109. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (31) Gopikas' Prayers, Anger, Agony and Joy

 109. Srimad Bhaghavata - Chp 10 - (31) Gopikas’ Prayers, Anger, Agony and Joy

The lone gopika who was left behind by Srikrishna was wailing when this set of gopikas met her. They were surprised that such a situation could happen to them if they were not alert. Their perception changed altogether.

They went deep into the forest searching for Him until the visibility of moonlight and decided to return back to the sandy banks of Kalindi river.

Prayers

They spoke, sang, and remembered all His acts. It was a complete surrender to Him.  None remembered their family, home or had a feeling of self. 

They began with Harinama japa, and later, they praised Him. They said, “Our Vraja is superior to Vaikunta as You  were born here. Mahalakshmi, too, stays with you here as she is inseparable.  

Mild Threat

Give us darshan once atleast. We are eagerly waiting to see You. Indeed we have almost lost our life and You would be the cause of it.

Desperation 

Your eyes are like the inner portion of the most beautiful lotus flower appearing in a clean lake. We want to serve You, and we don't seek anything from You.  

You have protected us in various avataras in the past.  Why not for us now? It seems you are not born to Yasoda by your inaction. There is no humbleness. You have not bothered to see our internal pain, though you are called Rishikesha. 

Brahma requested you to be a protector, but you are indifferent to us. Keep your finger on our forehead and bless us. We seek nothing else. We have left everything - our family, home, wealth - and sought your feet. Are we not residents of Vraja who are protected by you? Put an end to our sorrow. 

Wailing

Listening to your stories is like nectar, but seeing You in person is much more. We need your darshan. Thus, they began singing praise of Him in the loud pitch of their voice and started wailing.

Srikrishna's Appearance

All of a sudden, Srikrishna appeared clad in Pitambara (yellow attire), wearing Vaijayanthi garland and with a smile.  

All the gopikas stood up and, with their eyes wide open, were overjoyed. One of them clasped His lotus like hands with her joined palms, another placed His arms on her shoulder, another received in her palm hollow the betel chewed by Him, another hugged His feet with her bosom.

One of the gopika fired her anger with her looks, another saw Him and closed her eyes to lock His looks and placed it in her heart, and another never closed her eye lid and was staring at Him. 

Finally, they shed their agony caused by the separation from Him. Surrounded by them, Srikrishna shone very brightly.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

108. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (31) Gopikas' Search and Agony

 108. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (31) Gopikas' Search and Agony

 

Gopikas began tracking the footprints on the presumption that they belonged to Srikrishna (they had sufficient knowledge on it). 

Adjacent to it, they noticed another set of female footprints and assumed that it might belong to one of the gopikas who would have gone along with Srikrishna.For a moment, jealousy took over their senses, and felt that she must be beautiful and charming. 

Going further, they observed only one set of footprints and that too with divinity . The depth of the footprints revealed that Srikrishna must have lifted her as she might have felt tired.  Their agony  increased further.

A little further, they saw just the finger portion of Srikrishna’s footprints surrounded by fallen flowers. They concluded that Srikrishna must have raised his legs to pick flowers for her. 

Someone among them presented a theory that Srikrishna must have combed her hair with a comb like thing offered by a forest deity. 

Sri Sukamuni, the narrator, accepted that Srikrishna spent time happily with a gopika. He is Swaroopananda. He has no desires and is not enticed by sense objects or information. Indeed, he controls them. That particular gopika represents devotion, and he obliges to pure devotion.

Searching for God using sense objects is impossible and incomplete. 

[Gopikas were desperate to see Him, be with Him.  Hence, they could not reach Him. What they needed most was pure devotion.]

Srikrishna Disappearance 

Both Srikrishna and lone gopika walked deep into the Brindavan forest. She was elated and felt her devotion was superior to that of other gopikas. 

When she could not walk further, she asked Srikrishna to carry her, thinking he would do everything for her. She was scared that gopikas might trace them if they stayed back.

Srikrishna, having understood her mind, nodded and asked her to sit on His shoulder. When she was about to climb, he disappeared.  

Gopika  was shell-shocked and regretted her behavior. She kept on wailing and called Him out loudly repeatedly. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

107. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (30) Gopikas' Mimicry and Finding of Srikrishna's Footprints

 107. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (30) Gopikas’ Mimicry and Finding of Srikrishna's Footprints 

In search of Srikrishna, Gopikas sought help from trees (big, small, fruit and flower bearing) and creepers. They asked the sacred tulasi plant and Mother Earth, too.  Yet, they could not get any response.

Seeing a female deer, they asked, “Did Srikrishna come here? He must have come along with his companion (they suspected someone among them would have enticed Him stealthily). Please tell us about Him.” With no response from it, they suddenly begin to mimic Srikrishna.

Gopikas’ Mimicry 

One gopika said, “I am Putana’ and the  other who mimicked Srikrishna began suckling her breast. 

Another gopika who mimicked Srikrishna lay on the floor and shaked her legs and hands like an infant.

One gopika called herself  Demon Trinavarta and  started swirling herself like wind and called “Krishna, Krishna” in search of Him.

Two gopikas became Balarama and Srikrishna, while others turned themselves into gopalas. Mimicrying Srikrishna's voice, they loudly called out cows, by their name, to return back.

Picking nearby sticks, they presumed that they were playing flute and made similar gestures.

One among them became Govardana Giridhari and said,”Don't be afraid. I shall protect you from wind and rain. She lifted her upper garment and held it up to denote as if she was lifting Goverdhana Hill.

To depict the punishment meted to  Kaliya,  one Gopika climbed on the head of another Gopika.  With no remorse, she pressed her head hard and said, “Kaliya, you are bad. Go away from here. I have come to punish you”. 

Another gopika said, “Gopalas, do not be afraid. Close your eyes. I shall immediately take you all to a safer place (depicting forest fire incident). 

One gopika became Yasoda and pretended to be in search of a wooden mortar to tie Srikrishna.  

Such was the mental state of Gopikas. They identified themselves as Srikrishna. Yet they needed Him desperately. 

Divine Footprints 

The search began once again as though they were searching for the first time. Luckily, one among them found the divine footprints on a wet mud that clearly depicted that of Srikrishnas’. It gave a big relief to those Gopikas. 

On the right footprints, they saw marks of Chakra (wheel), Padma (lotus), a flag, ankusha, and  swastik. 

The left footprint had Shanka (couch), two circles, arrow without strings, trikona mudra, ardha chandra (crescent moon), and fish.

They diligently followed to track those footprints. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

106. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (30) Gopikas Desperation and Search for Srikrishna

 106. Srimad Bhagavata  - Chp 10 - (30) Gopikas' Desperation and Search for Srikrishna 

106. Srimad Bhagavata - Gopikas’ Prayers and Sudden Disappearance of Srikrishna 

Gopikas did not wish to return home though Srikrishna told them to do so. They said, “ We need nothing else other than your feet. You are Ananda Swaroopa. Give us an opportunity to serve you. 

Who can stay idle while listening to your song? Even animals, birds and trees are enjoying your music in their own way. You attract them and slowly pull them into Ananda Swaroopa. Place your lotus hand on our head so that we get rid of our ignorance.  

Srikrishna ascertained that Gopikas never wanted to leave Him. Their devotion was pure. He hugged them and made them happy. He created several forms of Himself to be with each one of them separately. 

Srikrishna began singing in a loud pitch. Later they went to Yamuna river. When Gopikas felt superior to other folks Srikrishna understood their mind and suddenly disappeared. 

Gopikas were shell shocked and searched for Him in all directions. 

They repeatedly remembered His activities  - His  walk, smile, eye movements, and talk.   Missing Him severely led to mental imbalance in them. Gopikas were not ordinary mortals. They were accepted by none other than Srikrishna.

Gopikas, whose mind was firmly on Srikrishna, gradually became one with Him. They identified themselves as Srikrishna and not with their name. 

They mimicked his walk, talk, voice, smile, and actions. It was as if Srikrishna had entered Gopika's body.

After some time, they started singing loudly on Srikrishna's each and every achievement -  killing of Putana, Trinavarta, Agha, Baka, punishing Kaliya, release of curse on Nalakubera and Manigriva,  rescuing gopalas from forest fire, lifting of Govardhana Girii etc.

Later, they moved from one place to another in groups. In that mental state, they started questioning Ashwath, Plaksha, and Nagroda trees, one after the other, whether they saw Srikrishna. When there was no response from them , they were upset and accused them of remaining silent, stubborn, and unhelpful in nature. 

They then moved to flower bearing trees - Ashoka, Naga kesara, Punnaga, Sampangi, and  posed the same questions - Did Balarama's brother go this way He would have plucked flowers from you for sure. With no response from them, they accused and moved on to ask the tulasi plant. 

Tulasi, you are the most favorite among all for Govinda. When you are placed on his lotus feet, he even tolerates the bee's sound and its constant movements. Did you see our Achyuta? When they received no response from it, with desperation, they moved to creepers.

Going to Malathi (jaji), Mallika, and Yutika flower-bearing creepers, they said, “You look happy because Srikrishna would have come and accepted your offerings. For sure, he would have taken your flowers, the favorites of Mahalakshmi. When they got no response, they abused them and moved to the Yamuna river.

On the banks of Yamuna River, they addressed mango, Jackfruit, Jamba, Arka, Bilva, Kadamba, and other trees - you are like Maharishis, who are born to do good to others. Please tell us the direction in which Madhava went. He is our atma. We are nothing without him. 

 

With no response from them, they asked Bhoomi. What type of penance did you do to get his footprints on you in every incarnation of Sriman Narayana? The greenery in Brindavan itself tells how happy you are.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

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105. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (29) Gopikas Meet Srikrishna at Brindavan s

 105. Srimad Bhagavata - Chp 10 - (29) Gopikas Meet Srikrishna at Brindavan 

On hearing the sound of Srikrishna’s song, Gopikas, leaving aside all their work, left their home. When they reach Him, Srikrishna says, “Welcome to all of you. Please tell me your needs and I shall fulfill them. Is everyone safe at Gokulam?”.

Hidden Meaning: It's a good fortune that you are here because your birth itself is blessed and not soaked with sufferings. You have come here to receive the highest status of Atma Swaroopa from Me (usually attained by great Yogis and Maharishis).

If you understand it, can you go further from it? When you are a seeker of ultimate truth, all other worldly things will move on their own. No one needs to end it or manage it. Take care of yourself. Leave aside all your material discomforts and concentrate on ultimate bliss with Almighty.

Srikrishna said, “It is night, dark place, and wild animals may harm you. Please go back to your homes. Females should not be outside at night. Moreover, you look beautiful.

Hidden meaning: Rajani (one who attracts) represents night (tamoguna). My Akandananda Swaroopa is similar to night. Sages and Yogis seek this Swaroopa. Stay back and taste it. Everyone is eligible for moksha or this Swaroopa.  

There is no fear of wild animals or darkness. This tattva will give eternal happiness, and it is not temporary. You need to attempt it and move forward. 

Srikrishna says: “Father, husband, brothers will be in search of you”. They will be worried. So, go back.

Hidden meaning: Do not worry about all these people. How long can you satisfy them? Let them search. Why worry or be afraid of them. You need to choose your path of eternal happiness. 

Srikrishna says: “ You have seen various flowers, moonlight, experienced cool breeze coming from Yamuna river. So, go back now.

Hidden Meaning: You have seen the benefits of material actions. They are all temporary and will not give eternal happiness. Develop Vairagya (desirelessness), and you will cross this ocean of Samsara.

Gopikas Response

Gopikas were shell shocked when Srikrishna asked them to go back. Literally, they couldn't bear His words, but they didn't move. They didn't know what to do and began to cry with tears flowing down and wetting their clothes. Their pain was visible and genuine.

Slowly gaining strength, they said, “Do not ask us to go back. You know we left everything to seek your feet. Please treat us as Mumukshus (one who seeks moksha or final beatitude).

Why should we still follow swadharma? We will instead serve you. Don't crush our desires. We do not wish to go back home”.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit

https://www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

104. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (29) Srikrishna is Unaffected by Trigunas

 104 Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (29) Srikrishna is Unaffected by Trigunas 

King Parikshit asked Sage Sukhamuni, “How is it possible to see Srikrishna without gunas?”

Citing an example, SriSuka said,‘ “Sisupala never recognized Srikrishna as God. He knew Srikrishna would slain him, and hence, he hated Him but always remembered him out of fear”. Sisupala was liberated.

Gopikas always thought of Him, sang songs praising Him, and were connected to Him in every possible way. In this way, their devotion is pure. This transformation helped them wipe out their sins and weren't connected with their mortal body. Gopikas too deserve liberation. 

Srikrishna Controls Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamo)

Srikrishna is unaffected by gunas because He is Paramatma, Rishikesha, Antaryami.

Gopikas have earned sufficient merits (punya), and hence, they could see and go near Him. 

God taking up a body is different from an individual soul taking up a body.

Jiva cannot choose a body, but God can select when and how He wants to descend. He appears in the body.

Jiva is born to complete his prarabda karma (fruit of good and bad deeds of previous births), while God descends to liberate others.

Jiva merges itself with the body (dehi) and gradually loses its identity, but God doesn't lose His identity. 

Jiva cannot decide Karma pala ( type of joy or sorrow he needs) while God is independent and there is no such karma pala.

Jiva desires for bhoga (vyayam) while God is avyayam.

Jiva is under the control of gunas, but God controls gunas. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit 

https://www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

103 Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (29) Gopika's Undettered Devotion

 103. Srimad Bhagavata - Chp 10 - (29) Gopika’s Undeterred Devotion

Why were Gopikas unstoppable?

When Gopikas completed Katyayini vrat, Srikrishna assured them that he would fulfill their wish soon.

On a full moon day, Brindavan forest was fully lit. Chandra, the Moon-god, was resembling Ramaa, alias Mahalakshmi. Srikrishna decided to fulfill His promise made to Gopikas and uplift their lives.  

Srikrishna, in his melodious voice, began to sing, and the sound reached Vraja. Every Gopika in Vraja was able to hear His voice or, to say, the call from Him. From young girls to middle-aged women to elderly women - all of them desired to see Srikrishna. They filled their minds thinking only of Him.

Gopikas weren't concerned about anything, be it stepping out of the house after sunset, or taking consent from their spouse, or completion of chores or other work they were engaged in. 

Some were milking the cows, feeding their babies, serving their spouse, cooking the meal, or boiling milk for children. 

They followed the direction in which the divine voice of Srikrishna came from. They left their home abruptly and weren't even concerned to dress up appropriately or adjust their displaced jewelry.  

Did none stop them?

Yes, spouse, father, brothers, and uncles stopped them, but Gopikas, with their mind fixed on Srikrishna, had their way.

Few of them who couldn't step out of the house, due to their disability or sickness, were meditating on Him. Their mental agony of not meeting Srikrishna in person burnt all their sins and derived bigger benefits. 

Indeed, they had no connection with the body as their prarabda karma vanished. Those who went in search of Him had lost their worldly requirements.

Their focus is similar to one who is on spiritual pursuit.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit 

https://www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

100. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (22) Gopikas Perform Kathyayini Vratha

 100. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (22) Gopikas Perform Kathyayini Vratha

Gopikas longed to see Srikrishna. They diligently watched Him, each day, when He and his Cowherds were on the way to and from the Forest.

They learnt from elders about Kathyayini Vratha, a ritual performed by young Girls to get their desired Spouse. 

It is a month-long rigorous ritual. Consumption of rice is strictly prohibited, while fruits, vegetables, and millets are allowed.

They need to wake up at Usha Kaal (one and a half an hour before Sunrise) and take a bath in Kalindi River. Each one sculptured a mud image of Devi and performed pooja with all the necessary ingredients carried with them. 

They meditated on Beej Mantra: Om Katyayini Mahamaye Mahayogin Yadeeshwari, Nandagopasutham Devi Patim Me Kuru te Namaha.

[O Devi, You are the God of good things. You are revered, worshipful, and talented to give any type of boons. I need Nanda's son, Srikrishna, as my Spouse.] 

Every Gopika was desiring that Srikrishna alone be their Spouse and none else. They carried no enmity among themselves and performed pooja together. 

The Goddess was pleased with their devotion and made way to meet Srikrishna. On the last day of the Vrata, Srikrishna came to Kalindi River along with other Gopalas. 

Gopikas’ Vastrabaharana

Gopikas got up early and reached Kalindi River to cleanse themselves. They left their clothes on the bank and entered the River. 

Srikrishna, to make them aware of their mistake, swiftly took away their clothes and climbed the lone Kadamba Gopalas who were watching had a hearty laugh. 

Srikrishna said to Gopikas, “You need to come to me to collect your clothes. There is no compulsion, you do not have other options.”

The surprised Gopikas questioned the authenticity of his statement, SriKrishna said, “I speak the truth and never lie.”

Seeing the smile on his face, their heart was filled with love. Everyone laughed at each other, but none came out of the water. 

They said, “You are Nanda's Son and shouldn't behave this way. Please give us our clothes. We are your slaves and will do whatever you say, but first give us our clothes. We may tell your Father about this behavior of yours. SriKrishna said, “You said you will be my slave. Do what I say”.

[Srikrishna wanted them to get rid of their bodily attachment. It is unnecessary for him to be involved in such mischievous acts. He knew Gopikas are pure in heart and their devotion is supreme.]

After some time, Gopikas couldn't bear the winter cold and decided to go and fetch their clothes from Him. They all walked swiftly towards Him. 

Srikrishna said, “ Aren’t you aware bathing naked is prohibited and while performing Katyayini vrata. Did the elders not guide you properly? Do pranam with hands joined and take your clothes.

When Srikrishna, the Almighty, spoke, Gopikas realized their mistake and followed as per his wish. Their vrata was completed. Srikrishna blessed them. 

Gopikas never felt bad nor carried any ill feelings against SriKrishna. They had no vengeance. After wearing clothes, they never moved out and entered Samadhi stiti. 

Srikrishna said, “Your intention is known to me, but marriage is not possible. You will attain salvation (moksha).

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit 

https://www.shobaaravind.blogspot.com 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

99. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (21) Srikrishna and Balarama Enjoy Rainy Season

 99. Srimad Bhagavata - Chp 10 - (21) SriKrishna and Balarama Enjoy Rainy Season 

Tracks Untrodden and Constant Practice of Vedas

Tracks/pathways that are overgrown by grasses and untrodden for a long time will become directionless and doubtful. 

The texts of Vedas must be properly studied and memorized on a continuous basis, lest it may create doubts or forgotten over time.

Oceans and Rivers

During the rainy season, the ocean is rough with waves caused by high winds. It becomes turbulent when rivers enter into it.

The minds of immature yogi tinged (strained) with desires get agitated when they come in contact with senses-objects.

Mountains and Devotee

In usual circumstances, torrential rains do not affect mountains. A devotee whose mind is fixed on Srihari remains unaffected by ups and downs encountered in his life.

Lighting and Unfaithful Person

Flashes of lighting are not consistent with the clouds just as an unfaithful person to virtue.

Rainbow and Purusha

Purusha or Jiva has no gunas, but when manifested, it obtains the gunas of Prakriti (sattva, rajas, and tamas). Just like the rainbow (without bow-string) appearing in the thundering sky gets the attribute of sound.

Moon and Atma

The moonlight is visible from behind on a cloudy night but not the moon. Similarly, atman or Jiva is obscured, and ego sense alone is illuminated by Atman's own light. 

Peacocks and Arrival of Devotees

On sighting advancing clouds, the peacock joyously greets them. A householder bogged down with woes of worldly life welcomes the arrival of the Lord's devotee.

Cranes and a Householder

Cranes continue to live in polluted lakes to feed themselves. A householder who is devoted to sensuous pleasures chooses to remain in their houses despite being mired with sufferings.

Torrential Rains and Vedic Learnings 

The bunds of the tank and reservoirs give way due to torrential rains. Vedic rules of life give way for atheists in the age of kali.

Srikrishna and Balarama Enjoy Rainy Season 

Srikrishna, Balarama, and other gopalas sought permission from elders to visit Brindavan forest as the rainy season was about to end. The cows, however, resisted as they usually avoid dampness. Srikrishna called his cows by name, and they quickly agreed to go along with Him. Other cows too followed. When they walked swiftly, milk flowed out from their udder. 

Srikrishna and His team were delighted to see the beauty of the wet forest. Rains give immense joy to animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Trees were giving out nectar in the form of tender leaves, flowers, and fruits. The noise of the waterfalls was mesmerizing. 

Srikrishna, Balarama, and cowherds ate roots, fruits, and food carried from their home. They enjoyed the beauty of nature.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

  

98. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (20) Srikrishna Draw Lessons From Nature

 98. Srimad Bhagavata - Chp 10 - (20) SriKrishna Draw Lessons From Nature 

Sri Sukamuni gives a description of nature, what it represents, and lessons to be drawn.

Dark Clouds and a Compassionate

During the rainy season, the sky is covered by thick black clouds. The Sky, shone as Brahma, is obscured by three gunas, Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. It represents flashes of lighting, thunder, and dark clouds. 

The clouds pours down water, bringing joy to the world. There is no existence of clouds after the rain.   

Just like clouds, a compassionate person, observing the miserable plight of the world with a feeling of pity, makes sacrifices. 

The Sun and Monarch

During the rainy season of 4 months, the sun gives back water (considered the wealth of the earth) that was absorbed during the remaining months in the form of vaporization. 

A good monarch collects taxes from the citizens and spends them for the welfare of the people and during exigencies.

The Earth and a Person with Limited Ambition 

After summer heat, the earth receives sumptuous rain and grows plump. Similarly, a person engaged in austerities (to fulfill selfish needs) having grown weak and on obtaining the fruit of it, grows corpulent. However, his ambition and joy is temporary.

Fire-flies and Atheists

During a night covered by thick clouds, it's the fireflies that shine everywhere and not the stars. Similarly, during the kali age (contaminated with ignorance), atheists shine.

Frogs and Vedic Students

On hearing thunderstorms, the hibernating frogs begin croaking. 

Similarly, vedic students who perform daily routines silently would begin loud chants on hearing the call from their preceptor.

Small Streams and Material Riches

Small streams that were dried up in summer overflow during rainy seasons with no true benefit. Similarly, for a man of uncontrolled senses, wealth is useless when prosperity dawns on him.

Bountiful of Harvest Envies the Rich

The grower feels happy when he gets a bumper crop and feels sad his crops are destroyed. He forgets to remember that the fruits of all his work lay in the hands of Providence.

Indragopas and Army of the King

Indragopas (red insects with velvety skin) and mushrooms appear everywhere only during the rainy season, just like encampments of the royal army.

To be cont'd.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

97. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (19) Srikrishna Rescues Gopalas From Forest Fire

 97. Srimad Bhagavatam - Chp 10 - (19) Srikrishna Rescues Gopalas From Forest Fire

When Balarama slayed Demon Pralamba, gopalas were joyous and showered praise on him. 

Meanwhile, cows that were grazing nearby went a little farther into the forest attracted by green pastures. As none could be seen, gopalas panicked. 

They were afraid to go back home without their cattle wealth. They began tracking footprints of the cows and also half eaten grasses to find their movements. 

Deep inside the forest, cows were frightened due to heat generated by forest fire and were calling for help from gopalas. They were thirsty, too. 

On finding their cows, gopalas called out their cows by name. By then, forest fire engulfed them on all sides. 

With no way to escape and none to rescue, they sought Srikrishna's grace, knowing well that He is their savior. Their prayers were pure, and their surrender was total.

Srikrishna asked them to remain calm and close their eyes for a while. He swallowed up the terrible fire. Gopalas, on opening their eyes, were amazed to find themselves transported to the Banyan tree, their sport ground, 10 miles away.

The gopalas deeply felt that Srikrishna is none other than the Supreme Person appearing in human form. They offered their prayers to Him and went back to Gokulam. 

The gopalas narrated the whole incident of slaying of Pralamba by Balarama, about forest fire, and how Srikrishna transported them to a safer place to their family. 

The residents of Vraja, too, felt that these two brothers were none other than Almighty descended to protect the people of Vraja.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

96. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (18) Balarama Slains Demon Pralamba

 96. Srimad Bhagavatam - Chp 10 - (18) Balarama Slains Demon Pralamba

In the divine presence of Srikrishna and Balarama, Vrindavan experienced a unique spring-like atmosphere though summer had set in.

The trees were wet with a breeze constantly blowing from the snow-led waterfalls. The ponds, lakes were full of lotuses and water-lilies. Peacocks, cuckoos, and humming bees were giving out soothing cries. 

Srikrishna, Balarama, and gopalas were allowed to graze cattle in the Vrindavan forest. The gopalas adored tender leaves, flowers, and features of peacock.

The delighted Srikrishna chose to dance while some sang, some made sounds with their flutes, horns, and palms, and the rest watched and applauded. Their duty of taking care of cattle was not ignored. 

Games the Lord Played

The two brothers with their hands clapped together revolved around themselves. Along with cowherds, they played long jumps, tug of war, and wrestling. 

They would use bilva fruit as a ball and throw at each other, play hide and seek, shut another's eyes and allow him to touch another person.They would mimic beasts and birds, leap like frogs, swing using boughs of trees. 

They would also engage in acting with Srikrishna as King and a few others as ministers. Demon Pralamba could not tolerate the happy moments of Srikrishna and His team.

Presence of Demon Pralamba as Cowherd

When Srikrishna and Balarama were grazing the cattle, demon Pralamba appeared disguised as a cowherd in order to make shots of these two brothers. 

Srikrishna, the knower of all, allowed the demon to associate with other cowherds and contemplated the means to kill him. Srikrishna said to cowherds, “Let's play dividing ourselves into two camps”.  

The cowherds made Balarama and Srikrishna as their leaders. Some joined Srikrishna‘s camp while others went to Balaramas’. Pralamba deliberately chose Balarama's camp as he was aware of the danger from Srikrishna.

They played various games between each other's teams. It was agreed that the loser of a team is required to carry the winner for a distance, say up to a nearby Banyan tree.

Once, the defeated Srikrishna carried Sridama while Pralamba carried Balarama. Taking this opportunity, Pralamba carried Balarama beyond the prescribed distance with great speed. Suddenly, Pralamba could not keep up the speed as Balarama grew in weight as heavy as Mount Meru. 

Pralamba was perplexed and resumed his original demonic form with a huge body, burning eyes, and hair glowing as flames. 

Balarama, for a moment, was afraid, but having realized his true form, he took no time to hit Pralamba’ head with his strong fists. 

Pralamba's head was smashed instantly. Vomiting blood, the demon fell dead with a loud cry.

The cowherds witnessing the event were amazed and joyful. Slaying Pralamba, the Gods showered flowers on Balarama and applauded him.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

 

 

92. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (15) Balarama Slains Demon Dhenuka

 92. Bhagavatam - Chp 10 - (15) Balarama Slains Demon Dhenuka 

Once, Sridama, a cowherd boy, made a request to Srikrishna and Balarama and said, “ Not far off from here lies an extensive forest with a row of Palmyra trees fully ladened with fruits. 

A demon, Dhenuka, disguised as a donkey, is guarding them along with other donkeys. 

We, cowherds, are eager to taste those fruits. Kindly make us available if you feel it is fit for us”.

The two brothers had a hearty laugh to hear the request and agreed to proceed to the forest along with other cowherds.

Entering the forest, Balarama thoroughly shook the palm trees with both His arms, and as a result, all the palm fruits fell down. Hearing this sound, the angered demon Dhenuka donkey rushed towards Balarama. 

The donkey, using its hind legs, struck Balarama on His chest. It went a little far to strike again, but Balarama seized its feet with one hand, whirled and threw it against a palm tree. The donkey fell down lifeless.

The huge palm tree shaken by this event crashed on an adjacent tree, the latter hitting its neighbor in sequence. Demon Dhenuka’s family, too, met the same fate. The entire area was filled with heaps of palm fruits and carcasses of the demon donkeys. 

Thereafter, there was no fear of accessing palm fruits and cattle grazing. Observing this feat, Vidyadharas, Gandarvas, and others poured down showers of flowers. 

The cowherds were extremely happy and glorified Balarama and SriKrishna. They returned to Vraja and narrated the whole event to the residents.

Yasoda and Rohini, who were fond of their Sons, provided them with excellent food, relieved their fatigue by bath, and massage. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

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91. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (15) Srikrishna and Balarama as Gopalas

 91. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (15) Srikrishna and Balarama as Gopalas 

When Balarama and SriKrishna reached the age of 8 years, the elders of Vraja felt that these boys could now take care of cows. 

Being Gopalas (cowherds), they had the liberty to go beyond Vraja. Roaming around everywhere, they left their divine footprints in Brindavan. Commemorating this day, Kartika Shuda Ashtami, people celebrate it as Gopala Ashtami.

Srikrishna was never alone as other gopalas were with Him at all times. They were either narrating or remembering His deeds. They treated Him as their guru (preceptor).

At Brindavan, grasses had grown tall, and trees were heavy with flowers. Bees were humming, and animals were roaming around freely. Lotuses were emitting pleasant smells. SriKrishna was delighted and enjoyed the beauty of nature. 

Srikrishna was always with His brother, Balarama. He held high regards towards His brother and said, “These trees, burdened with flowers and fruits, seem like they are bowing to you, and bees are singing your glory. In all probability, these bees are none other than hermits concealed in this forest.

 

When Balarama felt tired after a long sport, Srikrishna would comfort him by massaging his legs. When Srikrishna needed rest, the cowherds would, in turn, take turns to serve Him. They would collect tender leaves, make a spread, and allow Him to sleep.  

Sri.Sukamuni said, “These cowherds must have earned great merits to serve Srikrishna directly, which would otherwise take yugas to get such opportunity”. 

In this way, Srikrishna and Balarama spent their childhood happily and also diligently did their duties.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

For Mahabharata writeups please visit 

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