The Avatar of Vishnu in the Dwapara-Yuga, prior to the present Kali-Yuga. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
Devaki and Vasudeva
Shurasena was the Lord of the Yadava dynasty. The term ‘Yadava’ is derived from Yadu, the son of King Yayati, who was Shurasena’s ancestor. ‘Yadava’ means ‘descendant of Yadu.’ Shurasena divided his kingdom into two parts: Mathura and Surasena. His older son, Ugrasena, ruled Mathura. Kamsa was Ugrasena’s son. Shurasena’s second son, Devaka, ruled Surasena.
Devaki was his daughter. Kamsa did not have any siblings, so he considered Devaki as his own little sister. Kamsa’s affection for Devaki was truly boundless. To him, she was his second life. In due course, the marriage of Devaki was finalized with Vasudeva, the son of Shurasena. Kamsa took active part in the marriage arrangements and offered many ornaments, horses and elephants to the couple with love.
This affectionate Kamsa later turned into a cruel hater. Why? Only due to selfishness. There are such demons even today who would harm their own mother, father, brother, or friend for the fulfilment of their desires! If possible, we should teach wisdom to such people. We should dissociate from such sinners who hold self-interest highest.
Kamsa placed the couple in a chariot and started guiding it towards the village of Vasudeva. It was a long and joyous procession. Suddenly they heard a voice from the sky: ‘Kamsa, you fool! The woman in your chariot will cause your death! Her eighth son will be your destroyer.’ Kamsa immediately jumped down, caught hold of Devaki’s hair, and dragged her down. He lifted his sword with his right hand. Everyone was terrified. Vasudeva intervened, ‘Kamsa, you have taken birth in a great dynasty. You will stain its glory by this ignoble act. You will incur the heinous sin of killing a woman. How can you do this to your dearest sister who you loved more than yourself? Calm down. Inquire. Death follows birth like night follows day. Everyone is bound to die one day or the other.
Not even an hour has passed since our marriage! Why kill this pure lady for what is inevitable?’ Kamsa was harsh, ‘My life is in danger due to her. She cannot go free!’ Vasudeva quickly thought of a strategy to save Devaki till the birth of her children. He said, ‘Devaki herself poses no danger to you, it is only her eighth child. I will deliver every child to you as it is born. Leave her alone.’ Kamsa considered the proposal and was satisfied. He let go of Devaki and walked back to his palace.
The newly-weds, who were supposed to reach home in joy, were drowned in tears. From the very first day of their marriage they were immersed in grief! Why? It was the direct result of associating with bad company in the form of Kamsa. Evil in a person is not always visible. It is seen only when it manifests in actions. Kamsa’s cruelty In due course the first child, a girl, was born. Noble and virtuous souls never break their promises, no matter what the price. They alone qualify to be called true humans. Kamsa was a demon. People of his category must be avoided. And true men like Vasudeva should be befriended. Only vile people make promises in time of need and conveniently forget them later. There is no sin greater than reneging on your word.
Vasudeva was definitely not such a person. To him truth was the highest penance. He carried his child to Kamsa. He upheld his word. Kamsa was struck by Vasudeva’s nobility. He thought, ‘My brother-in-law kept his word even in such an extreme situation. Such purity and adherence to truth are absent in me.’ Vasudeva’s integrity changed the cruel mind of Kamsa. He told Vasudeva, ‘Your truthfulness will always protect you’ and returned the baby. Why? Kamsa knew that his enemy was the eighth child, not the first. Vasudeva retraced his steps with the child in his arms. Then Sage Narada, the son of Brahma, arrived at Kamsa’s palace. He asked Kamsa, ‘How are you, your subjects, and kingdom?’ as per formality. Then he began talking about the issue at hand. ‘Kamsa! Don’t you know the reality of the Yadavas? They are divine beings born on Earth to herald he Avatar. The Lord is destined to be your killer. You returned the first child to Vasudeva without grasping the situation in its entirety.
No one can fathom the intentions of God. What is meant by the eighth child? The first becomes the eighth if you count backward starting at eight! If counting begins with two, the second becomes the eighth. In this manner, all eight births can qualify as the eighth! This is a Divine mystery.’ After sowing this doubt in Kamsa’s mind, Narada calmly departed. The spark ignited by Narada grew into a raging fire in Kamsa’s heart. His eyes crimson with fury, Kamsa ran to Vasudeva’s house. Devaki was feeding her child. Kamsa wrenched the baby away by its leg and beheaded it with his sword.
There is no limit to the wretchedness of demonic people! They have no trace of compassion! They cultivate all inhuman traits and display them in cruelty. Six children were done away with in this manner. Devaki and Vasudeva witnessed these horrific crimes and suffered terribly. But so did Kamsa. Ever since Kamsa paid heed to Narada’s words, he lost interest in food and sleep. He became weaker and weaker. In this situation, Jarasandha, the King of Magadha, came to Mathura and gave his daughters (Asti & Prapti) in marriage to Kamsa.
After his marriage, Kamsa grew stronger owing to the support of Jarasandha and his allies. He used his new-found strength in acts of greater cruelty. Narada had said that the Yadavas were heavenly beings in human form. Kamsa began harassing the Yadavas. Not able to bear his crimes, people fled to neighbouring kingdoms as refugees. Some people continued to stay and act as per Kamsa’s wishes, having no other option.
We must try to understand the nature of Divinity. God always assumes human forms. Why? Only for the upliftment of mankind. Only then can men feel intimate kinship with Him. Therefore, an Avatar has both Divine and Human traits. When in human form, the Divine sometimes behaves like an ordinary man and acts as if He knows nothing. Devotees get misled by His acting and think, ‘He seems quite plain. How can He be God?’ People concentrate on His human qualities and forget His Divinity. ‘He eats with us, walks with us, talks with us.
Sri Krishna Avatar
As time passed God summoned Maya Shakthi (The Lord’s power of delusion, also known as Yoga Maya or simply, Maya.) Devaki had conceived her seventh child. God ensured that everythingwas progressing according to His master plan. Vasudeva had a wife, Rohini, prior to Devaki. She was at Nanda’s place temporarily, for fear of Kamsa. The Lord instructed Maya to transfer Devaki’s seventh child into the womb of Rohini. And Maya Herself entered into the womb of Yashoda, the wife of Nanda.
This seventh child, the incarnation of Adisesha (the thousand-hooded serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines), was named Balarama. That is why Balarama is also called Sankarshana, meaning ‘transferred’. The Lord told Maya, ‘I will Myself enter Devaki’s womb as her eighth child.’ Whenever cruelty and unrighteousness reach intolerable proportions, God incarnates on Earth and destroys wrongdoers. God Himself steps into the world. Why? Couldn’t He send His deputies to complete the task? If two people are quarrelling on the road, a constable is enough to separate them. People suffered likewise under Kamsa’s policies. Everyone felt as if he was in the midst of a fire. ‘What will happen next? Will I live to see tomorrow?’ Such were the constant fears in people’s minds.
God decided to incarnate to destroy the cruel and selfish Kamsa. The Avatar manifested. The Divine effulgence of the child illuminated the surroundings. Vasudeva and Devaki bowed to the child. How did they know? They were told earlier that God would incarnate as their son. The Lord had appeared to them in a dream the previous night and said, ‘I will take birth from your womb at dawn.’ They knew He was God. Yet they worried for His safety if Kamsa stormed in! This is Maya, delusion! If the baby was God, does His protection lie in their hands? They were God’s parents and yet, full of fear.
See, the games which Maya plays on people’s minds! They were in a jail. Their hands and feet were shackled with chains. The doors to the jail were made of heavy iron. The guards were ferocious demons. The Lord had instructed Vasudeva to take Him out. How was this to be done? Vasudeva placed the Lord in a small basket and wondered how to fulfil the command. In a trice, the chains came loose. The doors flew open. It was three o’clock in the morning. The gatekeepers were fast asleep. No one else was around. Vasudeva quietly walked out of the dungeon. As he proceeded, there was a tremendous downpour of rain—a sign of the intense joy and purity of the occasion. Even the clouds were ecstatic at the Divine Advent.
(Vasudeva carrying the newborn Krishna to Nand s house in Gokul via river Yamuna)
Balancing the basket on his head, Vasudeva walked in the direction of Gokula. But River Yamuna flowed across his path. When God Himself walks, what can obstruct Him? Adisesha also came there and the river parted for them to proceed. At that moment Maya was born to Yashoda. Everyone was asleep at Gokula also. Vasudeva switched the babies and returned. It was all done according to Divine instructions. But nobody believes this today. Nobody can understand God’s plans. The sports of God are beyond all comprehension.
In keeping with God’s command, Vasudeva placed the Lord next to Yashoda’s sleeping form and returned to Mathura with the girl. God’s ways are so mysterious! Only after Vasudeva returned and placed the girl in Devaki’s arms did the jail guards wake up. The baby girl cried out loudly. Kamsa was informed of the Eighth Birth! Kamsa was not sleeping, anyway. He was in constant torment, eager for news from the jail. Sinners always suffer for their actions in this manner. Kamsa stormed in and, as usual, attempted to behead the baby girl.
(A frightened Kamsa (left) looks up to the goddess, as she issues the warning.)
But the baby slipped out of his grasp and flew upward, transformed and shone in Her full glory as Yoga Maya. She exclaimed, ‘Fool! You don’t know God’s Will! Your vanquisher survives elsewhere. It is impossible to harm Him. Recognize this truth. Vinasha Kaale Viparita Buddhi—a contorted intellect is a sign of approaching doom. You cannot escape your destiny. God is an embodiment of Karya-Karana —cause and effect. You haven’t understood the laws of cause and effect.’ So saying, Yoga Maya disappeared.
Thence began Kamsa’s obsessive search for the Divine child. Unable to limit his feelings of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’, Kamsa initiated a massacre of all infants in his kingdom. Thousands of people were treated with immeasurable cruelty. You may ask, why should innocent children be slaughtered? What sins have these babies done? Why should God treat them so heartlessly? Such doubts may arise. Firstly, it was the basis for the destruction of demonic persons. Secondly, it is only the body that dies, not the Atma. You cannot escape death. Thirdly, the Lord created them and destroyed them, both as acts of His Will. It is not easy to comprehend God’s Will.
Sri Krishna’s childhood
(Krishna Sucks our the Life-force from Putana)
Gradually, Kamsa trained his eyes on Gokula. He sent many demons there, all of whom were destroyed by the child Krishna. Not even one miscreant returned alive. At this time, Yashoda worried intensely about Krishna’s safety, although she perceived Divine signs in Him. Then came Putana, an ogress. She took the form of a beautiful lady and approached Yashoda, ‘Sister, I heard that you gave birth to a son after many years. I am surprised and delighted. May I see him?’ There was nothing untoward in this request. In fact, people often came in this manner. Yashoda took Putana inside unsuspectingly, since Putana had assumed the form of one of her friends. Then Putana insisted that she be allowed to nurse the baby. An argument ensued between the two of them, at which time Krishna began drinking Putana’s milk. Not just her milk, but her life-force was also sucked out. Putana fell down dead. Everyone in Gokula was astounded at the infant’s superhuman powers. (SSB 1995, p. 39)
Kaliya Incident
Sage Suka told Parikshit thus: ‘The Divine Boy, Gopala, was but God who had taken human form in sheer sport. He grew up like human children and attained the age of five. One day—no one can know the significance of His movements—He was never in the habit of communicating to others, about His sports or Leelas, either before or after. One has only to observe and obey. No one can guess their nature or plumb their meaning whoever he may be, whatever his attainments. One day, He collected the cattle secretly, so that even the parents did not know anything about it. Every day, the elder brother at least would know and he would also accompany, but that day, even he was not aware of the goings-on. Krishna got together His comrades from the cowherd homes, and proceeded with the cattle to the bank of the Yamuna River. He took them to a deep pool in the river, which people generally avoided.
‘That pool had a sinister history. Pools such as that one will naturally be stagnant and slushy, but this pool was blue in colour and boiling hot. The water was bubbling ceaselessly emitting steam into the upper air. A cloud hung over it, in consequence. Whoever breathed that atmosphere fouled by the fumes breathed his last, to the consternation and amazement of all. Birds that innocently flew over that pool were so fatally poisoned that they flapped their wings violently in despair and rolled down dead into its depths.
‘Everyone in Gokula knew all about this mortal trap, this deadly wonder. They were carefully avoiding approaching it. They warned their children against it. They vigilantly prevented their cattle from grazing anywhere near it. Of course, His comrades protested vehemently and
pleaded with Krishna that He should not go near that pool. They prayed, long and loud, but it was all in vain. He asserted that He must go to that very pool. That was His predetermined destination that day. The boys drew Him back and did their best to prevent the inevitable ‘disaster.’ He shook them off, and removing His clothes announced that He would delight in swimming, inside that poison pool! ‘The boys could not muster enough courage to warn Him aloud against the terrors of that pool. Their mild protestations, He brushed aside. With a certain perverse Will of His own, He got upon a tree on the bank and plunged into the horrid pool, by the side of the bank. He did not come up for a long time. The cowherd boys, for whom Krishna was the very breath of their lives, were overwhelmed with fear. They gathered round the pool and started calling Him in unbearable agony, sobbing and shedding tears of extreme grief.
‘Meanwhile, Gopala appeared above the waters, shaking the pool (as if an earthquake was rocking it) with the strokes of His swimming. Suddenly, they saw a huge serpent following Him, spitting poison and belching fire like a volcano, through its glowing eyes. The boys could not look on at this dreadful scene, without bawling out in uncontrollable anguish, ‘Krishna! Come on to the bank. Come this way. Come to this bank.’ Krishna swam about, as if He did not hear their prayers. He was happy in the pool, thrilled with excitement and joy. At last, the serpent succeeded in pursuing Krishna round the pool through the high tossing waves. It wound itself round His body, gradually tightening the grip. Seeing this, some boys ran as fast as they could to Gokula, and broke the news to Nanda and Yashoda, the father and the mother of Krishna. They wept aloud, while telling them what had happened.
‘Immediately, Nanda and Yashoda, with all the gopas and gopis, the entire population of Gokula, ran towards the poison pool, urged on by fear that some dire calamity was about to overtake Krishna. Balarama, the elder brother too, was among them. He knew the strength and skill of Krishna.
So, he calmed the anxiety of the parents. He assured them that no calamity can befall Krishna. He consoled and conferred confidence in many ways. Within a short time, the bank of the river was packed thick with people. On all sides, the cry of despair, ‘Krishna, Krishna!’ was resounding from every throat, steeped in grief. Many fainted and lost consciousness when they cast their looks at Krishna and the serpent. Oh, it was indeed a heartrending sight!
(Krishna dances over the subdued Kaliya Naag in river Yamuna, while seen on the banks are people of Gokula, Krishna s father Nanda Baba and his brother Balarama)
‘Many gopis could not bear to see Krishna caught in the coils of that mighty monster, dragged down into the blood-red waters one moment, pulling Himself up the next, struggling valiantly with the serpent which was emitting fiery sparks of poison. Yashoda and many gopis swooned and fell on the sands. They were nursed by others back into consciousness. When they came to, they wept plaintively and called out the name of their beloved Krishna, ‘My dear child, where was this horrible serpent hiding all this while? Why did it emerge now?’ lamented Yashoda, in despair. ‘A few of His comrades sobbed, ‘Cannot the serpent strike its fangs on us instead of wounding Krishna? Can it not release Gopala?’ Some cowherd maidens, prepared themselves to plunge into the pool so that the serpents may give up Krishna and attack them, instead. ‘We shall give up our lives, so that Krishna may be saved,’ they declared. But Balarama stood in their way. He assured them that Krishna will come out unscathed, that no harm can approach him.
He called out to Krishna to come to them soon after triumphing over the monster. ‘Many gopis prayed ardently for victory to Krishna, for, ‘The safety of Krishna is the safety of the worlds. Our Krishna is the sole Sovereign of all the Worlds. Therefore, may Krishna be released quickly from the stranglehold of the serpent.’ Their prayers were addressed to the very Krishna whom they wished to save, by means of the prayer! They opened their eyes even while praying, to find out whether He had released Himself already. The huge gathering
on the riverbank was awaiting, with eyes that did not even wink, the release of Krishna, that may happen any moment. They were overpowered by fear and anxiety, hope and faith. ‘At that moment, Oh, how can I contemplate and describe that scene, to you, King?’—Suka could not proceed, He could not suppress the flow of Ananda, grief, wonder and adoration that rose from his heart. He was so overcome that he covered his face behind his clasped palms in a vain effort to suppress his tears.
Parikshit saw this and he exclaimed, ‘Master! Master! What wonder is this? What happened later? What calamity intervened that you are grieving thus? Please tell me quick.’ Suka recovered his composure, wiping the flow of tears with the end of his ochre robe. He said, ‘Maharaja. No calamity took place, yet this wonder happened. Krishna grew so fast, so big and so tall every moment that the serpent had to uncoil from around Him, ring by ring. When the gopas and gopis saw the little child growing before their very eyes, they were struck with amazement and joy. At last, the serpent had to release its hold. It was too exhausted to do any harm. Still, its anger was unabated. So, it vomited poison into the waters and the air. It lifted its hoods every few moments, and fixed its glare on Krishna as if its desire to finish Him was still unquenched.
‘Meanwhile, Krishna caught it by its tail and whirled the serpent pretty fast. He beat the surface of the water with its body. This forced the serpent to hang down its heads, but with great effort it struggled to keep them erect over the waters. Then, Krishna jumped upon it and holding the tail in one hand, He decided to dance upon the line of hoods! The serpent could not bear the weight of the Lord, stepping merrily from hood to hood. It was bleeding profusely from nose and mouth. It whined piteously through pain and shame. It could scarcely breathe. It was about to die. ‘Seeing this, the people who were gathered on the bank
shouted, in their joy and confidence, ‘Krishna, come over to the bank now. You have saved us all from this monster. The crisis is over. You have won the victory; our prayers have been answered. We have won the fruit of our good deeds.’ While the cowherds were thus exulting over the amazing turn of events, the serpentesses, who were the consorts of the monster; rose from the depths of the pool, sobbing aloud, and in great anguish. They fell at the feet of Krishna and prayed, ‘Lord! You have incarnated with the avowed object of punishing the wicked and the vicious.
So, your trampling on this monster and curbing his pride is right and proper. It is but just. You have merely carried out Your Task and Mission. But however cruel our husband was, we are sure that his nature has been transformed when Your Feet were planted on his heads. Pardon him, Oh Lord and give us back our husband, with your gracious blessings. Save him and bless him that he no longer cause any living thing any harm.’ ‘The Lord condescended to grant their prayers. He pardoned the monster, Kaliya. He released him, with the admonition: ‘Henceforth, do not inflict injury on anyone, without provocation, be Sattvika in nature. I bless you that no one will harm you and provoke you into vengeance. You carry on your heads My Footprints and so, even your natural enemy the Garuda eagle, will not harm you anymore. Go and live in peace.’’ (Bhag Vahini, pp. 313-319)
Krishna showed many leelas in this manner. In every Avatar’s life the first sixteen years are leelas, sports. From sixteen to thirty-five years of age are mahatmyas, miracles. From thirty-five to seventy-five years is the period of teaching. Every Avatar passes through these three stages. Till His sixteenth year, Krishna showed many leelas to the world. It is impossible to limit these leelas. He displayed innumerable leelas to the gopikas and gopalas. But they could not grasp them.
Once, Balarama and Krishna were playing. Krishna started eating mud. Balarama complained to Yashoda, who came running. People in Gokula were in constant dread of Kamsa. Yashoda imagined that the mud may also be poisoned by Kamsa! She asked, ‘So, you ate mud, did you?’ By His replies Krishna gave her glimpses into His reality. ‘Mother! Am I a small boy to eat mud? Am I mad? No, no. It is not even hunger. I am not a boy.’ What did Krishna mean? By denying what He wasn’t, Krishna meant ‘I am God.’ But bound in the feelings of motherly affection related to the body, Yashoda could not recognize Krishna’s Divinity. She said sternly, ‘Open your mouth! I want to look inside.’ Krishna complied. Yashoda saw the entire universe inside His mouth! ‘Is it a dream, an illusion. What is happening? Am I Yashoda?’ she wondered. She was totally confused. In this way Krishna gave glimpses of His
Divinity to His parents and friends.
Balarama was very mischievous. He used to ridicule Krishna or rather, make a pretence of it, so that Krishna’s miracles may be known to all. He told Krishna, ‘Hey Krishna! You are not the son of mother Yashoda! Mother and father are fair in complexion but you are dark! How can you explain that?’ This was the truth—Krishna wasn’t their son! Krishna ran to Yashoda and asked most innocently, ‘Mother! They say I’m not your son because I’m dark. Please tell me the truth.’ He insisted and did not let go. Yashoda didn’t know the truth and said, ‘My dear son! You are really my son, my own son,’ and hugged Him tightly. Then Krishna ate his food and went away. Krishna lived as an ordinary boy, behaved as if He knew nothing, displayed endless powers, and gave hints about His Divinity constantly. (SSB 1995, pp. 39-49)
Krishna persuaded Nanda to stop the usual Puja for Indra and to offer worship to the Govardhana Hill, instead. When the Rain-God Indra, stung by this neglect, poured terrible rains on the village, Krishna held aloft on his little finger, the Govardhana Hill inviting the entire village to take shelter under it! (Bhag Vahini, p. 281)
(Krishna holding the Govardhana Mountain)
Kamsa, having come to know that he would die at the hands of Krishna, decided to kill Krishna and Balarama. Immediately, he called Akrura (see Pic: Akrura s Mystic Vision of Krishna) and commanded him to go and fetch Balarama and Krishna saying, ‘O Akrura, you are a good friend and devotee of Krishna, if you go, they will surely condescend to your request.’
Since he could not disobey the command of the king, Akrura went and met Yashoda and Nanda and told them that Kamsa was performing a yagna and wanted Krishna and Balarama to attend it. But Yashoda and Nanda were not in favour of their children going to Kamsa s palace. (SSS Vol.31, p. 231)
The grief of gopikas and gopalas
Of course, no one can harm Krishna, the Lord Himself. This wasn’t the concern of the gopikas. Their worry was: Will Krishna return to Brindavan once He leaves? All the gopikas and gopalas convened a meeting to prevent Krishna from leaving! They made a human chain circling Nanda’s house. Nanda, and Yashoda pleaded with them not to obstruct the plans, but
the gopikas and gopalas could only cry piteously in justification.
‘Krishna! Rama! You cannot go to Mathura! What will become of us? Brindavan will become a barren wasteland. Everyone here will become lifeless. The green beauty of Brindavan will be lost forever. Don’t leave!’
This was also selfishness! In the interest of keeping Krishna’s company, they did not mind foiling Krishna’s plans! Balarama and Krishna smiled and told them, ‘We also have some selfishness of our own! Our Will must be fulfilled. The objective for which we assumed human forms must be attained, O gopikas and gopalas! It is every man’s duty to fulfil the purpose for which the body is given. We must go to Mathura.
There is no other way.’ The gopikas and gopalas were drowned in sorrow. They had to admit that keeping Krishna in Brindavan was an act of selfishness on their part. The gopikas said, ‘We do not desire any worldly ends. We want You for our mental satisfaction. People desire various things from You. We pray to You for You.’ Then Krishna began to teach them jnana. ‘You say ‘my’ satisfaction. Who is this ‘I’? Are you the body? Or the mind? No, no. You are neither the body nor the mind. The body is inert, a collection of the five elements. The mind is fickle. The In-dweller, Atma, makes the body and mind function.
A director pulls on the strings of puppets. He makes the puppets play together for a while and then separates them. Who are these puppets? Mind and senses. The mind and senses function together. Then the mind leaves the senses, and the senses leave the mind. And finally, both of them leave the body. What is that which never leaves, never perishes? The Atma alone. That is the real ‘I’. Man is able to say ‘I’ by the prompting of the Atma, but he identifies it with the body. This submerges him in ego and attachment. Therefore, the One who exists in you is ‘I’. The One in me is ‘I’ also. Eko vasi Sarva Bhuta Antaratma—The One God exists in all beings. So, do not feel sad. Recognize these truths about the Atma, which will reveal all secrets.
In this world, results of past actions must be experienced. The body may collapse at any moment. But it is man’s duty to strive for well-being when disease attacks the body. Similarly, the world is plunged in disease today. Men’s bad thoughts and actions are the cause. To destroy this pervasive unrighteousness, we must go to Mathura.’ Explaining to the gopikas and gopalas in this manner, Krishna and Balarama entered their house. They collected their luggage for the journey and came out. They had packed all their articles the previous day. Akrura sat behind the horses, holding the reins of the chariot. Despite the jnana they had just heard, gopikas and gopalas could not transcend their ego and attachment. They blocked the path to the chariot. Akrura was their elder and elders should not be disrespected. The gopikas and gopalas knew that. But their love for Krishna overpowered such formalities.
They saw Krishna and Balarama emerge from the house with luggage. They panicked and cried loudly, ‘Please don’t leave! How can we live? Take us with You!’ They pleaded in many ways, even using harsh words on Akrura. Balarama and Krishna did not want to prolong their agony. They walked slowly to the chariot, smiling, blessing and consoling all the time. This incident caused a few hours of delay. They could not reach Mathura at the intended time. They reached Mathura at night.
By that time, all the Brindavan people had gathered in Mathura with Krishna and Balarama. They wanted to visit the poor couple, Devaki and Vasudeva, who were still in jail. Krishna and Balarama could have gone to see them. But they did not. They had to set an example to the world and teach the ideal: Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava—Mother and father are equal to God. This is God’s primary teaching in all ages. People might wonder: Why did Krishna not go to see His parents soon after arriving in Mathura? No. Balarama and Krishna had resolved to kill Kamsa and only then see their parents—not just see them, but free them from prison. Krishna spent the night in the same house where Nanda and others camped.
At dawn, Krishna and Balarama roamed around Mathura. They looked like lion cubs—beautiful and majestic. The entire city came to know of their presence in a matter of moments. As the two brothers walked the streets of Mathura, men, women and children drank their darshan from rooftops, windows—everywhere. Everybody thought, ‘Our lives are redeemed. What more can we ask for? Since long we desired to behold Balarama and Krishna. We are indebted to Kamsa.’ Krishna and Balarama did not even go home till evening.
The washerman and the perfume woman
Krishna and Balarama reached the main gate of Kamsa’s palace. The yaga was to begin the following day. A washerman was about to enter the gate. He had a load of Kamsa’s best silks, cleaned specially for the function. Balarama asked him, ‘Hey, what is that bundle you have?’ Krishna said, ‘Why ask? Go see for yourself.’ The washerman said, ‘These are the King’s costly silks. You seem to be villagers. You are not fit to even touch these clothes! Be gone!’ Krishna heard this and gave a tight-fisted blow to the washerman. Both the washerman and his bundle fell down. Krishna opened the bundle and collected clothes for Himself and for His elder brother. The soldiers at the gate witnessed this scene and informed Kamsa.
(Kubja)
Meanwhile, as Balarama and Krishna were about to proceed after adorning themselves in these silks, a lady approached the gate. Her name was Kubja. Her face was beautiful but her body was crooked in three places. She was carrying perfumes and pastes. She raised her head and saw the brothers. She thought, ‘Are these the sons of Devaki and Vasudeva? They appear to be Avatars of Lord Narayana. Truly, that demon Kamsa is not worthy of my perfumes. How nice it would be if these children accepted them!’
With a full heart, she humbly went to Krishna, ‘Son, here are my perfumes and rose water, prepared with care. No one knows the secrets of these preparations besides me. There are many people selling perfumes in Mathura but the King accepts only mine. Please accept these perfumes.’ Krishna dipped His hand into her boxes and dabbed His clothes here and there, only for Kubja’s satisfaction. Kubja said, ‘For having lived this long, for having taken up this profession, my life is redeemed today. All these years I offered my perfumes to the demon Kamsa. Today I served the Lord.’ Shedding copious tears, Kubja expressed gratitude to them. Then she stepped aside with the intention of going her way. Krishna stopped her.
‘You have granted us these perfumes. In return, I am bound to give you something. I never take anything from anyone without reason. But whatever I take, I return a thousand-fold.’ God never asks anything from anyone. But when people give to Him with a full heart, He returns a thousand-fold. You know the story of Kuchela. For the gift of a fistful of dry rice, Krishna granted him lifelong prosperity. Rukmini Devi was able to win Krishna for herself by offering Him just a single tulsi leaf. So, whenever God accepts anything from anyone, He grants unending bounty in return. That is why it is said, Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam—a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or some water. At least these must be offered to God. Why? Only when we offer, we become eligible to receive. If you go to a bank and simply ask for your money, they will not give it to you although you have every right over it. You need to fill a withdrawal slip and sign it. Only then can you claim your money. So, you must give something first, in order to receive. This is Divine Law. Even if it is tiny or insignificant, it must be offered to God.
So Krishna said, ‘O Kubja! Wait, wait. For your perfumes gifted to us with a pure heart, I must return the favour.’ Krishna went close to her and she could not fathom His intentions. Krishna pressed Kubja’s feet with His tiny Feet. He put His hand under her chin and lifted her. The bends in her body became straight! Kubja thought, ‘He has granted me a beautiful body in keeping with my beautiful face. He is Lord Narayana!’ She offered all her perfumes to Krishna and said, ‘Lord, please come to my house and let me serve Your Lotus Feet.’ Krishna gave His word, ‘After I fulfil My task in Mathura, I shall certainly visit your house.’
The end of Kamsa
The next day, these two lions strode along the streets. As they approached the Dhanur Yaga, the grandeur of the cosmos seemed to be reflected in their faces. Whoever set their eyes on them could not stop looking at them. People forgot themselves, gazing at the beautiful forms of Krishna and Balarama.
Balarama and Krishna reached the main gate. A mad elephant was stationed there, especially to stop them. All watched with bated breath. They were anxious that the elephant might trample upon the boys any moment. Trumpeting ferociously, the elephant charged at Balarama and Krishna. It lifted its huge feet off the ground and attempted to crush them.
Krishna and Balarama were tiny, only five years old! They ran between the elephant’s legs and confused it. Then Balarama caught one leg and Krishna, another. They whirled the elephant around and dashed it against the ground, much like a washerman beats clothes on a rock. The elephant gave up its life. Kamsa was informed that his most ferocious elephant had failed to stop Krishna. His fear increased from moment to moment.
As Krishna and Balarama proceeded into the grounds, two men accosted them. They were Chanura and Mushtika, Kamsa’s prize wrestlers, under orders to do away with the two boys. Krishna and Balarama looked at them and said, ‘Are you going to fight us? O foolish men, you are like mosquitoes desiring combat with an elephant! Mosquitoes!’ Chanura and Mushtika could not bear this insult. They jumped upon the tiny boys in fury. Krishna and Balarama gave them just one blow with their fists and the wrestlers were rendered lifeless.
However, they recognized the brothers as divine and had Lord Narayana’s darshan just before they died. Krishna and Rama proceeded forward. The Dhanur Yaga was in progress. Many kings, chiefs, and citizens had gathered to witness it. Kamsa was seated on a vast, raised platform built especially for him. Balarama and Krishna walked to the centre of the grounds fearlessly, with the gait of lions. Kamsa appeared strong outwardly but his heart became weaker as Krishna got closer. Kamsa’s body began shivering and shaking. Many people thought, ‘Look at the King! He is so angry that his body shakes in fury!’ In reality, Kamsa’s body was shaking not out of anger but out of fear! Yat Bhavam Tad Bhavati—as is the feeling, so is the result. Kamsa’s wickedness alone made him experience fear now. This is also called ‘guilty conscience’.
(Krishna Kill Kamsa)
Kamsa’s entire army was arrayed around him to guard him against Krishna’s approach. But Balarama and Krishna ignored Kamsa. They walked straight towards the Dhanus—the Divine Bow—kept at the centre of the enclosure. No one could budge the Bow, what to talk of lifting it. Krishna casually held it with his left hand and lifted it as if it was a feather. As He bent the bow to tie its string, the bow snapped in His arms.
The sound was deafening, like a bomb. All were terrified. At that time, Nanda was approaching Kamsa to pay taxes collected from Brindavan. Other village chiefs were doing the same. Nanda’s eyes followed Krishna’s every action. He looked forward to more of His exploits. He was not worried because he knew that the brothers were divine. The divine Bow, the focus of the yaga, was broken. Kamsa rose from his throne, and the whole assembly rose with him. Kamsa ordered his army to destroy Krishna and Balarama.
Kamsa was heavily built. Krishna and Balarama were tiny and agile. Like baby deer, they ran between the legs of the intervening soldiers! Reaching the dais, both of them jumped upon Kamsa. They caught hold of Kamsa’s hair, pulled him to the ground and put an end to him. It was all over in moments. Everyone was stunned speechless. Of course, the heavenly prophecy was bound to come true. They recognized Krishna as Narayana and bowed down with folded hands.
The reunion with parents
Without wasting any time, Krishna and Balarama hurried to Kamsa’s dungeons. They fell at the feet of Devaki and Vasudeva. They freed them from shackles and brought them out into the open. Then they went to the cell where Ugrasena had been imprisoned by Kamsa. They freed him also and brought him to the yaga hall. With his son’s dead body lying there, Ugrasena was crowned as King of Mathura.
(Krishna and Balarama meet their parents)
After the coronation, Yashoda, Nanda, Devaki, Vasudeva, and Rohini—all hugged Balarama and Krishna. All three mothers were there. All of Brindavan was there, except the gopikas. There was no limit to their happiness and excitement. Devaki took Krishna and Balarama into the palace and said, ‘Sons, I could not witness Your childhood, but only hear of Your exploits and pranks from others. How unfortunate I am! I could not see You kill the demoness Putana. When Yashoda wanted to tie You to a rock, no length of rope was enough to go around Your stomach—so I have heard. I gave You birth, but all the fun and frolic with You belonged to Yashoda. You are called ‘son of Yashoda’. How blessed she is! Though I have children, I am as good as childless.’
Balarama and Krishna consoled their parents and granted them unlimited happiness through loving words. ‘Past is past. Do not grieve. From now, we are always with you. You will experience all possible bliss in our company. You know we are not ordinary boys. We will bring the whole world within our control. I gave you darshan soon after My birth—Preserve that vision in your heart. Visualize it outside you also. antar bahis ca tat sarvam vyapya narayanah sthitah—God is inside, outside, everywhere. Decrease your attachment to the body. Strengthen your bond to the Atma. Attachment is the root cause of sorrow. You suffered in prison because you were attached to your sons. Understand that we are not ordinary, that we are God. Recognize the reality of your sons.’ In this manner, Krishna and Balarama consoled their mother tenderly and taught her the Truth. (SSB 1995, pp. 171-173)
Sandipani’s hermitage
After Kamsa’s death, Devaki and Vasudeva arranged for the schooling of Krishna and Balarama. Till then, the boys had not even learned the alphabet. Why? Nanda and Yashoda were afraid that if they admitted Krishna into any gurukula, Kamsa might send demons there and endanger the lives of many other children.
So, Krishna and Balarama were sent to the hermitage of Guru Sandipani. Sandipani’s ashram was neither in Mathura nor in Brindavan. It was in the holy city of Kasi. Leaving Krishna and Balarama in Kasi, their parents lived fearlessly in Mathura. The students of those days excelled in physical prowess and intellectual acumen. Still, they were ever humble and obedient and tread the path of sathya and dharma under the guru’s guidance.
Although Krishna and Balarama had destroyed many demons in infancy and earned universal fame, they performed household chores in Sandipani’s house, lived their guru’s commands and acquired true education. They would go into the forest daily and fetch firewood for the kitchen. Only by following the disciplines of the gurukulas in humility, students of those days transformed themselves into ideal men and set glorious examples for posterity.
Sandipani had only one son, who died young. Sandipani and his wife bore this burden of sorrow with great effort. In those days, there was a practice called guru dakshina. After completing their education, before departing to become householders, students would make a token offering of gratitude to their guru. This offering was guru dakshina. Balarama and Krishna also went to Sandipani. Standing humbly with folded hands, they prayed, ‘Guru Deva! It is time for us to return home. Kindly tell us what we may offer to you as guru dakshina.’
Sandipani said, ‘My dear sons! It was my greatest good fortune to be guru to ideal students like you. Your prowess and divine attributes are known the world over. During your stay here, your behaviour was exemplary, not requiring a single corrective remark from me. What can I ask of divine personages like you?’ Thinking for a while, Sandipani said, ‘Balarama, Krishna! You are all-knowing and all-powerful. Once you resolve upon a task, you achieve it under all circumstances. I have cherished a desire for long. My son died many years ago. I want you to resurrect him and bring him back to me.’
Balarama and Krishna set out. With their superhuman abilities, after much exertion, they were able to bring the boy back to life. In this manner, they exemplified how students should spend time in a gurukula, display humility and self-confidence, honour the guru, and enhance the reputation of their parents.
The establishment of dharma
Meanwhile, the King of Magadha, Jarasandha, along with his allies, attacked Mathura. Jarasandha was Kamsa’s father-in-law. He hated Krishna and wanted to avenge Kamsa’s death. Jarasandha attacked not once or twice but seventeen times! Hearing this news, Balarama and Krishna hurried to Mathura from Sandipani’s hermitage. The brothers thought, ‘Why have we taken Avatars? To free the world from sinners, to strengthen the forces of good.’
By killing Jarasandha, his gargantuan armies would not be depleted. So they decided to eradicate his army and spare him. Whenever Jarasandha attacked, Krishna and Balarama annihilated his army and sent him back unharmed. Jarasandha would return with another army, go back defeated again and so on. Thus, he invited humiliation upon himself seventeen times.
Finally, Krishna eliminated Jarasandha also. All the kings who professed friendship with Jarasandha formed a clique. Name a king, and he was a hater of Krishna. These kings began harassing Yadavas. Krishna gave this matter much thought. He wanted to provide sanctuary to Yadavas in a secure place. He summoned the architect of the heavens, Vishvakarma, and told him to build a city in the middle of the sea. Vishvakarma could construct any structure by mere willing. He obeyed Krishna and built Dwaraka. Overnight, Krishna transported all Yadavas to this miraculous city.
(The Lord Krishna in the Golden City Dwarka built by Viswakarma)
The world still abounded in tyrants and demons, and Balarama and Krishna evolved strategies to destroy them. Dwaraka was the most beautiful city in the world. Dwaraka’s beauty spoke of its heavenly origin, in contrast to man-made cities, which were plain. Yadavas were able to lead secure and happy lives in Dwaraka. Students should recognize the difference between Yadavas and gopikas.
Humility and obedience
Yadavas thought, ‘Krishna is our relative, our friend.’ They related to Krishna with attachment based on pride. This wrong kind of attachment fed their ego constantly, bringing
about their destruction many years later. But the gopikas were different. Instead of telling Krishna, ‘You are ours,’ they said, ‘We are Yours.’ This surrender earned them security and divine Love all their lives. Humility and obedience poured out of the gopalas and gopikas. Humility and obedience are very essential for everyone, especially for students. (SSB 1995, pp. 186-189)
(Krishna with cows, herdsmen and Gopis)
Krishna was always surrounded in Brindavan by the gopikas and the gopalas. Of these, the gopikas were slightly mad! What kind of madness? Divine madness! But people attribute wrong intentions to their love and distort the meaning of the Bhagavatam. When Krishna left Brindavan for good, He was five years old. Some say that Krishna and the gopikas engaged in amorous sports. Is it possible for such meaningless stories to be true? The gopikas said: ‘O Krishna! Your flute is most enchanting. Your words are life to us. Sing for us, talk to us!’
Paata Paadu Maa Krishna!
Paluku Teneloluku Natula
Maatalaadu Maa Mukunda
Manasu Teeraga!
Sing for us, our Krishna!
With your words sweet as honey.
Talk to us, our Mukund,
Till our hearts are full!
Veda Saaramanta Teerchi,
Nada Brahmamuganu Maarchi,
Venuvandu Tirugabosi,
Gaanaroopamuganu Maarchi.
Paata Paadu Maa Krishna!
Take the essence of the Vedas,
Change it into Sabda-Brahman,
Fill your flute with this sound,
And convey it to our hearts as music.
Sing for us, our Krishna!
What Divine feelings! Is this worldly? No, no. Anantovai Vedah—The Vedas are infinite. The gopikas prayed: ‘How can we read the Vedas? We are women and illiterate, at that. Give us the essence of the Vedas through your music.’ Now, in this Summer Course, after the guest lecturers speak in the morning, the students summarize those speeches in the evening. In the same way, the gopikas wanted a summary of the Vedas from Krishna!
Why song and sound? God is described as: Sabda Brahma Mayi, Charachara Mayi, Jyotir Mayi, Vaang Mayi, Nityananda Mayi, Paroatpara Mayi, Maya Mayi, Srimayi. Therefore, Brahman is the very form of sabda (sound). The gopikas pined for Krishna for many years, for their entire lives. Krishna knew their pain of separation, their yearning. He sent Uddhava (A cousin and great devotee of Krishna ) to convey His message of consolation to them. All the gopikas collected around Uddhava to listen to Krishna’s message. ‘What does Krishna say? When is He coming to give us His darshan?’ they asked.
Uddhava said, ‘Mothers! Krishna has sent a letter for you.’ Students should clearly understand the pure and divine feelings of the gopikas. ‘Here is the letter sent by Krishna. One of you please read it aloud to the others,’ said Uddhava. Gopikas had no education. In those days women were not sent to school. Only one of them knew a little bit of reading. When asked to read it, she declined. When students listen to her reply, they can imagine her sacred devotion. She said, ‘Uddhava! I cannot read that letter. Our bodies and minds are burning in the fire of separation. If I touch that letter, it might catch fire. It is not proper for us to burn the words written by God.’ Another gopika said, ‘We have been crying endlessly. When I set eyes on the words written by our dear Krishna, all our agony will emerge as tears. The tears will fall on the paper and smear the words. So I cannot read it, either.’
What intense devotion they had! Uddhava himself read Krishna’s letter aloud. ‘O gopikas! Don’t feel sad. I am in you, with you, around you all the time. I am not separate from you. I am not an outsider, I am your Hridayavasi—Resident of your heart. I am your very own. My messenger Uddhava will tell you about jnana and yoga. Listen to Uddhava and practice
his teachings.’
The gopikas heard Uddhava’s teachings and said, ‘We do not need your yoga. We need merger (samyoga) with Krishna! Your yoga will not quench our thirst of separation (viyoga)! We cannot absorb your words. We have only one mind, not multiple minds like clever people. Our mind followed Krishna to Mathura.’ Uddhava recognized their one-pointedness. When Uddhava got ready to depart from Brindavan, each gopika came to him and gave heart-rending messages for Krishna: ‘All of Brindavan is parched dry! Come back and make the flowers bloom again! ‘The sky of our hearts is dark, clouded by separation. Scatter these clouds and let us bask in Your company! ‘Our life is like a garland bereft of flowers. Come back, collect us as flowers and wear us around Your neck!’
(One-pointed Devotion)
If scholars paid attention to the sanctity and depth of gopikas’ feelings, they would not relegate them to a worldly level. Gopikas were actually perfected rishis. They had attained absolute control over the senses and purity of mind in past births. To accuse them of bad character is nothing short of a crime. The hearts of students are polluted by cheap movies. No, do not allow such impressions to form. The hearts of the gopikas and gopalas were immaculate. They did not desire anything worldly at all! Uddhava recognized this truth. When he returned, he extolled their virtues to Krishna without end.
Attalu Mottukunna, Mari Bhartalu Kattulu
Nooruchunna Norettaru Kopagincharu Etakegaru,
Bheetilaboru Gopikal Pottamulandu Chittaruvula
Reeti Vaarilonunde Krishnudu
Their mother-in-laws may scream, husbands may threaten,
They do not answer back, get angry, go away or become afraid.
Like a portrait on paper, Krishna is imprinted in their hearts.
Uddhava said, ‘Krishna, You are imprinted in the consciousness of the gopikas. It is not possible for anyone to separate You from their hearts. I have not seen devotees like them anywhere in the world. I went to teach them wisdom but instead, they taught me devotion! Krishna, all of us are deluded by Your physical form, but it is the gopikas alone who have realized Your Divinity.’
Once upon a time, Narada went to the gopikas and gopalas and said, ‘How fortunate you all are! You obtained Lord Narayana, who is beyond the reach of yogis and sages. The sacred proximity that you enjoyed is unattainable even after countless yagnas and good deeds. You played with Him and sang with Him as friends for many years and earned His Grace. Truly, you are blessed! You are not ordinary souls. You are Devas—Do not forget this truth. (SSB 1995, pp. 159-163)
Significance of Krishna being born as Eight child
Shri Krishna was born as the eight child of Devaki. This is significant, for Samadhi is the eighth stage of spiritual effort. Coming after Yamas, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, < Previous Next >