Kaliya’s Wives Seek Pardon

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Kaliya’s Wives Seek Pardon

Kaliya’s wives and children saw blood oozing out from Kaliya’s 101 mouths and eyes. To protect him, they said, “ Lord, You have descended on this earth to punish the offenders, and our husband is a sinner. 

He has killed many beyond his requirements as a serpent.

We do not accuse you as you carry no enmity or show favourism. You punish the sinner and protect the good. While punishing Kaliya, you have wiped out all his sins and have given an opportunity to reform. You have also uplifted us by giving your grace.

Probably, Kaliya must have performed meritorious acts in his previous births to get your presence. By placing your divine feet on his heads, you have truly graced him. 

Our salutations to you. You are absolute, a storehouse of knowledge, time spirit, and the creator of the universe. 

You manifest in the form of gross and subtle elements, indriyas, the vital airs, mind, the intellect, and the ego. You represent both the worldly activity and withdrawal from it. 

You represent three gunas (modes of Prakriti), and through these, you create, preserve, and dissolve this universe.

The Tamoguna that is predominant in our species is also your creation, and hence, the fault committed by Kaliya deserves to be forgiven by You.  

The serpent is about to give up to the ghost. Please forgive him and help us lead a normal life. Hearing the plea of Kaliya’s wives, the Lord spared the serpent. 

Gradually recovering its senses, the wretched Kaliya with joined palms prayed to Srikrishna, “We possess tamoguna and lasting anger. The natural disposition of identifying with the body cannot be given up easily. We serpents are ferocious by birth. How can we get rid of your Maya by our own efforts? Hence, punish or protect us as you deem fit.”  

Srikrishna said, “ You all should leave this place and move to the ocean without delay. Let the river be used for bovine races and humans. You shall have no fear of Garuda as you are now marked with My footprints.

Commanded by the Lord, the serpents worshipped Him with garlands, gems, heavenly perfumes, sandal paste, and a wreath of lotuses. As a mark of respect, Kaliya went around Him and accompanied with his wives and children left for the island of Ramanaka in the ocean. By the grace of the Lord, Kalindi Lake got rid of poison. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana