125. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (43) Srikrishna and Balarama Enters Amphitheatre

 125. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (43) Srikrishna and Balarama Enters Amphitheatre

Soon after killing elephant Kuvalayapida and mahouts,  Srikrishna enters the amphitheatre with the tusks on His shoulders. His body wore the strains of blood and fluids of the dead elephants. Drops of sweat were still appearing on His beautiful and charming face.

Balarama and a few gopalas accompanied Him.

People's Perception on Srikrishna 

The Lord Srikrishna appeared as a thunderbolt to wrestlers, a crown jewel among men to male persons, manmatha, the God of Love to females, a mere child to foster father Nanda, immature (inappropriate dress and appearance) to ordinary mortals, death to Kamsa, Supreme Person to Yogis and Protector to Vrinis.

Though they looked weird, these two brothers captivated the minds of on-lookers.

Kamsa was terrified on seeing Srikrishna and Balarama 

When the news  of elephant Kuvalayapida's death reached Kamsa, he perceived that these brothers are indeed difficult to conquer, Kamsa was very much terrified. 

The people of Mathura city seated in the galleries had their eyes focused on these two brothers and admired their beauty.  They spoke to each other about what they knew and saw about Srikrishna and Balarama. 

The Gossips

Lord Srihari has descended as Srikrishna and Balarama as sons of Vasudeva,  the darker one is actually born to Devaki and was taken to Gokula (for the fear of Kamsa) and grew up at Nanda's residence.  

He slayed Demoness Putana, Demon Trinavarta (who appeared as whirlwind), Demi-god Shankacuda, Demon Kesi, Demon Dhenuka (disguised as donkey), and uprooted two big Arjuna trees.  

This young Boy rescued the cows and cowherds from forest fires, subdued Serpent Kaliya,  lifted Govardhan Hill for a week and thereby curbed the pride of Indra.

Gopikas  overcame their agonies effortlessly by their devotion to Srikrishna. Indeed, they were blessed to see Him with a charming face, unlike us.

Elders have predicted that this Young lad will protect the Yadu kingdom, and the race will attain prosperity and glory. 

His elder brother, Balarama, slayed Demon Pralamba and Baka (Indeed Baka was killed by Srikrishna and that the people of Mathura were misinformed about it.)

Wrestler Canura Denies Fair Play 

While people were conversing, trumpets were blown loudly, indicating the forthcoming wrestling event.  

Canura, the foremost wrestler, spoke to Srikrishna and Balarama,  “ O Nanda's son and Bala, people consider you both as heroes. On hearing about your skills in wrestling,  the King has invited you to see your skills in person. People should do what is agreeable to the King through their thoughts, word, and action, lest they may meet adverse effects.  

Cowherds like you tend calves, allow cows to pasture in woodlands, and meanwhile entertain themselves in  games. One such could be wrestling. So, let us play this wrestling game to entertain the King and others. 

Hearing the words of Canura, Srikrishna gave a befitting reply as, “We, who dwell in woodland,  like you are subjects of this King. Let us all do what would please him (meant to give Kamsa the final beatitude of Moksha).

However, let this sport be between equals in strength for a fair play. Let there be no sin in allowing unequals in a match.

Canura said, “ You and Bala are neither a  lad. We witnessed how  you slayed Kuvalayapida, the one that possessed the strength of a thousand elephants, with ease. Therefore, you both must contend with me and Mustika. Show your prowess against me.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana