishna was pleased with Muchikunda's prayer and told him to continue his devotion. He said:
"King, a long time ago when you were a ruler, you hunted and killed a great number of animals. Try to atone for that sin in this life. In your next life, you will be born as a brahmin who loves all and attain me"
Rukmini's Message
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Sri Krishna was returning to Dwaraka along with the riches of Madhura. Jarasandha intercepted them with his men. Balarama and Sri Krishna ran like cowards. Jarasandha thought they were really afraid of him and followed them. The brothers reached the mountain Pravarshana.
There it rained perennially. It stands for senses that are immersed in and raining devotion. Jarasandha is representative of old age. One tries to dodge from old age. The brothers climbed the mountain. Even then old age doesn't stop. Jarasandha ran after them. He searched in vain all over the mountain.
He set the mountain on fire. The fire spread everywhere. The brothers jumped from the mountain and reached Dwaraka.
Old age can haunt devotees but it can't do any harm to them. Like Jarasandha burning the mountain, old age weakens the body. Even though the mountain was burning, Balarama-Sri Krishna escaped and returned safely to Dwaraka. Similarly even if time withers our body, the jiva living inside the body won't die.
In Sankhya Yoga of Gita, Lord said"The self living inside all jivas' bodies won't die".
Devotion is knowing this truth. Such pure selves are devotees. They won't die in the hands of time. The brothers jumped from eleven yojanas high mountain. The eleven here stands for five knowledge senses, five karma senses and mind.
So when the body is withered by time, jivas will free themselves from the senses and mind, and reach Dwaraka."Dwara" means entrance."Ka" means Brahma. Dwaraka means the threshold leading upto Brahma which is nothing but salvation. Great devotees attain it. The heart filled with devotion won't expect anything but paramatma. Such is the devotion of Rukminidevi.
Bheeshmaka was the king of Vidarbha. He had six children. Among them Rukmi was the eldest. The others were: Rukmaratha, Rukmabaahu, Rukmakesa, Rukmamaali were sons and Rukmini was the daughter.
Rukmini heard the stories of Sri Krishna from relatives and decided to marry him. As per her wish everyone but Rukmi agreed with her choice to marry Sri Krishna. Rukmi felt Sisupala would be the best match.
Rukmi sent a message to Sisupala. Sisu means a child. One trapped in three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas), three states (wakeful, dream, sleep), three time periods (past, present, future) was Sisupala. He was the alter ego of ignorance. Rukmini was in sorrow. She summoned a brahmin called Sudeva and sent with him a message to Sri Krishna.
A devotee would always seek union with paramatma. She wouldn't appreciate other unions. Then who would convey the wish to the paramatma? Who would unite the devotee with the paramatma? He was Sudeva who stands for a guru having knowledge about Brahma. He would be the bridge between jiva and paramatma.
Sudeva arrived in Dwaraka and met with Sri Krishna. After worshiping him Sri Krishna asked
"Are you doing well? A brahmin who doesn't leave Brahma will lead a comfortable life. I always bow to brahmins who are self realized, docile, well wishers of all, egoless and peaceful"
Sri Krishna asked"Where did you come from? What is your mission? If it is not a secret, please tell me. You can ask me whatever help you need" said Sri Krishna.
Sudeva then opened the letter from Rukmini and started reading.
Kidnapping Rukmini
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On listening to Rukmini's message Sri Krishna felt happy and said to Sudeva
"I too am attracted to Rukmini. I am unable to sleep well. I know her brother Rukmi is creating obstacles to our marriage. Like people burn wood to set fire, I will kill the low life kings and marry Rukmini"
He boarded the chariot with Sudeva and headed to Vidarbha. The capital Kundina was decorated exquisitely for the wedding. Rukminidevi was adorned with jewels. Yagnas were being held. Alms were being given as Sisupala was being prepared as a groom.
Jarasandha, Dantavraka and other kings arrived for the marriage. If Sri Krishna tried to kidnap Rukmini, they were prepared to counter his attack and marry Rukmini with Sisupala.
Balarama followed Sri Krishna with his soldiers. As Sudeva hadn't returned, Rukmini was in sorrow. She was blaming her misfortune. Soon Sudeva came and told her that Sri Krishna vowed to marry her. Rukmini was elated and offered her salutation to Sudeva.
What could be given to a guru who showed paramatma? Only our devotion. That's what Rukmini had shown to Sudeva.
The king Bheeshmaka invited Balarama-Sri Krishna and worshiped them. The denizens of Kundina glimpsed Sri Krishna and felt Rukmini would be a perfect match for him. They prayed to god that they would be a couple.
Rukmini was headed to Parvati Devi's temple followed by her maids and soldiers carrying weapons.
She was chanting Sri Krishna's name and meditating on his feet.
As she was leaving the temple, the kings who saw her went head over heels. Then Sri Krishna came with his chariot, held Rukmini's hand, boarded her on the chariot as everyone was watching.
Jarasandha and other kings felt it was a big blow dealt to them by the lowly Yadavas. They assembled a large army and went after Sri Krishna. A battle ensued and Yadavas won.
The defeated kings went to the depressed Sisupala and consoled him. They said happiness and sorrow were God's will. Jarasandha said men were like puppets in the god's hands.
Rukmi without giving up went after Sri Krishna and said:
"Fool, like a crow that steals the offering in yagna, you kidnapped my sister. Stop. Where are you going? I will destroy your pride. Before you die in my hands, leave my sister alone".
Sri Krishna released arrows at him, breaking his bow. After getting outsmarted by Sri Krishna, Rukmi ran towards him. As Sri Krishna tried to kill him, Rukmini fell on his feet and begged him to spare her brother's life.
Sri Krishna didn't kill Rukmi but disfigured him and released him. Thus Sri Krishna and Rukmini got married.
Pradyumna
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Rukminidevi became pregnant with cupid Manmatha who was turned into ashes by Rudra as he wanted to be embodied. She delivered a child called Pradyumna. Before the child could turn ten days of age, a demon called Sambara kidnapped him and tossed him into an ocean. He was swallowed by a big fish that was caught by fishermen.
The fishermen gave the fish as a gift to Sambarasura. When the cooks cut it, the child was found alive. They gave the child to a cook called Mayavati. As she was hesitating to accept the child, Narada maharshi came and told her the story of the child.
Mayavati was none other than Ratidevi who was the wife of cupid Manmatha in a previous life. She gladly accepted the child. The child grew up to be a handsome youth whom Mayavati wanted to marry. Pradyumna dissuaded her saying he viewed her as a mother and it was improper to consort with her.
Mayavati told the details of his birth and that they were the Rati-Manmatha couple in earlier life. She taught him maha maya with which he was able to kill Sambasura. Pradyumna went to Dwaraka with Mayavati. Rukminidevi was ecstatic and everyone rejoiced.
Sambasura is symbolic of desire. Pradyumna is a representative of sacrifice. Pradyumna had a relationship with Ratidevi. The intense desire to realize self is Rati due to which the desire called Sambasura will be annihilated. The sacrifice called Pradyumna will unite with paramatma.
Jambavati, Satyabhama
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One day a resplendent man was coming to Dwaraka. On seeing the man shining like sun, the residents of Dwaraka approached Sri Krishna.
They said"Lord, sun is coming to see you".
Sri Krishna told them it was not the sun but Satrajit wearing Syamantaka jewel which was given to him by the sun god. The Syamantaka was an auspicious stone that eliminated poverty, inauspiciousness, disease and so on.
One day Sri Krishna asked Satrajit to give Syamantaka to the king of Yadavas but he refused. All the wealth we claim as ourselves is Lord's. One who refuses to give to the Lord what is rightfully his will have to suffer the consequences.
One day Satrajit's brother, Prasena, wore Syamantaka and went for a hunting expedition. A lion killed him and his horse. It picked up Syamantaka and brought it inside a cave. The king of bears called Jambavanta killed the lion and gave the Syamantaka to his daughter.
Unable to track Prasena, Satrajit was in distress. He blamed Sri Krishna for the death of his brother and the missing Syamantaka. It became a topic of discussion among the subjects. Sri Krishna wanted to clear his name and tracked down the Syamantaka to the Jambavanta. Sri Krishna entered the cave where he was residing and asked him to return the Syamantaka. But Jambavanta wanted to duel with him. They fought with each other for eighteen days.
Unable to win against Sri Krishna, Jambavanta said"Lord, you are the prana and aura of everyone. You are the primordial, all pervading and all knowing. You are Lord Vishnu. You only killed Ravana in the avatar of Lord Rama".
Jambavanta gave Syamantaka to Sri Krishna along with his daughter Jambavati in marriage.
Sri Krishna returned to Dwaraka and filled in the details to Satrajit and gave back Syamantaka. Thus Sri Krishna cleared the suspicion among the subjects. Satrajit was depressed because of his conduct in blaming Sri Krishna. All the subjects of Dwaraka hated him for blaming Sri Krishna.
One should not be in haste to blame mahatmas. It will result in temporary happiness but give sorrow in the long term. Satrajit decided to give Syamantaka along with his daughter Satyabhama to Sri Krishna in marriage. Sri Krishna agreed to it but gave back Syamantaka to Satrajit.
Satadhanva
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After hearing about fire in the Pandavas' home made of lac, Sri Krishna arrived in Hastinapura along with Balarama. Satadhanva met Akroora and Krutavarma. Earlier Satrajit promised to offer his daughter, Satyabhama, in marriage to Satadhanva. As circumstances changed, she was married to Sri Krishna. Even though Akroora was a devotee of Sri Krishna he came under the spell of Satadhanva.
Akroora-Krutavama said to Satadhanva"Why don't you take the Syamantaka from Satrajit?".
Prodded by them he killed Satrajit and stole Syamantaka. Satyabhama was in sorrow at the loss of her father. She went to Hastinapura and informed Sri Krishna.
Sri Krishna consoled his wife and along with Balarama arrived in Dwaraka. He decided to kill Satadhanva. After coming to know about Sri Krishna's vow, Satadhanva ran to Krutavarma and sought his refuge. But Krutavarma refused.
He said"I don't want to have enmity with Sri Krishna-Balarama as they are divine. Earlier Kamsa hated him and met with his death. Jarasandha attacked Sri Krishna seventeen times and still lost. No one who tried to engender bad to them survived"
When Satadhanva approached Akroora for help, he too refused. Even though Akroora instigated Satadhanva, after Sri Krishna returned to Dwaraka, he changed his tune.
Satadhanva secretly hid Syamantaka in Akroora's house and ran away. Balarama-Krishna followed him on a chariot and killed him near Mithila. But they couldn't find Syamantaka on him. Balarama told Sri Krishna he could've hidden it somewhere.
Sri Krishna returned to Dwaraka and performed the last rites of Satrajit. He told Satyabhama that the Syamantaka was not found.
Akroora-Krutavarma came to know about Satadhanva's death. In fear they left Dwaraka. Why did they instigate Satadhanva to steal Syamantaka? Earlier Satrajit spread rumors that Sri Krishna killed his brother and stole Syamantaka. Everyone blamed Sri Krishna. Being Sri Krishna devotees, Akroora-Krutavarma wanted to avenge Satrajit's blame on Sri Krishna. Hence they manipulated Satadhanva.
After Akroora left Dwaraka, it fell into bad times. The denizens thought it was because of Akroora's departure. Sri Krishna knew the real reason was loss of Syamantaka. But heeding public opinion, he invited Akroora back to Dwaraka.
Sri Krishna worshiped Akroora and said"I know that Syamantaka was hidden in your house. As it is too precious to lose, you can safeguard it. But some people are thinking it was stolen by me. Please show it to them and clear my bad name"
Akroora brought Syamantaka and showed it to Sri Krishna's relations and subjects thereby removing any blame on Sri Krishna.
Narakasura
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Once a demon called Naraka used to be the king of Pragjyotisha. He attacked Devas and confiscated Aditi's armor, Varuna's umbrella and a mountain called Mani. Indra appraised Sri Krishna about Naraka's transgressions.
Sri Krishna boarded his vehicle, Garuda, to fight with Naraka. Satyabhama wanted to accompany him to see first hand how Sri Krishna fought. Sri Krishna tried to convince her to not do it saying it was risky in the battle ground. But she didn't agree. Relenting to her, he went to battle with Naraka. On seeing Sri Krishna, a demon called Mura rose from the water and attacked Sri Krishna with a trident. Sri Krishna easily killed him.
On hearing that their father died, Mura's seven sons attacked Sri Krishna. They were all killed by him. Then Naraka came to fight with Sri Krishna.
Sri Krishna killed him. According to some authors, Sri Krishna fell unconscious while fighting with Naraka and Satyabhama intervened and killed Naraka.
That's when we celebrate Deepavali. Sri Krishna then freed the sixteen thousand women Naraka imprisoned. They all wanted to marry him. Sri Krishna acceded and sent them to Dwaraka.
Sri Krishna went to Deva loka and returned Aditi's armor. Indra and Sachidevi worshiped Sri Krishna. Then they entered the garden called Nandana where a tree called Parijata was there. Satyabhama wanted the tree. As Sri Krishna tried to grab it, Indra and Devas attacked him. Sri Krishna surmounted them and brought the Parijata tree to earth.
Indra beseeched the Lord to kill Naraka and save him. After Sri Krishna killed Naraka, he changed his tune and attacked Sri Krishna when he tried to take Parijata to the earth.
Wealth blinds a person and makes him to not care even the Lord. After returning to Dwaraka, Sri Krishna married the sixteen thousand women at the same time by cloning himself.
Anirudha's Marriage
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Rukmini's brother Rukmi had a daughter called Rukmavati. Rukmini's son Pradyumna married her after kidnapping her and battling with kings. Even though Rukmi has enmity with Sri Krishna, to please Rukmini he agreed to the marriage of Rumavati with Pradyumna. The couple had a child called Anirudha.
Anirudha grew up and Rukmi gave his granddaughter in marriage to Anirudha. After the marriage, Rukmi, encouraged by the king of Kalinga, was playing a game of shells with Balarama. Balarama was getting defeated repeatedly. After being embarrassed by the kings, Balarama was upset. Then Balarama won one match. But Rukmi refused to concede. Unable to control his anger, Balarama slaughtered Rukmi. The king of Kalinga ran away.
Sri Krishna intervened in the incident as Rukmi was Rukmini's brother and Balarama was his own brother.
Gambling doesn't pay and embarrassing others won't engender positive outcome.
Usha's Marriage
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Emperor Bali had hundred sons out of whom Banasura was the eldest. He was a great devotee of Siva and had a thousand hands. One day he went to Kailasa and played a thousand musical instruments at the same time. Lord Siva was pleased and granted him a boon. Banasura wanted Lord Siva to move into his capital Sonitapura. Lord Siva along with Uma Devi and soldiers (ganas) moved into Sonitapura to guard the city.
Banasura told Siva that he was unable to manage so many hands. Siva was irate and cursed him"Fool, when the flag on your chariot breaks, that day you will fight with my equivalent. Then all of your self pride will be wiped out"
Banasura had a daughter called Usha. She once saw in dreams Anirudha, the son of Pradyumna. She instantly fell in love with him. One of her maids, with yogic powers, brought Anirudha to Usha's room. Anirudha stayed there romancing Usha. Banasura came to know about the arrangement and imprisoned Anirudha. This provoked the yadavas to wage a war on Banasura. To defend Banasura, Lord Siva, his son Kartikeya and others fought with Sri Krishna and yadavas.
Sri Krishna fought with Eswara. Pradyumna fought with Kartikeya. They exchanged several astras including Brahma astra, Vayu astra, Agneya astra, Parjanya astra, Paasupata astra, Parvata astra, Narayana astra.
Sri Krishna released Jhrumba astra and made Lord Siva swoon. He then destroyed Banasura's army. Kartikeya, unable to fight with Pradyumna, ran away from the battle field. All the soldiers of Siva retreated. Sri Krishna destroyed Banasura's chariot and charioteer. On hearing that her son was in danger, Kotara came naked to the battle field. Sri Krishna turned his eyes away from her. Taking advantage of the situation, Banasura ran away to save himself.
Banasura eventually came back to the battle field to fight with Sri Krishna. Using Sudharsana disc Sri Krishna cut away all of Banasura's hands leaving just four. Lord Siva, seeing his devotee in trouble, said to Sri Krishna
"You are parabrahma. You came in Sri Krishna avatar to protect dharma and establish peace on earth. You are the ultimate stage of yoga. Banasura is my ardent devotee. Just as you showed grace to Prahlada, please let Banasura go".
Sri Krishna agreed not to kill Banasura who repented and saluted Sri Krishna. Then he sent Usha along with Anirudha to Dwaraka.
King Nruga
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The son of Ikshvaku, Nruga, was a generous king who gave alms to all. He was supposed to have given countless cows in alms. He once gave several cows to a brahmin. One of the cows traced its way back to the herd. Unaware of it, Nruga gave in alms that cow. The brahmin who received the cow first, claimed it was his. The brahmin who received the cow claimed it should be his. So they fought and Nruga despite trying couldn't convince them to withdraw their claims.
After his death, Nruga was taken to lord of death Yama who sighted the transgression about the same cow being given in alms to different brahmins, and gave him a chameleon's life as punishment.
Nruga in chameleon form resided in an old well. Once Pradyumna, Saba were roaming and found the chameleon. They tried to ferret it out but couldn't. Sri Krishna came and picked it up. By the touch of the Lord, the chameleon turned into a Deva. Upon enquiry Nruga told his story and said
"Kesava, I am your servant and eagerly looked forward to seeing you. Because of your grace, I didn't forget my previous birth. I am going back to heaven. Wherever I am, my heart will be with your lotus feet".
Nruga was a follower of dharma, a great devotee and a noble person. He accrued bad karma for a sin he committed unknowingly. One should not hurt brahmins and those with knowledge about Brahma either knowingly or unknowingly.
Poundraka Vasudeva
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A king called Poundraka used to rule a kingdom called Karoosha. He was easy to please with praise. A number of his relations and subordinates came and told him he was the real Vasudeva. Believing in them, Poundraka sent a messenger to Dwaraka with a message to Sri Krishna. He wanted Sri Krishna to give up calling himself Vasudeva as he was the real one. He also warned Sri Krishna to not wear his insignia, lest he should face him in a battle.
Sri Krishna went to Kasi where the king of Kasi and Poundraka came to fight with him. Sri Krishna easily destroyed them.
The son of the king of Kasi, Sudakshina, wanted to avenge his father's death. So he performed great penance for Lord Siva who appeared and said lord of Agni could fulfill his wish. When lord of Agni appeared, Sudakshina wanted him to burn Dwaraka. As Agni tried to annihilate Dwaraka, Sri Krishna using his Sudarshana disc sent him back to Kasi. The entire Kasi and along with it Sudakshina were destroyed.
Dvividu
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Narakasura had a simian friend called Maindu whose brother was Dvividu. He was a valorous person. To avenge the death of Naraka, he was raiding the spiritual camps of Sri Krishna's devotees by uprooting trees, tormenting women, torturing men and burning down the camps. When Balarama came to mount Raivata, Dvivida made fun of him, put down gopikas, and acted insanely. Balarama threw stones at him. Dvivida was enraged and started insulting women. Gopikas were hurt. Unable to tolerate him, Balarama picked up his weapon.
Dvivida uprooted a huge tree and tossed it on Balarama's head. Balarama dodged it and injured Dvividu who hit on Balarama's chest. The aggravated Balarama killed him with his plough. Devas showered flower petals from the sky.
The ignorance that castigates one to hell is Naraka who had a friend called Maindu. Maindu means maya. In other words, Maindu is an embodiment of maya who had a brother called Dvividu. Dvividu means one who acts in two different ways. Arrogance and attachment are the two different ways. He was arrogant for being a valorous person. And he was attached to Naraka.
One who is arrogant and attached to worldly bonds is hard to deal with. Only Balarama who had the divine blessing could deal him a death blow.
Balarama - Samba
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Among Sri Krishna's children Rukmini's son Pradyumna and Jambavati's son Samba were well known. Duryodhana had a daughter called Lakshmana whom Samba kidnapped. Kauravas were enraged. To capture Samba, Kauravas like Bheeshma, Karna, Salya, Duryodhana attacked Samba. Even though he put up a big fight, he could not avoid capture.
Yadavas came to know about Samba's capture and wanted to wage a war on Kauravas. But Balarama convinced them to resolve it peacefully and went to Hastinapura to mediate between Kauravas and Yadavas.
Balarama set up his camp outside Hastinapura and sent Uddhava to speak to Kauravas. Kauravas came to Balarama and worshiped him. Balarama read the message from Yadava king Ugrasena:"Being many, you captured a noble man who was helpless. We decided to seek a peaceful resolution of the matter. Release Samba"
Kauravas were unhappy that they were asked to take orders from lowly Yadavas. They said
"It's like wearing shoes on one's head. Yadavas became our relations because of Kuntidevi's marriage. From then on they mingled with us and ate and slept with us. Then they gained a kingdom with our help. Now they are acting like our equals. They forgot that their kingdom is there because of our generosity. Hence they are unqualified to wear royal insignia"
On hearing Kauravas, Balarama was enraged. He said"Intoxicated with wealth, Kaurava's won't desire peace. They need to be punished"
"I pacified Yadavas and Sri Krishna and came here to mediate. Kauravas are making nonsensical remarks. They trivialized Ugrasena. They are saying Sri Krishna, who is worshiped by Devas and served by Lakshmi Devi, is unqualified to be a king"
He decided to uproot Hastinapura sans Samba using his plough and throw it into the ocean. The Kauravas panicked. They apologized to Balarama and appeased him.
When Kauravas repented, Balarama assured them that nothing untoward would befall them. Duryodhana sent his daughter with Samba along with gold, horses, chariots and maids.
Narada - Sri Krishna
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Sri Krishna married sixteen thousand women after freeing them from Narakasura's prison. Narada wanted to see how he was tending to them and came to Dwaraka.
In Narada Parivraajaka Upanishad it was said"Bachelors embrace asceticism with dispassion after renouncing familial bondage"
Narada went to Rukminidevi's quarters. There he saw Rukminidevi and the sixteen thousand wives serving Sri Krishna. On seeing Narada, Sri Krishna got up, seated him and washed his feet. Then he asked"What can I do for you?"
Narada said"You are the paramatma who dwells in everyone's heart. To protect dharma you have donned this avatar. Today I saw your lotus feet which are auspicious. Please grant me devotion to cherish your feet all the time".
Saying this he took leave of Sri Krishna and went to the next quarters. There he saw Sri Krishna playing a game of shells with his wife and Uddava. On seeing Narada Sri Krishna got up and saluted him. He said"When did you come, Narada?"
Narada didn't know what to say and dashed out.
Narada went to the third quarters where he saw Sri Krishna playing with children. Sri Krishna wished him and asked"When did you come Narada? What can I do for you?"
Narada came out in hurry.
In the fourth quarters Sri Krishna was preparing to go for a bath. In the fifth house he was performing a fire ritual. In the sixth house he was performing yagna. In the seventh house he was serving food to brahmins. In the eighth house he was eating the food left over after feeding the brahmins. In the ninth house he was offering prayer to Gayatri Devi. In the tenth house he was riding an elephant and a horse. In the eleventh house he was holding a sword. In the twelfth house he was seriously discussing with his ministers and Uddava.
Thus in each house the clone of the Lord appeared to Narada. And the Lord was setting an example to householders by worshiping sages, playing with children, reciting Gayatri mantra and such.
Narada was confused. He prayed to the Achyuta who deified and said
"Narada, I speak dharma, follow dharma and decide what is dharma. I came to spread dharma by setting an example. Hence don't be deluded by my yoga maya".
Narada replied"Lord, I will spread your fame in all lokas. Please give me permission".
Amruta Bindu Upanishad said"The Self of all jivas is one. It is manifest in all. Like the reflections of moon in various containers, the Self is perceived in multiplicity"
When many pots containing water are placed outside, one can see multiple reflections of the moon in them. That doesn't mean there are that many moons. Moon is only one, it's just that there are several reflections.
Rajasooya Yagna = Jarasandha's Demise
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One day Dharma Raja said to Sri Krishna"I want to conduct rajasooya yagna to appease all Devas. My subjects will have the good fortune of seeing you. Please bless me for its success"
Sri Krishna said"Your desire is exalted. Your fame will spread far and wide. The rajasooya yagna will bring auspiciousness to all"
"You win against all the kings, bring the earth under your control, gather things you need for the yagna and conduct the yagna. You, by controlling your senses, impressed me. My devotees will get aura, wealth and fame. No Deva will be able to reject them" said Sri Krishna.
Dharma Raja, encouraged by Sri Krishna's words firmly believed that yagna would be successful. He sent Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna and Bheema in the four directions to conquer the kingdoms.
The four pandavas brought back great wealth after winning against the kings. Only Magadha's king Jarasandha refused to yield. On hearing it from Arjuna, Dharma Raja became worried.
Sri Krishna pacified Dharma Raja. He said he knew how to kill Jarasandha. Sri Krishna, Bheema and Arjuna donned brahmin attire and went to Magadha.
They told Jarasandha"King, we came from a far away land. We are brahmins and your guests. Please fulfill our wishes. You will get auspiciousness"
"King, this body is impermanent. Our life can end at any time. Being aware of this, one has to perform noble acts and attain fame. Or else he will experience sorrow"
"King, Rantideva, Harischandra, Bali performed noble acts and earned fame that lasts for ever"
Jarasandha was a devotee of brahmins. Upon hearing Sri Krishna's words and observing their physique he thought they were kshatriyas. In any case, he wanted to fulfill their wishes.
Sri Krishna said"King, we are kshatriyas. We came to wrestle with you. Here are Kunti's son Bheema and his brother Arjuna. I am your enemy Sri Krishna."
Jarasandha said"Sri Krishna, we fought several times in the past. You know my strength. Unable to withstand it, you ran from Madhura and took refuge in the ocean. You are a coward. Hence you are ineligible to wrestle with me."
"As for Arjuna he is weak and younger to me. So I won't wrestle with him"
"Only Bheema is my match. I am ready to fight with him".
He held a mace and gave Bheema a mace. They started fighting. They were like two lions fighting with each other. The maces could not withstand their strength. So they started wrestling.
They fought like this for twenty seven days. On the twenty eighth day Bheema told Sri Krishna that he could no longer fight with Jarasandha.
Sri Krishna knew the secrets of Jarasandha's birth and death. He then took a twig and tore it into two pieces. Bheema understood what Sri Krishna meant. He grabbed Jarasandha's feet and threw him to the ground. With one leg he pinned Jarasandha's leg to the ground. He then pulled the second leg from the bottom of the spine. Jarasandha splat into two and died.
Sri Krishna crowned Jarasandha's son as the king of Magadha and freed the twenty thousand kings imprisoned by Jarasandha. The kings saluted Sri Krishna.
The freed kings praised Sri Krishna"Mukunda, we wasted our lives by being unable to know the goal of our lives. Like chasing the mirages in the desert we were seeking pleasures in life. Now it is apparent to us that comforts won't last forever. Please accept us as your devotees".
Sri Krishna blessed them.
Jarasandha means old age. Old age is frightening.
Bheema was the son of wind god which stands for prana. Old age won't affect the atma or paramatma. For this reason Jarasandha elected to fight with Bhemaa rather than Sri Krishna and Arjuna.
Sri Krishna figured out a way to kill Jarasandha. He advised Bheema to look at him while fighting. We struggle in life like the blind. Even when faced with heavy odds we persist like fools. We should be able to fight by looking at the Lord's image. If we forget the Lord and fight, that will be called brute force. Fighting while chanting the Lord's name will strengthen our body and mind.
Jarasandha was torn apart like a twig. This means at the meeting point between two halves of the day (sandhya) the resolution has to be made. Knowledge about Brahma is the junction between two desires. Atma can't be affected by old age and death.
Sisupala
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Dharma Raja started raajasooya yagna. Dhrutarashtra, Vidura, Bheeshma, Drona, Krupacharya and others arrived from Hastinapura. After the yagna he decided to worship the best among them. Sahadeva said Sri Krishna was only the best.
Dharma Raja worshiped Sri Krishna in front of all the guests and relations.
Sisupala was outraged and said"This is not to be tolerated. Listening to an adolescent like Sahadeva, when there are so many mahatmas, pundits, elders, emperors, worshiping one lowly yadava is intolerable. He has no royal lineage, doesn't follow dharma, lacks gunas. Worshiping him is like handing over the soma rasa of this yagna to a crow"
Some in the court walked out unable to bear the abuse of Sri Krishna. Like a lion that won't be perturbed by wolves, Sri Krishna didn't say a word.
Some led by Sahadeva approached Sisupala who, accompanied by his associates, prepared to battle with them. Sri Krishna got up and dissuaded those in support of him. He sent Sudarsana disk to end the life of Sisupala whose associates ran hither thither. A light emanated from Sisupala and merged with Sri Krishna.
Sisu means a child. Sisupala is one who rolls in excretion like a child. If that has to end, Lord has to intervene. That is the Sudarsana. It will end jiva's life and enable his self to merge with paramatma.
Rajasooya yagna concluded successfully. Sri Krishna stayed with Dharma Raja and others in Indrapastha for some time. He went to Dwaraka afterwards.
Duryodhana's Misfortune
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As the rajasooya yagna was being completed, Indraprastha was reverberating with music, dance and merry. All the kings took leave of Dharma Raja. At that time vedas were being recited. Devas showered flowers. Dharma Raja along with Droupadi bathed in the holy water of Ganga.
Dharma Raja requested his relations and well wishers to stay in Indraprastha for some more time. Duryodhana was one among them.
Duryodhana was jealous of the Pandava riches. A jealous person will never rejoice for others' fortune. Sorrow is his wealth.
One day Dharma Raja was conferring with his friends in the Maya Sabha that was built by Maya. At the time Duryodhana entered Maya Sabha despite pleadings by the palace guards to not enter.
Duryodhana was amazed by the Maya Sabha. He lifted his robes, thinking there was water when there was none. He stepped into a pool of water where he expected none. This is a delusion. Those who perceive truth as falsity, vice-versa, are like Duryodhana.
When Duryodhana fell in a water pool, all those watching him laughed. Dharma Raja tried to dissuade them in vain. Duryodhana's pride was hurt. He considered it as a great insult and went back to his Hastinapura.
Salva
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Salva was one of the kings who came to Rukmini's wedding with Sisupala that ended up with Sri Krishna kidnapping her. He decided to annihilate Yadavas and did great penance. He ate only sand while chanting Lord Siva's name. Lord Siva appeared and told him to seek a boon. He wanted an aircraft that would frighten Yadavas; and Devas, asuras, men, gandharvas couldn't reach. Lord Siva gave him the aircraft called Soubhaka.
He boarded Soubhaka and led an army that destroyed Dwaraka. At that time, Sri Krishna wasn't there in Dwaraka. Pradyumna tried to defend Dwaraka. Pradyumna was struck with a mace by Salva's minister, Dyumu, rendering him unconscious. His charioteer took the chariot away from the battle field. Pradyumna came to consciousness and regretted what his charioteer did. The charioteer told him it was his duty to protect those in the chariot.
The charioteer, Suta, said"If the charioteer is in danger the rider should rescu. Similarly if the rider is in danger, the charioteer should rescue as per dharma".
Sri Krishna who was in Indraprastha came to know about Salva's attack on Dwaraka. He entered the battlefield and defended Pradyumna from Salva's attacks. Then he fought with Salva whose arrows struck Sri Krishna's arm holding the bow. Salva said"Fool, being wicked you stole the woman Sisupala was going to marry. I will send you to Yama".
At that juncture a messenger informed Sri Krishna that his father Vasudeva was captured and being dragged by Salva. Sri Krishna was distraught. Salva, holding Vasudeva a prisoner, said"Fool, I am going to kill your father". Then he entered Soubhaka.
Sri Krishna though perplexed, discerned that it was all maya. Immediately the messenger and Vusudeva disappeared. He destroyed Soubhaka and eventually killed Salva with Sudarshana disc.
Salva means one without merit. He represents various titillations of the world. Hence he ate sand when doing the penance. He used to roam in Soubhaka which was made of maya. Similarly the various titillations of the world are manifestations of maya.
Pradyumna means one with love that is not carnal. He was the avatar of Manmadha. Hence Salva, who was attached to the objective world, couldn't kill him. Then Dyumu, who represents heaven, made Pradyumna unconscious. For the one who couldn't be overcome, the luxuries of heaven will make him unconscious. After recovering, Pradyumna took a bath and went on to kill Dyumu. Those who bathe in waters called devotion, will be free from the desire for luxuries here and in heaven.
With the arrival of Sri Krishna, Salva's maya had ended and he was killed. With the appearance of paramatma the worldly bonds end and jiva will be liberated from maya.
Dantavaktra and Vidooratha
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Dantavaktra who was a friend of Jarasandha, Sisupala, Salva vowed to avenge their death. He challenged Sri Krishna to fight with him.
He said"I am like a disease in your relatives. By killing you I will avenge the death of my friends".
He then took a mace and hit Sri Krishna on his head. Sri Krishna hit on his chest with a mace putting an end to Dantavaktra.
On hearing of his brother's death, Vidooratha attacked Sri Krishna with a sword and a shield. Using his Sudarshana disc Sri Krishna killed him.
Dantavaktra means one whose talk doesn't make sense. Birds and animals can't talk the privilege of which has been given to men. The speech should be used extol god. Unable to do so, some people blame the god. Such people are like Dantavaktra. When their karma matures, they will be taught a lesson by the god before their death.
Kuchela
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Kuchela was a poor brahmin and an ardent devotee of the Lord. He was experiencing hunger along with his family. His wife was a chaste woman who never harangued her husband for not providing the basic necessities. All of the family was in an emaciated condition. One day she approached her husband and said:
"Mahatma, Dwaraka's ruler and Lord Sri Krishna is your friend. He helps brahmins and protects those seeking refuge in him. Please go to Sri Krishna. He will grant us wealth."
Kuchela said"He is a paramatma. I only know how to pray to him but not beg him"
She said"I am not asking you to beg. Our children are crying with hunger. For their sake you must visit your friend in Dwaraka. He takes care of his devotees. You said he is fond of his friends. He will definitely help you"
Kuchela said"Sri Krishna is not just the ruler of Dwaraka but the entire world. He knows our travails. Everyone has to experience accumulated karma. I am spending my time chanting his name. By visiting Dwaraka I will be limiting him to a place and time"
She said"Aren't we going to the temple and worshiping the all-pervading paramatma? Will that make him finite and confined to a space and time? Similarly you can meet your dear friend in Dwaraka".
"Even though you are his childhood friend, you never tried to visit him thereby ignoring him. I am thinking that is why we are suffering. You don't have to beg him for anything. Just go and meet him."
Kuchela agreed with her and decided to meet his childhood friend. As he didn't want to go to him with empty hands, his wife borrowed some cooked rice from the neighbor and gave it to him.
Kuchela, dressed in tattered clothes, holding a stick, started trekking to Dwaraka.
After walking some distance, he was tired and sat under the shade of a tree. He slowly drifted into sleep. The Lord knew what was happening to him. So he sent his vehicle, Garuda, to carry him all the way to the outskirts of Dwaraka.
Kuchela woke up and was surprised to see Dwaraka at a distance. He didn't know that the Lord was guiding him. Nor did he knew about Garuda.
Kuchela entered Dwaraka and was searching here and there for Sri Krishna's abode. He was accosted by a brahmin who asked him where he was going. Kuchela saluted him and told him he was looking for Sri Krishna. The brahmin wanted to know the reason. Kuchela said Sri Krishna was his childhood friend. The brahmin didn't believe in him and left.
After some concerted effort he came to Sri Krishna's abode. But the security guards there wouldn't let him in. He pleaded with them that he was Sri Krishna's childhood friend. But no one believed in him.
Kuchela told them he didn't come there to beg but to meet his friend. He requested them to go inside and tell Sri Krishna that Kuchela came to see him.
When a guard told Sri Krishna that Kuchela was there to see him, Sri Krishna ran to the gate. His wives never saw him so excited before. Everyday any number of people came to see Sri Krishna and he never expressed so much urgency.
"Friend, you finally came to see me and made me happy" said Sri Krishna with tears in his eyes and hugged him. Kuchela didn't have shoes, an umbrella or proper clothes. He was completely emaciated.
"Kuchela, I wanted to come visit you at your home but got delayed. You only came to see me" said Sri Krishna. As Rukminidevi brought water, Sri Krishna washed Kuchela's feet and sprinkled the wash water on his head. He removed the thorns embedded in Kuchela's feet.
Kuchela said"Sri Krishna, you are the king of Dwaraka. I am a poor brahmin. You don't have to clean my feet".
Sri Krishna said"Do you ignore our childhood friendship by calling me a king? I may be wealthy, but still have fond memories of our childhood. I will always be your friend and servant"
Kuchelas eyes teared. Sri Krishna took him inside to Rukmini's room. There he made him sit beside him as Rukmini served them. The women there were amazed to see Sri Krishna serving someone wearing tattred clothes and looking like a beggar. They thought he must be very fortunate to receive Sri Krishna's service.
Sri Krishna enquired about his family and praised his simplicity. He said
"Do you reminisce about our childhood? One day our guru's wife wanted us to get some firewood. When we were in the forest a big storm came. We were trapped in darkness and spent the night in the forest".
Kuchela was ashamed of his behavior on that night. He lied to Sri Krishna that he didn't have any food even though he had some peas that he ate all by himself without sharing.
Sri Krishna said"Next morning our guru Sandipani came looking for us. He praised us for not caring about our welfare in discharging guru's orders".
Sri Krishna said their guru blessed them that their wishes would come true. He credited guru's blessing for being alive and well.
Kuchela said"Guru for the entire world, I didn't experience any deficit because of my friendship with you in the childhood"
He said"Sri Krishna, you are the embodiment of vedas that grant dharma, artha (wealth), kama (desire), moksha (salvation). It is amazing that an omniscient person like you should approach a guru. You were merely imitating others"
"King Pareekshit, Sri Krishna was thus conversing with the indigent brahmin. He was laughing, looking at him fondly. It was a memorable sight" said Suka Brahma.
The maids, seeing them holding their hands and talking, were totally amazed. They thought Kuchela was not a mendicant but the most fortunate among all.
Kuchela's Fortune
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Next day the friends were conversing. Sri Krishna asked him about his family. Kuchela told all about them but never once mentioned about his poverty.
Sri Krishna wanted to see what Kuchela brought for him. He said whatever little his devotees bring would please him. At the same time if the evil minded people give him even gold, that wouldn't please him.
In Gita the Lord said"Whoever gives me a leaf, a flower, a fruit, some water with devotion, I am accepting them wholeheartedly".
Kuchela was too embarrassed to offer Sri Krishna the cooked rice his wife gave. Sri Krishna understood his predicament. He knew that Kuchela never wanted to approach him for wealth. It was only to please his wife that he came.
Then Sri Krishna grabbed the sack containing the cooked rice, opened it, took a fistful and ate it. As soon as he ate, the entire world was satiated. In return to his friend he granted amazing wealth.
As he was trying to help himself for another fistful, Rukmini stopped him. She was concerned that the Lord might send her in servitude to Kuchela who was already granted great wealth for the first helping of rice.
The next day Kuchela was on his way back to his home. Sri Krishna followed him to the outskirts of Dwaraka and bid him farewell.
Kuchela thought the Lord did him a great favor by hugging him and offering him to sit on Rukmini's bed. He was worshiped like a Deva and Rukmini herself served him. He thought the Lord didn't give him any wealth because he might become arrogant and lose his devotion.
Kuchela came to his village. In the place of his former house there was a palatial building surrounded by gardens, ponds and servants. He thought he was in delusion and lost his way.
His wife beaming with a bog smile came out of the house to meet him. Seeing her he was mystified. Then he went inside the house that was like Indra's abode. It was filled with valuables. Then he realized it was all because of Sri Krishna.
"My friend Lord Sri Krishna gave me all this wealth. Even though he didn't give me in person, like a cloud, he granted my wish and gave me so much. By accepting a fistful of rice from me, he granted me the comfort of heaven. Whatever little we offer him, he will grant us in plenty. It is enough if I can be a devotee, meet his devotees and serve them. Without paying attention to the wealth, I will be devout towards him" thought Kuchela.
Kuchela and his wife prayed"Sri Krishna, please turn our minds away from all these materialistic things towards serving you"
Vasudeva
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To see Sri Krishna Vyasa, Narada, Viswamitra, Vasishtha, Goutama, Kasyapa, Atri, Markandeya, Agastya, Yangnavalkya, Vamadeva and other ascetics arrived in Kurukshetra.
Sri Krishna said"We have the opportunity to meet an eclectic collection of ascetics that is not possible even for Devas. People throng to holy rivers and idol worship thinking they are the only ways to attain salvation. It takes time to attain salvation through them. Whereas ascetics like you give liberation to devotees instantaneously. Hence you are the equivalents of holy rivers and Devas".
The ascetics thought Sri Krishna, being a primordial god, was praising them to be a role model to others.
They said"You are hiding your real self and talking like a common man. You have no karma. You are non-dual. You carry out creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe. Your escapades are mind boggling".
"Sri Krishna, because of this meeting our penance, knowledge, lives turned auspicious" said the ascetics as they were about to return to their ashrams.
Vasudeva prostrated before them and asked"How do karmas enable one to break the bondage from karma?"
Narada was amazed that being the birth father of Sri Krishna, Vasudeva was asking the ascetics to clarify about karma. He said to the ascetics"Vasudeva, not realizing that Sri Krishna is the paramatma, is asking us for advice. Don't be surprised as this is the way in the real world"
"People standing next to the greatest will not recognize and respect it. The people living on the banks of river Ganga, go to other holy rivers"
The ascetics replied"Vasudeva, the scripture says men should perform yagna and worship Lord Hari. This is the only way to break away from the bondage due to karma. For the householders performing dharma, just livelihood, devotion to Lord Narayana are the only means"
"You are free from the debt to rishis with your learning; free from debt to forefathers by having children. Now is the time to perform yagna and be free from debt to Devas. Then you are free to take sanyasa".
"You are a great devotee who performed service to the Lord. Hence you had the privilege to give birth to Sri Krishna"
Vasudeva was happy after listening to the ascetics. He decided to perform a yagna in Kurukshetra and invited all of them to take part in it.
Suka Brahma said"King Pareekshit, the ascetics, following the scripture, made Vasudeva perform the yagna"
After yagna was completed Vasudeva said to Nanda:
"Brother, friendship is the most valuable thing. It is god's gift to men. Even the valorous and yogis find it difficult to maintain friendship. You are the best of the best men. When gratitude has taken a second seat, you still showered your friendship on me. Your friendship is evergreen, worthy of morning prayer, and doesn't expect favors.
"Earlier I was unable to do any favors to you fearing Kamsa. Now with the pride of wealth, I am unable to serve you" said Vasudeva shedding tears.
Nanda and yadavas spent three months with Sri Krishna and Vasudeva. Later Nanda, gopalas and gopikas returned to Madhura with the gifts given to them. Yadavas returned to Dwaraka.
Subhadra's Marriage
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When Arjuna was on pilgrimage, he went to a holy site called Prabhasa Teertha. There he heard that his maternal uncle's daughter Subhadra was going to be married to Duryodhna. He also came to know that Vasudeva was not favorable to the arrangement. Arjuna thought of kidnapping her. Dressed as an ascetic he went to Dwaraka.
Balarama, Vasudeva et al. couldn't recognize him. One day they invited him to their house for a meal. Arjuna saw Subhadra and immediately fell in love with her. Subhadra also felt the same way.
One day as Subhadra was coming out of the palace in a chariot, Arjuna taking the approval of Devaki, Vasudeva and Sri Krishna, kidnapped her. When Yadava warrior's tried to stop him, he overcame them and took Subhadra with him.
Balarama came to know about Subhadra's kidnapping and was livid. Sri Krishna and others pacified him. Balarama later blessed their marriage and sent them gifts.
While Subhadra represents knowledge about self, Arjuna stands for jiva who will be in delusion and in need of self-realization. To attain self-realization one has to give up all worldly matters, and give up all desires. That is called sanyasa.
An ascetic has to keep his mind focused on the self and strive for its realization. Here Subhadra stands for such self realization. Arjuna by being an ascetic was able to successfully marry her. An ascetic has to fight the senses, like Arjuna's battle with Yadavas, to attain self-realization.
Bahulasva - Srutadeva
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Bahulasva was the king of Mithila. He was a humble Sri Krishna devotee who always recited Lord's name. In the same town there was a brahmin called Srutadeva who was dispassionate and an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna.
Once Sri Krishna visited Mithila and was welcomed by Bahulasva who was ecstatic to see the Lord. Later on Srutadeva met Sri Krishna. He fell on his feet and requested him to visit his house for lunch. Sri Krishna agreed. The excited Srutadeva went to his home, made all the arrangements and returned to the palace.
It was apparent to Srutadeva that Sri Krishna agreed to have lunch at Bahulasva's palace. Srutadeva was in quandary as to where Sri Krishna would have lunch.
At the appointed time, Bahulasva came to Sri Krishna and took him to the dining room. Sri Krishna had his lunch. As Sri Krishna rested, Bahulasva was massaging his legs. Meanwhile Srutadeva's son came running and asked him to come home immediately as Sri Krishna was waiting for him at his home. Srutadeva wondered how could Sri Krishna, who was resting before his eyes, arrive at his home. He was moved by Sri Krishna's grace.
One brahmin informed Bahulasva that he saw Sri Krishna at Srutadeva's house eating lunch. Bahulasva was perplexed as Sri Krishna was resting in his palace. To ascertain the truth, the king went to Srutadeva's house.
He found Sri Krishna resting on a cot in Srutadeva's house. Srutadeva was massaging his legs. He praised the Lord for his generosity towards his devotees.
Suka told Pareekshit"King, thus Bahulasva and Srutadeva attained liberation in the service of the Lord Sri Krishna".
Sruti Gita
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Narada once visited Narayana maharshi's ashram. He saluted Narayana rishi and others gathered there. Narayana rishi gave him knowledge about Brahma.
The scripture assumed the form of a Deva and said to Lord Narayana"Lord, clay pots emerge from clay and end up in clay. The creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe is happening under the supervision of parabrahma. Being primordial you have no birth or death. Jivas worshiping you are being freed from attachment and hatred and surmounting old age and death"
"Lord, those worshiping you are prospering. Some rishis worship Brahman in Manipooraka chakra. Some others are meditating on the subtle body. One who attains sahasraara won't return to common life."
"Lord, you assumed an avatar to give knowledge about self. Those receiving that knowledge with devotion are attaining salvation"
"Lord, by following Kanada, Vaiseshikas believe the universe is born. Following Goutama, Naiyayikas believe the removal of twenty types of sorrow is salvation. Following Kapila, Sankhyas see duality in non-dual objects. Similarly Memasas following Jaimini believe karmas are real. All these are offshoots of illusion but not the truth. One can't find ignorance in you who transcends three gunas"
Narayana rishi said"Narada, rishis thus described self and attained knowledge. You too do the same and move freely in the world"
Narada said"Salutation to Sri Krishna who came to grant salvation to all jivas" and left. He then went to Vyasa and conveyed the knowledge he received from Narayana rishi.
Vrukasura
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Pareekshit asked Suka:"Mahatma, those doing penance on Lord Siva, who is not wealthy, become wealthy; and those doing penance on Lord Vishnu, who is wealthy, become paupers. What is the reason?"
Suka said"King, your grandfather Dharma Raja when performing rajasooya yagna asked the same question. I will narrate what Sri Krishna said at that time"
Sri Krishna said"Dharma Raja, on whomever I want to show grace, I will first take away their wealth. He will be in sorrow upon being shunned by wife, children and relations. I will thwart all of his attempts to make money. Then he becomes dispassionate and approaches my devotees. Then I will shower my grace on him. Such a person will realize self and self is not much different from Brahman. Then he will be free from bondage and attain me"
"Pareekshit, you have to note one thing here. Trimurtis are capable of giving boons or curses. Brahma and Siva give boons readily. But it is hard penance with Vishnu. I will tell you one interesting story"
A demon called Vrukasura accosted Narada and queried"Who among Trimurtis is easy to propitiate?"
Narada said"Lord Sankara will be the easiest among the three to propitiate. Ravanasura received his blessing and shook Kailasa. Banasura receiving a boon from Siva tried to rule Kailasa"
Vrukasura went to Kedara and performed a great penance. He cut flesh out of his own body and made a fire sacrifice. Even then Sankara didn't deify.
After six days, on the seventh day he wetted his hair and tried to cut his head off.
At that juncture Sankara appeared and restored Vrukasura's body and gave him a boon.
"Parama Siva, I want a boon such that on whomever's head I place my palm he should die" said Vrukasura. Siva granted his boon.
After getting the boon, to verify that it worked, he tried to put his hand on Siva. Sankara was frightened and ran to Brahma who couldn't save him. So he ran to Lord Vishnu who inferred what was going on and turned into a bachelor. He said to Vrukasura:
"What is the reason for your visit? You look tired. Why did you come this far? Please rest here for a while. Body needs to be protected. If I can know the reason for your visit, please let me know. If necessary I can help you" said the bachelor.
Vrukasura was impressed by the bachelor's sweet talk and narrated the whole story.
"Vrukasura, you were misled by Sankara. We don't believe in him because he is worshiped by the disembodied and ghosts from a curse by Daksha. He made you believe he has the power to grant you a boon. He is running away from you because he will be proven wrong. If you don't believe me, keep your palm on your head. Nothing will happen. Then go and punish Sankara" said the bachelor.
Believing in Sri Hari's words, Vrukasura lost his mind and kept the hand on his head. Immediately his head broke into pieces and Vrukasura died. Devas were pleased.
Sri Hari approached Sankara and said"Parama Siva, the wicked Vrukasura met his fate because of his evil acts. One who tries to engender evil to mahatmas will never get auspicious results. So how can Vrukasura attain a better afterlife when he tried to attack the world's guru like you?"
Trimoorti
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Once upon a time maharshis performed a great yagna on the banks of river Saraswati. They wanted to know who was the greatest among the Trimoortis: Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara. They elected Bhrugu maharshi to make the decision.
Bhrugu went to Brahma loka. Brahma saw him but Bhrugu did not wish him. Brahma was enraged. Since Bhrugu was his son, he calmed down.
Then Bhrugu went to Kailasa. On seeing him, Maheswara was pleased. He tried to hug him. Bhrugu said"You perform occult rituals" and refused to hug him.
The enraged Maheswara picked up his trident and tried to kill him. Paravati Devi beseeched him not to kill Bhrugu. Then Bhrugu went to Vaikuntha. At that time Vishnu was resting his head on Lakshmi Devi's lap. Bhrugu kicked him on his chest. Vishnu saluted him despite Bhrugu's behavior and asked for his welfare. He said"Rishi, did your travel go well? Come and sit here. We didn't know you were coming. So please forgive me"
Then he washed Bhrugu's feet and said"This wash water will purify even the holy rivers. Let Vaikuntha and its residents be purified by it. With the touch of your leg, as my chest has been purified, Lakshmi Devi can stay there forever" said Vishnu.
Bhrugu returned to the banks of river Saraswati and explained what he had done. All the ascetics thought Lord Vishnu was the greatest among Trimoortis.
Arjuna's Vow
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There was a brahmin in Dwaraka. As soon as his wife delivered a child, it used to die. The brahmin then would stand outside the king's palace and blame the king for the death of his child. He lost nine children when Arjuna saw the brahmin berating the king. He approached the brahmin and assured him that he would protect his next child. Or else would end his life in Agni.
The brahmin was pleased. His wife was about to deliver the tenth child. The brahmin ran to Arjuna for help. Arjuna using arrows built an airtight chamber around the brahmin's house. The tenth child was delivered. The crying child went towards the sky and disappeared. The brahmin abused Arjuna in front of Sri Krishna"What a fool I am. This Arjuna is an eunuch. When Pradyumna, Anirudha, Balarama and Sri Krishna could not be successful, who else could do it? This Arjuna is arrogant. He revels in self praise. He is a liar. He let me down. Let his bow become useless."
Arjuna went to Samyamanee but lord of death Yama said the child was not in his possession. Then Arjuna went to Indra, Agni, Chandra, Vayu, Varuna lokas but couldn't find the child. He even went to rasatala, heaven. He returned empty handed and decided to end his life by entering Agni. Sri Krishna came and dissuaded him. He said to Arjuna"I can show you this brahmin's child. Don't let yourself down. Those abusing us today, will praise us tomorrow".
He and Arjuna boarded his chariot.
Sri Krishna's chariot crossed seven mountains, seven oceans, seven islands and entered a pitch black region. The horses were unable to see anything. Then Sri Krishna released his Sudarshana disc to light the path. They reached a city studded with diamonds called Mahakala. There they saw Adisesha with thousand gem studded hoods. On the hoods was seated the paramatma. Sri Krishna and Arjuna saluted the paramatma.
"I brought the brahmin's children here as I wanted to see you. You are of my form. For restoring dharma you were born on earth. Complete your mission and merge with me" said paramatma.
Sri Krishna and Arjuna took leave of him and returned to Madhura with the brahmin's children. Arjuna realized that without paramatma's help, no matter how strong one is, it is impossible to succeed. And self pride would bring turmoil.
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