Deliverance of Demon Baka

 Bhagavatam - Deliverance of Demon Baka 

Once, Balarama, SriKrishna, and other cowherds were grazing calves. On reaching a pond, they allowed their calves to drink water and were relaxing. They saw a demon disguised as a heron. Demon Baka was sent by Kamsa to kill SriKrishna. 

The heron, with its sharp beak, swiftly swallowed SriKrishna. The cowherds along with Balarama were shocked. SriKrishna tore its bill into two halves and killed it. The cowherds and Balarama were immensely pleased with Srikrishna’s feat.

Once Srikrishna asked cowherds to leave home early the next morning and have breakfast in the forest. Getting up early, Srikrishna signaled his companions to get ready and follow Him. 

The cowherds hurriedly freshed up and decorated themselves with beads, gems, and gold. They also wore tender leaves, bunches of flowers, and peacock features. Each of them had a set of calves to take care of. 

They allowed their calves to herd and began to play games of various sorts. Some of them threw away another's sling far away and made them run. Some played flute, blew horns, hummed in tune with bees, and some repeated cuckoo's sweet notes. 

They ran with the shadows of the flying birds, copied the steps of swans, sitting like a heron, and dancing like peacocks. 

Few others pulled the tail of monkeys, climbed trees along with them, and leaped from one branch to another. 

Still, some others dived into the river and made fun of their own reflection. Some echoed and hopped like frogs.

Even while engaged in sports, the cowherds would often look for Srikrishna, go near Him, touch Him, and feel happy and safe. Srikrishna enjoyed the Sylvan beauty of Vrindavan. 

Sri Sukamuni observed that these cowherds must have possessed rich spiritual merits in their previous births to play sport with Srikrishna.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana