Gopal Champu

Childhood pastimes & Moving to Vrindavan

[9] Hearing this all the people headed by Nanda, called them and again mingled with them happily and eagerly. Seating the two amongst them, they gazed at them.

[10] After these questions, Madhukaṇṭha again spoke as it was his turn.

[11] Five days after the remarkable events, Upananda went to his house and inquired from his wife, “Did you go to the house of Nanda today?”

[12] His wife replied, “What more can be said? Who can remain steady without going to his house, what to speak of persons like us who are related to him?”

[13] Upananda said, “If something special happened please tell me.”

[14] His wife said:

The person who has great prema also has great fear. Having eyes is full of worry, unlike having ears or other sense organs. ||1||

[15] Though protected by their fearful mothers who performed faultless garbhādhana saṁskāra, the two boys cause great disturbance since no one can be fully satisfied when they see the two boys play. For instance hear what happened today.

[16] Yaśodā was busy preparing Nanda’s meal along with her relatives. Rohiṇī was helping. The two boys went far away, fooling the nurses, considering the nurses to be an obstacle to their fun.

When the nurses focused on other work for a moment, the two boys hid in a place invisible to their roving glances. Then by playful deceit they ran to a far-off place. They then played noisily with their shouting friends. ||2||

[17] The nurses engaged to protect them realized after a few moments that they had been cheated and quickly went searching for them. Calling their names for a long time they finally gave up and informed Yaśodā and Rohiṇī what had happened.

[18] The two boys went far off to a place where the river was very deep. Hearing this, Yaśodā sent Rohiṇī to bring them back. “Ah! Perhaps some trees like the Yamala-arjuna trees impelled by evil persons or the course of the river will block their path. Please quickly go there while I cook without interruption.”

With troubled body and mind, Rohiṇī went there and called to Kṛṣṇa, breaker of the Arjuna trees, who was playing on the bank of the river. ||3||

[19] Kṛṣṇa, absorbed in play, and controlling the boys, did not heed her call, and had Balarāma also ignore her. Giving up she returned home and send his mother, for whom Kṛṣṇa had some fear.

[20] When she went there, she saw Kṛṣṇa playing with Balarāma and other boys. She called him while milk flowed from her breasts like rain. ||4||

[21] She did not approach immediately, fearing Kṛṣṇa would flee. Please taste the sweetness of her calling.

kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇāravindākṣa tāta ehi stanaṁ piba |

alaṁ vihāraiḥ kṣut-kṣāntaḥ krīḍā-śrānto ’si putraka

“My dear son Kṛṣṇa, lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa, come here and drink the milk of my breast. My dear darling, you must be very tired because of hunger and the fatigue of playing so long. There is no need to play any more.” SB 10.11.15

[22] He did not come, since he was intent on winning in competition, but she was determined. She thought that Balarāma, an object of equal affection, would heed her words with respect, and shouted to him tenderly.

he rāmāgaccha tātāśu sānujaḥ kulanandana |

prātar eva kṛtāhāraḥ tad bhavān bhoktum arhati ||

pratīkṣate tvāṁ dāśārha bhokṣyamāṇo vrajādhipaḥ |

ehy āvayoḥ priyaṁ dhehi sva-gṛhānyāta bālakāḥ ||

“Nanda Mahārāja, the King of Vraja, is now waiting to eat. O my dear son Balarāma, he is waiting for you. Therefore, come back to please us. All the boys playing with you and Kṛṣṇa should now go to their homes.” SB 10.11.16-17

[23] After she attracted Balarāma in order to make Kṛṣṇa give up playing and became joyful, she spoke with eagerness.

dhūli-dhūsaritāṅgas tvaṁ tāta majjanam āvaha |

janmarkṣaṁ te ’dya bhavati viprebhyo dehi gāḥ śuciḥ ||

“My dear son, because of playing all day, your body has become covered with dust and sand. Therefore, come back, take your bath and cleanse yourself. Today the moon is conjoined with the auspicious star of your birth. Therefore, be pure and give cows in charity to the brāhmaṇas.” SB 10.11.18

[24]Seeing other boys coming from their houses at that time, her desire to take him home increased.

paśya paśya vayasyāṁs te mātṛ-mṛṣṭān-svalaṅkṛtān |

tvaṁ ca snātaḥ kṛtāhāro viharasva svalaṅkṛtaḥ ||

She said, “Just see how all your playmates of your own age have been cleansed and decorated with beautiful ornaments by their mothers. You should come here, and after you have taken your bath, eaten your lunch and been decorated with ornaments, you may play with your friends again.” SB 10.11.19

[25] From infancy Kṛṣṇa was raised under the protection of the brāhmaṇas. He thus stopped his play to give charity to brāhmaṇas. Attracting him with her calling, she then approached him gently, and holding both their arms, she brought them home.

[26] Just as brāhmaṇas chant mantras along with worship of devatās to drive away evil spirits, Yaśodā, though telling a lie when she mentioned that it was his birthday-constellation day, produced great joy as if it were his birthday.

[27] Hearing her words, omniscient Upananda began to reflect: “The two aged mothers have anxiety for their sons, for this land seems to be surrounded by evil men. I will go to Nanda’s assembly and raise this issue for consideration.”

[28] His wife said, “You should again discuss in the assembly.”

[29] The cowherds met in the assembly of Nanda, the shelter of all present, within the cowherd village of Vraja filled with cows. They discussed why protecting the cows was not being properly done in that place.

[30] By living a long time in Mahāvana, all the trees have been destroyed. But those who were elder in years and wisdom as well as Upananda, endowed with prema for Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa, attained great bliss by Kṛṣṇa’s presence. Kṛṣṇa decorated the bed of their laps most wonderfully and, holding his chin, asked fake questions. He moved about to get various objects as toys. Upananda then spoke nicely and was in favor of protecting all the children after seeing the worrisome state of Nanda while living in Mahāvana.

He spoke:

Though you all say that we should not stay here in the interest of cow herding, I say we should not stay here in the interest of the young children. ||5||

Though Nanda’s son is being protected with great care, since many accidents have occurred, what other reason do we need for leaving here? ||6||

When misfortunes occur, we are protected by the Supreme Lord. But it is not proper to make the Lord act on our behalf. ||7||

A person who is moving considers both the place being given up and the place being accepted. He gives up the place which gives grief and accepts the place which gives happiness. ||8||

That place is unsuitable which gives sorrow in this life and the next. Mahāvana is now giving us sorrow on a daily basis. ||9||

One should take shelter of that place which gives happiness in this life and the next. The forest of Vṛndāvana gives the highest happiness and is most pure. ||10||

In Vṛndāvana there is the mountain called Govardhana. It provides everything for the cows and cowherds. ||11||

The cowherds pay their taxes to the forest since they are not restricted like towns. In going from one forest to another, the king’s permission is already granted. ||12||

One must consider which activities will give happiness or fear. One must act quickly, for if one delays there will be increased fear. ||13||

We should leave this place without being lethargic. Whatever effort is put into an action produces a quick result. ||14||

If my reasoning is pleasing to you it is good, for if there is agreement on an object being investigated, it will produce great benefit. ||15||

If you agree to this proposal, have the cows give milk to their calves to full satisfaction and set them off to Vṛndāvana. ||16||

Then household utensils should be packed up and the carts with tent covers should be engaged, for in going to another place, such tents are well known among the cowherds. ||17||

Without argument, the cowherds accepted his words. When seeds are sown on proper soil, they sprout and bear fruit, and not otherwise. ||18||

[31] With the rumbling of drums they all called out, “Let us inform Paurṇamāsī. Send her first and then move the village.” That sound (ghoṣa) confirmed their name “ghoṣa” (cowherds). When cows and humans make a loud noise, and when they reside together, it is called ghoṣa.

There arose many indistinct sounds along with cries to the cows “hihī, hihi; jihi, jihi.” The rumbling of the carts and sounds of musical instruments obscured all other sounds. ||19||

Placing the elders in the carts, holding bows, the cowherds gravely departed with the walking cows. ||20||

[32] When all the carts moved together they made a rattling sound.

People looking from afar, seeing the carts with tent arrangements, said that it looked like a moving village. ||21||

On the road, some ran, some called, some answered, some went back and then forward, some were taking care of their relatives. All were singing the pastimes of baby Kṛṣṇa, while shedding tears, becoming stunned, perspiring, developing goose-bumps and changing complexion. ||22||

The women, wearing new clothing, mounted the carts and began singing with bliss in loud voices. ||23||

O son of king Nanda! O son of Yaśodā! From birth you have increased bliss. You give bliss to all your relatives.

You drank poison which lost its effects by touching you. By your mercy you do not accept others’ faults.

You became blissful on breaking the cart. You are good luck for Gokula.

You are pleasurable by having many names. You always play with Balarāma.

You play in the yard by crawling around. You play together with your friends.

You overcame Tṛṇāvarta. You gave bliss to Nanda.

You take pleasure in releasing the calves. You give happiness and fame to the people of Vraja. Your thieving gives joy to all and shows your great courage.

You performed pastimes of being tied up, and give happiness to all by your nature. ||24||

[33] While singing and desiring to see Kṛṣṇa, they proceeded quickly.

tadā yaśodā-rohiṇyāv ekaṁ śakaṭam āsthite |

rejatuḥ kṛṣṇa-rāmābhyāṁ tat-kathā-śravaṇotsuke ||

Thus hearing about the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with great pleasure, mother Yaśodā and Rohiṇī, so as not to be separated from Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma for even a moment, got up with them on one bullock cart. In this situation, they all looked very beautiful. SB 10.11.34

[34] On the cart the two women sat in the house-like cart, shining gold and inlaid with jewels, having soft, clean pillows inside, and made brilliant by the effulgence of Kṛṣṇa. ||25||

[35] The topics of discussion were of two types: topics concerning Kṛṣṇa and topics introduced by Kṛṣṇa.

Speaking about Kṛṣṇa:

All the women who went beside the cart pleased the two mothers unlimitedly with known and unknown pastimes of the two boys*. Prema* took on a most surprising form. All topics filled with prema were as if unknown previously. ||26||

[36] Kṛṣṇa said, “O mother! Where is everyone going?”

[37] His mother said, “O son, we are going to a forest called Vṛndāvana.”

[38] Kṛṣṇa said, “When will we go home?”

[39] His mother said with a smile, “We are taking our house with us.”

[40] Kṛṣṇa said, “How can that be explained?”

[41] Balarāma said, “O Kṛṣṇa! These big carts, which are like houses, with places lower down for cooking and other chores, are coming with us.”

[42] Kṛṣṇa, looking with astonishment, touched Balarāma and laughed. He said, “You have spoken the truth since the trees standing far away are also moving.”

[43] His mother and Rohiṇī said with a smile, “O son! The trees are not going anywhere, but only appear to be moving.”

[44] Kṛṣṇa said enthusiastically, “That is all right. But where is Vṛndāvana?”

[45] Rohiṇī said, “O son, it is across the Yamunā River.”

[46] Balarāma said, “We have left the Yamunā far behind. Is there another Yamunā in front of us?”

[47] His mother said, “O son! The river never divides at all.”

[48] Balarāma looked at his mother’s face with joy and astonishment. Kṛṣṇa said, “But you did not consider that the river moves just like the trees in the distance.”

[50] When the two mothers laughed in joy Kṛṣṇa again spoke with eagerness, “O little mother! What abundant joy exists in Vṛndāvana for which we make such endeavors?”

[51] Rohiṇī said, “O son, there are many places for playing and many things to play with.”

[52] Joyfully ornamenting the lap of Balarāma, like a spotless moon, with his dark complexion, Kṛṣṇa, raising himself up with affection for his limbs, raised his head and then looked at Balarāma’s face. Laughing, he joyfully rolled about.

[53] Balarāma, raising his head and revealing jubilant pastimes, made Kṛṣṇa laugh for a long time.

[54] They approached a forest joyful with the touch of the breeze mixed with the waves of the Yamunā. Listening to the conversation of the two mothers, Kṛṣṇa stood up and joined Balarāma. He talked to the comical elders with no teeth, saying “What you say is not correct” while seeing known and unknown trees, animals and birds. Asking about these, and receiving answers, they arrived at a pleasant forest on the bank of the Yamunā.

[55] The questions and answers:

What is that tree with all its leaves quivering? It is a pippala tree. What is that tree with millions of buds? It is an uḍumbara tree. What is that with long locks of hair over there? It is a banyan tree. In this way, on entering the new forest, the mothers and children talked. This marvelous talk gave joy to all people by its showers of sweetness. ||27||

What are those brown and black animals jumping around? Those are deer. What is that animal which is a mixture of a buffalo and a horse? That is known as a rohiṣa deer. What are those animals with branch like horns? Those are sambara deer. The son of Nanda along with Balarāma remains glorious as he asks the names of animals from his mother. ||28||

What is that colored bird? That is a peacock. What is that softly cooing bird? That is a cuckoo. What is the bird talking like a human? That is a parrot. What is that thing going to the flowers? That is a bee. In this way the two boys talked to their mothers while going to the new forest and laughed. They showered the women of Vraja with waves of bliss. ||29||

The inhabitants of Vraja then arrived at the bank of the Yamunā, which became crowded with the carts and cows. When they desired to cross the river, they wandered about making sweet sounds as they talked to each other. ||30||

[56] The two then left their mothers and went to the high cart of their father. ecause of its height, with joyful eyes they saw Vṛndāvana, giving joy with its wildlife, and they saw the river beautiful with blue lotuses.

[57] Nanda and others began talking among themselves: “Oh! That forest across the river from here is most beautiful. It is a like a cloth of various colors, whose edge is carried as a reflection by Yamunā.”

[58] Vṛndāvana has a wonderful flow of sweetness. Like a showering cloud with lightning and a rainbow because of its red, yellow and white flowers, from far off it releases a shower of nectar. Its rare fragrance attracts the bees from the heavenly planets. Vṛndāvana is like a householder welcoming guests, attracting them from afar by its fragrance.

[59] The noise created by the various cries of birds, like an attracting mantra whose subject is Kṛṣṇa, attracts living beings which have ears, though they do not know the meaning of the cries.

[60] When Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma began to see and hear all of this, the cowherd men prepared for the cows to cross the river.

At the time of crossing the bank, the water of the Yamunā became filled with cows in a moment. ||31||

[61] When the cows had crossed the river, the cowherds had the women come down from the covered carts along with the furniture and crafted a boat-like bridge like a highway, using great skill using kāśa, kuśa, śara reeds and bamboo bound together.

[62] When the bridge reached from one side to the other, the people who were on one side became the inhabitants of the other side which was the space between Mathurā and Kāliya’s lake. Singing, laughing and playing, they entered Vṛndāvana with the carts. It is said:

vṛndāvanaṁ sampraviśya sarva-kāla-sukhāvaham |

tatra cakrur vrajāvāsaṁ śakaṭair ardha-candravat ||

In this way they entered Vṛndāvana, where it is always pleasing to live in all seasons. They made a temporary place to inhabit by placing their bullock carts around them in the shape of a half moon. SB 10.11.35

[63] With great enthusiasm and eagerness, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma jumped down from the cart near the bank of the river. Calling their friends with long and short cries, putting them behind, they entered the pure, colorful forest. Looking left and right, they began walking. How can this be described? On entering the forest, Kṛṣṇa perceiving it, touched it and made it blissful.

Poets, ascribing human attributes, describe that forest as singing through the calls of the cuckoo, dancing by the movements of the creepers, and developing goose bumps in its sprouting buds. This is true, since the forest reacted in this way by the touch of Kṛṣṇa’s feet. This will be confirmed later. ||32||

[64] The two experienced bliss and courage by being raised on the shoulders of relatives and being carried around along with their friends. They associated with animals having auspicious marks and went from Vatsa-krīḍa on the bank of the Yamunā to Saṭtīkara.

[65] With the sound of drums and the order of Nanda, with Saṭtikāra in the west and facing the south-east, they stopped at a level area devoid of trees.

Vṛndāvana, whose qualities are revealed by its names, when occupied by Nanda’s group, shone with splendor, as if awakening from sleep. ||33||

They made a living space for the cows by placing the carts in a half-circle within which they placed the cows, providing them with extensive pasturing space. ||34||

niveśaṁ vipulaṁ cakre gavāṁ caiva hitāya ca |

śakaṭāvarta-paryantaṁ candrārdhākāra-saṁsthitam ||

They made a half-circle with carts at the edges which served as a living space for the cows with protection. Hari-vaṁśa (2.9.20-1)

[66] That day they made a living place using the carts.

kaṇṭakībhiḥ pravṛddhābhis tathā kaṇṭakibhir drumaiḥ |

nikhātocchrita-śākhābhir abhiguptaṁ samantataḥ ||

The next day they placed thorny trees, branches which they dug up, and old thorn bushes around the carts. Hari-vaṁśa 2.9.22

With Govardhana visible from the eastern gate, they built houses near a line of trees. ||35||

Though they had given up fine houses, the cowherd houses they built now were not inferior to the previous houses. ||36||

The cowherd village measured eight krośas. The cow pastures within it measured four-and-half krośas. Though this measurement is accepted by material eyes, the place was actually inconceivable in its potency. ||37||

In the middle was Nanda’s house. On its sides were his brothers’ houses. Around those were many other people’s houses. Their houses were arranged according to the amount of their prema. ||38||

[67] As previously they all experienced unprecedented bliss on coming there. The two boys, anxious to play, had a very strong desire to see the forest again. Every day the two wandered around in the forest with their father, herding the cows.

vṛndāvanaṁ govardhanaṁ yamunā-pulināni ca |

vīkṣyāsīd uttamā prītī rāma-mādhavayor nṛpa ||39||

When Rāma and Kṛṣṇa saw Vṛndāvana, Govardhana and the banks of the River Yamunā, they both enjoyed great pleasure. SB 10.11.36

All the banks of the Yamunā with their natural areas surpassing fields of camphor, Govardhana with piles of rocks suitable for sitting and lying down, and the jeweled earth of Vṛndāvana with its groves of attractive trees, became causes of joy for the two boys. ||40||

[68] Madhukaṇṭha, having finished, folded his hands and spoke:

“O king of the cowherds! You have given birth to a son who, though acting as a child, maintains the universe.” ||41||

[69] When Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes were thus broadcast, as on previous days, all experienced unlimited bliss and then returned to their houses.

atha daśamaṁ pūraṇam

Chapter Ten - Destruction of Vatsāsura

[1] As on previous days the talks began in the early morning.

[2] Snigdhakaṇṭha spoke.

After describing their pastimes while they were extremely young, we will describe their pastimes at the end of their tender kaumāra age.

In my heart I worship Kṛṣṇa’s and Balarāma’s age of kaumāra, in which they gave up drinking breast milk, in which their limbs became well formed, in which their restlessness became prominent, and their long eyes trembled during play, during which they contently laughed and were absorbed in interesting pastimes, during which they became the source of pastimes for all their friends and strongly desired to see the calves. ||1||

Balarāma was white with blue cloth and Kṛṣṇa was blue with yellow cloth. They became skillful at tying the milking ropes and rattling the milk pails. They were fickle in playing and imparted various emotions of love to their friends. ||2||

[3] They gradually learned to dress themselves.

With effort he put on the cloth given by his mother, and, thinking he could tie it, rejected his mother’s help. He became embarrassed on only being able to half dress himself and would put on his clothes as quickly as possible. ||3||

[4] When Nanda would go out with the cows, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma would go with him and wander about in all directions.

The boys would sit on the lap of Nanda or all the people who came to the forest out of affection for them and would ask about the objects in the forest, giving joy to all. ||4||

[5] Saying boldly, “I will go first” though forbidden to do so, they would take two, four or six cows and, herding them in front, go off playing. Incessantly laughing, they would run while herding cows and bulls and would stop them by grabbing their horns. They would stop five animals at a time.

[6] When some days had passed and meal time had passed, Yaśodā began scolding Nanda with affection, “Are you not doing something unprecedented by taking the two boys to the forest?” When Nanda asked permission from Yaśodā and Rohiṇī for the boys to go the forest, the mothers refused, causing the two boys to feel cheated. They became shy and sorrowful.

[7] Being prevented, the two boys cried with anxious hearts. One time they secretly departed in order to join their father and give joy to their companions. But not recognizing the right path, they met in a pasturing ground outside of Vraja and began playing like herds of calves.

[8] Understanding the active nature of the boys, Nanda and Yaśodā again considered with minds fearful in order that they could preserve happiness, “Since the two boys cannot remain without association of the cows, let them take care of the calves at a place close to Vraja.”

[9] Privately considering the matter with his brothers who knew mantras and finding an auspicious day through priests, he had the boys begin herding the calves with the chanting of auspicious mantras such as puṇyahavācana.

[10] The great cowherds happily gave their young boys the duty of protecting the calves. The two boys appeared beautiful after being bathed, dressed and fed by their mothers, while holding sticks, milking ropes, flutes and buffalo horns.

[11] When leather shoes were brought for him he refused them saying, “No, no.” Using them would be a blow to the dharma of respecting the cows. Seeing Kṛṣṇa act in this way, Balarāma also rejected the leather shoes.

[12] Considering the shower of nectar from those feet, the earth removed all the thorns from that place and made the surface into dust fine like pollen by having the cows’ hooves break it into small pieces so that Kṛṣṇa would wander with his feet in Vṛndāvana. In this way Vṛndāvana, free of insect pests and thorns, is praised in Hari-vaṁśa.

[13] With the appearance of the fine foot prints of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus-petal feet everywhere, everyone became filled with bliss. I will now return to the present topic.

[14] When the boys departed for herding the calves at the auspicious moment, servants who defeated devatās and caused all auspiciousness, carrying ingredients like splendid betel nut, colorful umbrellas, cāmaras, and silk cloth, followed after the boys and experienced indescribable inner happiness.

[15] Starting with their mother and father, at every door the excellent women offered great wealth and performed āratrika with jewels shining like lamps. They sprinkled the boys with fragrant flowers and glorified them with auspicious songs. They satisfied the boys with a profusion of befitting, sweet words. With wide eyes they saw the boys in front of them. The two boys then departed after offering respects to the elders, while experiencing the skill of faultless sounds of musical instruments.

[16] The devatās performed the same activities:

Dressed in blue and yellow cloth, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma appeared glorious among the children and calves as they played using flutes, canes, leaves, horns, ropes, balls and wooden puppets. ||5||

[17] Looking at the boys in the distance with tenderness, the pious elders then returned home.

[18] After going some distance Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma and the boys first let the calves wander freely and then put them in a group and brought them to a place filled with fresh grass. They boys played there until lunch time. ||6||

The two boys played their flutes, scattered fruits about, and went here and there making sounds with their ankle bells. Imitating bulls, they fought with each other, winning against the opponent. With great affection, taking support of friends, they fought each other with great noise. ||7||

[19] Having the calves eat the grass and drink water, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma then inspected all of them. Among the calves he hugged one with his arms to relieve its itching, and, touching its forehead with his own, he said, “If you want to go to your mother, I will arrange that.” With such useless words he satisfied the calves.

[20] After the two splashed water on their friends, they put on special forest clothing and, wandering about, became astonished on seeing the wonderful animals and birds.

When the two boys imitated the sounds of an animal, that animal would approach them. When they imitated the roaring of lions or tigers, seeing the animals become frightened, they stopped making those sounds. ||8||

[21] Happy because women sent by their mothers arrived with lunches at noon, Kṛṣṇa quickly called his friends by playing his flute–whose notes sounded like human words in order to give them bliss. When they all gathered, the women honored them, put them in lines and had them sit down, placing Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma in the center. Since the boys desired to eat, the women then served them the food in the proper order.

[22] For fun some of the boys criticized the food. They argued with the women and some of the women answered back. After the amusement of hearing the conversations, a qualified nurse spoke to Kṛṣṇa when he seemed to refuse the food, in order to give pleasure to the servant boys who could obtain the rejected food.

“Carefully I have brought drinks and delicious food. Rohiṇī has carefully prepared it and sent me. Yaśodā has repeatedly ordered me that you should taste the food. You should please us three by eating.” ||9||

[23] After joyfully taking lunch with friends like Rāma and Dāma, Kṛṣṇa performed ācamana and the nurse gave him a golden box filled with camphor-flavored betel. She said, “O child! Please follow your mother’s orders and, giving up your childish behavior, quickly return home.”

[24] Going some distance, considering the boys engaged in playing, she turned her head and with flashing eyes said to the boys skillful at herding the calves, “Cowherd boys! You are the life of Yaśodā. Please bring Kṛṣṇa back quickly.”

[25] When the women had gone, the boys fed the calves the tenderest grass mixed with flowers and headed slowly towards Vraja while dancing, laughing and playing. The sons of Brahmā praised him from the sky and devatās showered flowers. Kṛṣṇa took the path leading home.

[26] Along with Balarāma and his friends, Kṛṣṇa began walking back in order to bring the calves to their pens. Gathering the calves in a group, he became joyful at this success and, seeing the beauty of the calves, experienced contentment. The inhabitants of Vraja saw in front of them that Kṛṣṇa was approaching. As in the morning, he was decorated auspiciously. He offered respects to his mother and father, and, joyful in their presence, went to his house. After bathing he put on fresh clothing. Quickly eating, he then became happy by milking the cows. Calling the calves by saying the mother’s name, he laughed as the calves scurried to their mothers.

Servants brought the abundant milk to the house. Coming to the house, he pleased his mother and then offered her respects. Going to the roof top to rest he gave bliss to all. Putting their sons to sleep, the mothers, surrounded by servant boys, went to the main building to do chores.

[27] After the boys had spent some time blissfully in Vṛndāvana, cruel Kaṁsa, hearing the news of Kṛṣṇa’s arrival in Vṛndāvana from spies, began to think.

[28] “This child of Nanda seems to be the child hidden by Vasudeva deceptively, according to Durgā’s prediction. The child has taken a new body and killed Pūtanā, whose powers were uncontestable, by greater power. My heart fears even his name. He must be killed by some trick. He has thwarted greater and greater devices. It has become useless to attack him. Calling a servant he said, “What does he have most attraction for?”

[29] The servant said, “He has great affection for the calves.”

[30] Kaṁsa said, “You should go to your room.” He spoke to another person. “Bring Vatsāsura to me. He has caused disturbance to Indra.” That person, showing courage with respect, brought Vatsāsura. Vatsāsura stood there in humble state like a drop of water. As dirt dissolves in the presence of water Kaṁsa’s heart melted in the presence of Vatsāsura. He whispered to Vatsāsura, “My friend Vatsāsura! Please go to Nanda’s Vraja and then approach the boy who herds the calves and plays. Disguising yourself as a calf, attack him.”

[31] Thinking, “One should follow the king’s orders” he went to the place as ordered. At a clean place on the bank of the Yamunā called Vatsa-krīḍana, Kṛṣṇa, who kills such demons, while caring for the calves, saw the demon who was poison to the eyes.

[32] Vatsāsura began proudly wandering about with his false motives. The calves sensed his presence by his smell at a place with abundant grass and became agitated at his sight. Seeing their condition, Kṛṣṇa said to Balarāma in a solitary place, “Elder brother! Have you seen a calf near the water which did not come with the others in the morning? ”

[33] Balarāma said, “No, brother.”

[34] Kṛṣṇa said, “Please examine things carefully.”

[35] Balarāma said, “It seems to have a ferocious nature.”

[36] Kṛsṇa said, “O elder brother, it is a demon.”

[37] Balarāma said, “That is true, since he is suddenly looking at the calves and us with a cruel glance.”

[38] Kṛṣṇa said, “If you give permission, I will kill him.”

[39] Balarāma said, “I fear gossip from the people.”

[40] Kṛṣṇa said, “On killing him, it will be clear that he is a demon. No one will criticize us.”

[41] Balarāma said with a smile, “Killer of the enemy! The demon is very devious. Slowly approach him by some trick.”

[42] Kṛṣṇa marked with the Śrīvatsa called the calves close with a stuttering sound and relieved the itching on their throats and bellies. Playing and singing everywhere, he spread joy.

[43] Thinking he had obtained his opportunity, the demon disguised as a calf approached Kṛṣṇa to be scratched. Showing an affection nature, Kṛṣṇa took the calf by its feet and tail and began twirling it around.

By twirling the demon around many times, the demon lost its powers and reverted to its original form. In order to make fruits fall from a tree, he hurled the demon into a bel tree. The cowherd boys praised his grace, which was like that of a dancer, and his power of knowledge. ||10||

The devatās showered laughter and smiles. One could not distinguish the shower of flowers from the shower of smiles. ||11||

[44] The devatās, raising a wave of laughter with smiles, said, “Certainly the conclusions concerning Kṛṣṇa, the killer of demons, has been fulfilled.” They expressed Kṛṣṇa’s thoughts as follows.

“I am a cowherd and I know about cows. If anyone hides himself, I can understand the enemy of the cow by inference. O enemy of the devatās disguised as a calf! How can you escape my hand? If you desire to be free, when dead, you can have liberation.” ||12||

In protecting the calves, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma protected all people. To do this they took their breakfast and then killed demons. ||13||

[45] Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma returned to their houses as on previous days. They told their friends to keep the killing of the demon secret since it would disturb the elders.

When Kaṁsa heard through spies that Kṛṣṇa had killed Vatsāsura, he closed his eyes repeatedly. When he fainted, his ministers revived him with great difficulty. He then began to consult with his ministers, “I have sent many skillful, proud people to injure Kṛṣṇa but none of them have been able to produce auspiciousness. Though I request them to fool him, my plans are thwarted, and they are killed. What should I do?”

[46] The ministers said, “O lord! We can take the help of Bakāsura, who is very powerful. Those who know him understand that he is the wickedest of all.”

[47] Kaṁsa said, “Yes, he is my best friend. Please send him there.”

Cruel Bakāsura, protected by Kaṁsa, the tormenter of devotees, knowing that Kṛṣṇa would come to the place called Baka-sthala at the mountain of Nandīśvara near a lake, fixed himself there like a moving peak of a mountain. Kṛṣṇa would think that he was a mountain with a gaping mouth resembling a cave.

[48] The cowherd boys along with Kṛṣṇa grazed the calves, made them drink water, and keeping them on the bank, drunk water and bathed each other. Getting out of the water, they dressed themselves. They spread out to collect flowers to decorate themselves. While picking flowers they saw Bakāsura. The boys thought “Is this a mountain in the distance? How has it come here? I see it has a peak. It looks as if Indra has struck it in anger with his thunderbolt. I think it is not a mountain, but some type of animal which must have done something wrong and is hanging its head. I think it is a crane with a sharp beak and frightening appearance.”

[49] Kṛṣṇa said, “It looks like a bird but does not behave like a bird. Is it some new type of crane which is sitting here like a mountain?” ||14||

[50] Desiring to come closer to it, Kṛṣṇa began to speak with deceptive words.

[51] As a baby snake, poisonous even to touch, approached a frog out of curiosity, lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa surrounded by the boys holding raised sticks, approached the beak of the crane as if he did not know about the demon, though he actually knew.

[52] As a frog tries to swallow a young snake, Bakāsura tried to swallow Kṛṣṇa but could not close his mouth. Oh! By this action which was like dense darkness covering light, he caused great disturbance to Balarāma and Śrīdāma and the other cowherd boys.

Just as Balarāma, though knowing Kṛṣṇa’ strength, experienced pain when Kṛṣṇa went to deliver Rukmiṇī, he experienced pain on seeing Bakāsura’s actions, since prema includes within it all other emotions. ||15||

[53] Since Kṛṣṇa was like a blazing fire in his throat, Bakāsura spit him out quickly. Since Kṛṣṇa would burn his insides, the demon understood that it would be impossible to swallow him. Like a fool Bakāsura tried to squeeze him with the tip of his beak.

[54] But just as Bhīma killed Jarāsandha or just as a child uproots a bamboo tree, by his unlimited strength Kṛṣṇa destroyed Bakāsura’s beak using his hands and then killed him.

When Bakāsura swallowed Kṛṣṇa, the boys and Balarāma fainted. When he spit out Kṛṣṇa, they became conscious. Natural prema does not give regard to others. ||16||

[55] The devatās and the boys became jubilant.

When the killer of Vatsāsura killed Bakāsura, the devatās began dancing and playing musical instruments. Picking jasmine flowers from the Nandana garden, in great joy they showered these flowers continuously. ||17||

[56] Observing Kṛṣṇa’s intention and looking on in surprise, they laughed at Bakāsura:

“O fool! When you tried to swallow me with your beak, I helped you. If all your limbs were torn apart, what fault do I have?” ||18||

When Kṛṣṇa emerged from Baka the boys immediately regained their life. How can one describe their tears, trembling, choked voices and change of complexion? ||19||

[57] With great excitement they immediately went to the lake and bathed. Leaving the place and taking the calves, they departed for their houses.

Returning to their houses they described the actions of Bakāsura and how Kṛṣṇa killed him. ||20||

On hearing the two descriptions, the people first became frightened, with limbs burning and then moistened as if devastation would take place. Then their hairs stood on end. This reaction is not unsuitable since they began to relish the news, sweet as nectar. ||21||

[58] First disturbed and then joyful, they gathered together and went to Nanda’s house. Weeping and seeing and touching Kṛṣṇa’s lotus face, they talked among themselves about all the demons killed including Bakāsura.

“What pious acts have this child and his father performed in past lives? What offenses have the demons committed, for otherwise why would Kṛṣṇa kill them?” ||22||

[59] Because Nanda and others, on appearing in this world, experienced bliss, they are not described in terms of material existence. Śukadeva has also said this:

iti nandādayo gopāḥ kṛṣṇa-rāma-kathāṁ mudā |

kurvanto ramamānāś ca nāvindan bhava-vedanām ||

In this way all the cowherd men, headed by Nanda Mahārāja, enjoyed topics about the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with great transcendental pleasure and they could not even perceive material tribulations. SB 10.11.58

[60-61] When Ugrasena’s sinful son Kaṁsa heard that Baka had been slain, he became disturbed and began to think, “Ah! They were all expert at deception and killing but were all killed. Therefore I think only Vyomāsura is suitable for this job. He is the son of Sarvamāyāmaya, famous for his strength and highly esteemed.” Thus Kaṁsa, born from the hard womb of Padmavatī, brought Vyomāsura and engaged in him the job.

[62] Flying in the sky and viewing the whole area, he saw near Kamyavana, Kṛṣṇa, acting beyond his age, surrounded by boys of similar age, sporting in a group, but without Balarāma. Seeing that, he began to contemplate.

[63] “Playing, they call each other names like “son of a servant,” “family of thieves,” “thief in front of my eyes,” and “dear to the fools.” They are imitating sheep, shepherds and sheep thieves. They cannot say where the stolen sheep are being taken. The shepherds cannot count the sheep since there are so many. The thieves come silently without being seen. The boy with dark complexion seems to be the shepherd. That boy should not come near me since he is more brilliant than a thousand suns. I should not secretly take him away. He is now inattentive. I can easily steal all the boys who are like his life air wandering about externally. When he becomes overwhelmed with agitation, without struggle I will be able to catch the leader. My master will not be pleased with a half-finished job.”

Thinking in this way he disguised himself as a cowherd boy acting as a thief and entered their playing. Entering a deep forest, he took the remaining boys who were acting as sheep. Stealing more and more boys he kept them in a cave and then sealed the entrance with a rock just as an insect seals other insects in its nest.

[64] Just as a lion runs after a dog and attacks him, Kṛṣṇa, knowing the demon was afflicting the innocent boys, approached the demon in agitation and, catching him, caused him pain.

He threw down that demon that had taken away the boys because of their small size and, blocking his life air, treated him like an animal suitable for sacrifice. ||23||

[65] When the firmness of all his joints was destroyed, Kṛṣṇa let go of him. Seeing his footprints, he followed them to the door of the cave.

Breaking the stone cover, he entered the cave, while shining brightly. He destroyed the darkness in the cave and the darkness of the boys’ hearts. ||24||

The boys, whose pain in the cave was not as great as their pain of separation from Kṛṣṇa, on seeing Kṛṣṇa, regained their life airs. ||25||

Standing up and weeping, the boys caused pain to Kṛṣṇa. The boys felt the mountain was also crying, as it echoed with the cries of the demon. ||26||

Kṛṣṇa pulled them from the cave. Surrounding him, they became free of sorrow by his touch. Seeing the frightful demon dead, they went to the gathering of their friends with joyful hearts. ||27||

The boys and the devatās began praising Kṛṣṇa together. The boys related how they were stolen by the demon. In this way Kṛṣṇa entered Vraja. ||28||

[66] Seeing the dead demon, the devatās, enemies of the demons, showering flowers and revealed the feelings of Kṛṣṇa:

“When thieves play in that place, their breathing stops. You have become devoid of life (vyomatām). What did I do?” ||29||

[67] Finishing the story, the narrator spoke:

“O king of the cowherds! You have given birth to a son who has killed three demons headed by Vyomāsura while playing.” ||30||

[68] Experiencing the death of Vyomāsura directly and filled with great happiness and decorated with smiling faces, they returned to their houses.