A New Adventure in Vṛndāvana
One bright morning in Vṛndāvana, Kṛṣṇa and His cowherd friends were herding their calves along the banks of the Yamunā River. The forest was blossoming, the air filled with bird songs, and the hearts of the boys danced with joy. Yet, in one part of the Yamunā, the water was blackened and poisoned, devoid of birds or life.
This was the dwelling of Kāliya, a venomous and arrogant serpent king with hundreds of hoods. Driven from Ramaṇaka Island by Garuḍa, Kāliya had taken shelter in the deep waters of the Yamunā, polluting its stream with his deadly poison.
The Poisoned Waters
The Yamunā near Kāliya’s abode boiled with bubbles and steam. Birds fell from the sky after inhaling the toxic vapors, and even trees near the bank withered. One day, while playing, a ball thrown by the cowherd boys fell into the river, near Kāliya’s haunt.
Kṛṣṇa’s Bold Leap
Seeing the poisonous water and his friends’ concern, Kṛṣṇa smiled mischievously and leapt into the river from the branches of a kadamba tree. The moment He touched the water, a great uproar arose from beneath the surface.
Kāliya coiled around Kṛṣṇa, intending to suffocate Him. The demigods trembled. The gopas on the shore cried in agony, some fainted, and the gopīs, especially Yaśodā, felt their hearts break.
Balarāma reassured them, knowing Kṛṣṇa’s divine nature, yet everyone’s love for Him made the ordeal unbearable.
Kṛṣṇa Subdues Kāliya
Suddenly, Kṛṣṇa expanded His body, loosening Kāliya’s coils, and jumped onto the serpent’s heads. Then began a celestial dance: with rhythmic steps, Kṛṣṇa danced upon Kāliya’s many hoods, pressing each with the weight of the universe.
Blood oozed from Kāliya’s mouths, and his pride shattered. As the Lord danced, the sound of His ankle bells merged with the joy of the celestial realms. The gods showered flowers, drums resounded, and the waters of Yamunā trembled in divine ecstasy.
Kāliya’s Wives Pray for Mercy
Bruised and defeated, Kāliya began to lose consciousness. At that moment, his wives—serpent maidens with golden ornaments and tear-filled eyes—emerged from the waters. With folded hands, they offered heartfelt prayers:
“O Lord of all beings! You are the Supreme Controller, the friend of the surrendered. Our husband was blinded by arrogance. Please forgive him. You descended not to kill, but to purify even the wicked. Kindly spare him.”
The Lord’s Compassion
Seeing their devotion and Kāliya’s subdued state, Kṛṣṇa granted mercy. He looked upon Kāliya with compassion and said:
“Leave this place. Go back to your island. Do not return here again. You shall not fear Garuḍa, for My footprints now mark your heads—he will not harm you.”
Kāliya, now purified and freed of pride, offered obeisances and departed with his wives, leaving the Yamunā fresh and pure once again.
The Celebration of the Devotees
Kṛṣṇa emerged from the river, shining like a dark cloud freshly washed by rain, His hair wet, and His yellow dhotī clinging to His limbs. The cowherd boys embraced Him, the gopīs wept with relief, and Nanda-Yaśodā held Him close, kissing His face again and again.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Supreme Lord protects even the poisonous, transforming demons into devotees by His grace.
- Pride is the root of destruction, and humility is the gateway to mercy.
- The prayers of devotees, like Kāliya’s wives, can soften even divine justice.
- Kṛṣṇa’s divine play is not just to punish the wicked, but to purify and reclaim them with love.
- Surrender brings safety—Kāliya lived only because he bowed down.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 50–56
