Harivamsa

13 – dhenukavadhaḥ - Elimination of Dhenuka

vaiśampāyana uvāca

damite sarparāje tu kṛṣṇena yamunāhrade |

tameva ceraturdeśaṁ sahitau rāmakeśavau ||2-13-1

vaiśaṁpāyana said:

(O janamejaya!) After kṛṣṇa had subjugated the king of serpents in the lake of yamunā , the two brothers, rāma (balarāma) and keshava (kṛṣṇa), often wandered in that area together.

ājagmatustau sahitau godhanaiḥ saha gominau |

giriṁ govardhanaṁ ramyaṁ vasudevasutāvubhau ||2-13-2

One day, both sons of vasudeva, followed by cows and cow tenders, came near the beautiful govardhana hill.

govardhanasyottarato yamunātīramāśritam |

dadṛśāte ca tau vīrau ramyaṁ tālavanaṁ mahat||2-13-3

There, to the north of govardhana and on the banks of yamunā, the two heroes (vīra) found a large, beautiful forest of palm trees.

tau tālaparṇapratate ramye tālavane ratau |

ceratuḥ paramaprītau vṛṣapotāvivoddhatau||2-13-4

In that beautiful forest of palm trees, covered by palm leaves, they wandered happily like two calves.

sa tu deśaḥ sadā snigdho loṣṭhapāṣāṇavarjitaḥ |

darbhaprāyasthalībhūtaḥ sumāhānkṛṣṇamṛttikaḥ ||2-13-5

That place was always cool. There was no clay or stones. The land was covered with darbha grass. The soil in that forest was black.

tālaistairvipulaskandhairucchritaiḥ śyāmaparvabhiḥ |

phalāgraśākhibhirbhāti nāgahastairivocchritaiḥ ||2-13-6

The trunks of palm trees were huge, tall and black. With branches full of fruit, the trees looked like a herd of elephants standing with their trunks raised high.

tatra dāmodaro vākyamuvāca vadatāṁ varaḥ |

aho tālaphalaiḥ pakvairvāsiteyaṁ vanasthalī ||2-13-7

There, dāmodara (kṛṣṇa), great among speakers, spoke these words (to balarāma): The forest is full of the fragrance of ripe palm fruits.

svādūnyārya sugandhīni śyāmāni rasavanti ca |

pakvatālāni sahitau pātayāmo laghukramau ||2-13-8

The black, aromatic palm fruits must be tasty and juicy. Both of us should quickly try to fell the ripe palm fruits.

yadyeṣāmīdṛśo gandho mādhuryaghrāṇatarpaṇaḥ |

rasenāmṛtakalpena bhavitavyaṁ ca me matiḥ ||2-13-9

If the fruit is having such a fragrance, sweet to smell, I think that its juice must be tasting like nectar.

dāmodaravacaḥ śrutvā rauhiṇeyo hasanniva |

pātayanpakvatālāni cālayāmāsa tāṁstarūn ||2-13-10

Hearing the words of dāmodara (kṛṣṇa), the son of rohiṇī (balarāma) smiled. The young man started shaking the trees to fell the ripe palm fruits.

tattu tālavanaṁ nṝṇāmasevyaṁ duratikramam |

nirmāṇabhūtamiriṇaṁ puruṣādālayopamam ||2-13-11

That forest of palms was not used by men. It was not possible for men to enter it. Like the residences of demons, it was deserted by human beings.

dāruṇo dhenuko nāma daityo gardabharūpadhṛk |

kharayūthena mahatā vṛtaḥ samanusevate ||2-13-12

A terrible daitya named dhenuka in the form of an ass, always surrounded by a large herd of asses, was living there.

sa tu tālavanaṁ ghoraṁ gardabhaḥ parirakṣati |

nṛpakṣiśvāpadaganāṁstrāsayānaḥ sudurmatiḥ ||2-13-13

That forest of palm trees was protected by the terrible ass. The wicked demon did not allow any men, birds or animals to enter it.

tālaśabdaṁ sa taṁ śrutvā saṁghuṣṭaṁ phalapātanāt |

nāmarṣayatsa saṁkruddhastālasvanamiva dvipaḥ ||2-13-14

He heard the sound of palm trees being shaken to fell the fruits. Like an angry elephant, he did not tolerate the sound of the palm (fruits falling down).

śabdānukārī saṁkruddho darpāviddhasaṭānanaḥ |

stabdhākṣo heṣitapaṭuḥ khurairnirdārayanmahīm ||2-13-15

Following the sound, the angry daitya went. His face with mane was full of pride. With bulged eyes and erect body hair, the terrible ass tore the earth with his hooves without any pity.

āviddhapuccho hṛṣito vyāttānana ivāntakaḥ |

Apatanneva dadṛśe rauhiṇeyamupasthitam ||2-13-16

He came shaking his raised tail and head with wide open mouth, like death. When he arrived, he saw the son of rohiṇī standing there.

tālānāṁ tamadho dṛṣṭvā sa dhvajākāramavyayam |

rauhiṇeyaṁ kharo duṣṭaḥ so'daśaddaśanāyudhaḥ ||2-13-17

Under the palm trees, he saw the indestructible balarāma, standing like a (tall) flag. The wicked ass using his teeth as weapon, bit the son of rohiṇī (balarāma).

padbhyāmubhābhyāṁ ca punaḥ paśchimābhyāṁ parāṅmukhaḥ |

jaghānorasi daityendro rauhiṇeyaṁ nirāyudham ||2-13-18

Then the king of daitya-s, turning his back and facing west, kicked with his hind legs on the chest of the unarmed son of rohiṇī (balarāma).

tābhyāṁeva sa jagrāha padbhyāṁ taṁ daityagardabham |

āvarjitamukhaskandhaṁ prerayaṁstālamūrdhani ||2-13-19

Then balarāma caught the hind legs of the ass - daitya, whirled him round and struck his head and neck on to the palm trees.

saṁmagnorukaṭigrīvo bhagnapṛṣṭho durākṛtiḥ |

kharastālaphalaiḥ sārdhaṁ papāta dharaṇītale||2-13-20

Thus the demon's head, neck, back and thighs were broken. The deformed body of the demon fell on earth along with palm fruits.

taṁ gatāsuṁ gataśrīkaṁ patitaṁ vīkṣya gardabham |

jṣātīṁstathāparāṁstasya tṛṇarājani so'kṣipat ||2-13-21

Seeing that the ass has fallen down losing his vigour and life, the other asses immediately attacked balarāma.

sā bhūrgardabhadehaiścha tālaiḥ pakvaishcha pātitaiḥ |

babhāse channajaladā dyaurivāvyaktaśāradī ||2-13-22

balarāma threw those asses also on the palm trees. They fell on earth along with palm fruits and the entire forest area was covered with dead bodies of the asses, like the sky covered with dark clouds.

tasmingardabhadaitye tu sānuge vinipātite |

ramyaṁ tālavanaṁ taddhi bhūyo ramyataraṁ babhau ||2-13-23

When the daitya ass was killed along with his followers, that beautiful tāla forest became more beautiful.

vipramuktamayaṁ śubhraṁ viviktākāradarśanam |

caranti sma sukhaṁ gāvastattālavanamuttamam ||2-13-24

All fear of going to that beautiful tāla forest was dispelled. Its deserted regions could be seen by all. The cows could comfortably wander in that beautiful forest.

tataḥ praviṣṭāste sarve gopā vanavicāriṇaḥ |

vītaśokabhayāyāsāśchaṣcūryante samantataḥ ||2-13-25

Afterwards, the cow tenders who walk in the forest entered the tāla forest. All their fear and apprehensions were dispelled and they started moving there.

tataḥ sukham prakīrṇāsu goṣu nāgendravikramau |

drumaparṇāsanaṁ kṛtvā tau yathārhaṁ niṣīdatuḥ ||2-13-26

As the cows were grazing happily in the forest, the two elephant kings, (kṛṣṇa and rāma) made seats of tree leaves and sat down comfortably.

iti śrīmahābhārate khileshu harivaṁśe viṣṇuparvaṇi śiśucaryāyāṁ dhenukavadhe trayodaśo'dhyāyaḥ

Thus this is the thirteenth chapter of viṣṇuparva of harivaṁśa, khila of śrimahābhārata, elimination of dhenuka.

nīlakaṇṭha commentary

atha trayodaśo'dhyāye dhenukasyocyate vadhaḥ |

baladevena taccakre kṣemaṁ tālavanaṁ yathā || 1 ||

"damite" ityadhyāye

"samindragarddabhaṁ samṛṇetyamuṁ"

mantramupabṛṁhayati - he indra garddabhaṁ samṛṇa mārayeti mantrapādārthaḥ ||

· 2-13-5 sa desho bhātītyuttarasthenānanvyaḥ ||

· 2-13-8 laghukramau śīghrakriyau ||

· 2-13-10 nirmāṇabhūtaṁ sārabhūtaṁ | "nirmāṇaṁ nirmitau sāre" iti medinī | athāpi "iriṇaṁ tūṣare śūnye" iti medinī ||

· 2-13-14 tālasvanaṁ āsphoṭanadhvanīm ||

· 2-13-15 darpāviddhasaṭānanaḥ madenāviddhā bhrāmitāḥ saṭāḥ kesarā yasmin tathābhūtaṁ ānanaṁ yasya ||

· 2-13-16 āviddhaṁ ūrdhvīkṛtaṁ puccaṁ yena ||

· 2-13-19 tābhyāṁ tayoreva padayorjagrāha āvarjitaṁ bhrāmitaṁ mukhaskandhaṁ yasya ||

iti ś-rīharivaṁśe viṣṇuparvaṇi tīkāyāṁ trayodaśo'dhyāya ||

Ananda Vrindavan Champu

Playing Ball

After His birthday festival Krsna and His boyfriends spent the days in the forests herding the cows. While walking they rolled clusters of kunda flowers into balls, which looked sesame seed laddus, and bombard each other's bodies with infallible aim. The boys enjoyed this sport very much.. Sometimes they threw the balls high into the sky as if to tantalize the svarga-devis (demigoddesses). At other times they threw them horizon­tally, as if making earrings for the deities of the directions.

Running along with His companions, the son of the king of Vrndavana absorbed Himself in playing and did not even stop for a moment's rest. To catch a ball thrown high above His head, Krsna looked up, held His tilted turban with His left hand, and caught the ball perfectly in His right hand. Whenever Krsna threw a ball high in the sky, He gracefully raised His right hand, and squinted His eyes to reduce the glare of the sun.

With His curly hair flying about, Gopala played for hours on end with His friends. His face and body covered in perspiration, Krsna looked like the autumnal full moon studded with pearls. When the game ended Krsna took shelter of some shady trees to relieve His fatigue. One friend spread his cloth on the ground as a bed, one friend fanned Krsna with leaves, and another massaged His feet. In this way the cowherd boys humbly served Krsna. The boyfriends of the Lord, who had performed heaps of pious activities, expressed varieties of blissful rasas as they passed their days herding cows with Krsna, the Supreme Soul of all.

The Killing of Dhenukasura

The demigods felt great satisfaction as they flew in sky above Vrndavana watching Krsna's blissful cowherding pastimes. The happiness of Krsna and Balarama increased moment after moment as they played with their friends. One day everyone listened to Krsna narrate the glories of Vrndavana's trees, creepers, bees, deer, and animals to His elder brother. Due to the hot sun, drops of perspiration appeared on the foreheads of Krsna and Balarama. To relieve Their exhaustion They rested in the shade of some thick foliage. The cowherd boys, while laughing and speaking sweetly, removed the fatigue of Krsna and Balarama by offering various items. These personal services increased their affection for Krsna more and more.

Sometimes Krsna comforted Balarama by personally massaging His feet and offering other services. Feeling refreshed, Krsna and Balarama ig­nored the hot sun and played again with the cowherd boys laughing glee­fully in great delight. Overcome with merriment, they followed the cows into the forest. Everyone relished a festive mood bathing in the natural aura of Krsna's sweet love.

With a stream of honey-dipped words, the boys spoke to Krsna, who is generous, attractive, expert in all types of sports, full of matchless strength, and the best among all worthy persons. The cowherd boys said, "0 Krsna! u supreme enjoyer and all-powerful one! Please hear us. Our bodies can no longer tolerate the severe hunger we feel. Nearby is a forest of tala (palm) trees full of mouth-watering fruits. The sweet aroma of those rip­ened fruits attracts our minds. Simply shaking the trees will bring all the luscious fruits to the ground. Our desire to have those fruits is very great. " You think it is a good idea, then let us go to that tola forest"

After hearing this, Krsna agreed to satisfy their desires by entering the forest guarded by the evil Dhenuka. While observing the beauty of the forest, Krsna stated His intentions to take the fruits. The branches of the trees bent down from the weight of the ripened, bright orange tala fruits. The tightly packed clusters of fruits appeared like one big fruit.

The fruit trees practically touched the clouds and were beyond the reach of the common people. The fragrance of the tala fruits pleased the entire earth. Being greedy for that fragrance, the wind stole it and made a rus­tling sound in the leaves of the trees as it ran away. Krsna glanced happily at those trees and gave the command, "Pick the fruits!"

The cowherd boys threw stones at the tala fruits with their restless hands. Dhenuka (a demon in the form of a donkey) exploded with anger upon hearing the loud sound of the falling fruits. Suddenly the sky darkened from a huge dust cloud created by the scratching of Dhenuka's hooves, and the earth trembled from the stomping of his feet. His deafening roar frightened the demigods. Ignoring the other boys, Dhenuka brayed louder than thunder while attacking Krsna and Balarama.

Before the invincible Lords, Dhenuka looked like a grasshopper jump­ing into a fire. Intending to kill Them, he charged Balarama and violently kicked the Lord's chest with the hooves of his hind legs. With the fingers of His left hand Balarama seized Dhenuka by his hooves and threw him into the top of a palm tree. The demon groaned loudly and died. Seeing the death of Dhenuka, his fellow ass demons sought revenge for the loss of their close friend. Large numbers of strong donkeys immediately at­tacked Krsna and Balarama. But the two brothers easily killed them all.

Abundant fruits fell from the trees and piled up on the ground below, which turned muddy from the juice of so many broken fruits. The boys threw the unripe fruits around in play. Knowing the rules of purity, they did not touch the fruits contaminated by the blood of the demons. Just smelling the strong fragrance of the tala fruits satisfied them.

Krsna, Balarama, and the cowherd boys collected the cows while admir­ing the stout trees of the forest. Noticing the arrival of afternoon, Krsna made His way back to Vrndavana. Krsna, the crest jewel of lovers, per­formed human-like feats while playing His flute and wandering on the bank of the Manasi Ganga.

The pleasant evening breeze carried the clouds of dust raised by the hooves of the cows returning to Vrndavana. The dust appeared to kiss the cowherd boys as it slowly sprinkled down on their hair and turbans. The Vraja gopis, watching intently from the rooftops, lost their minds upon hearing the melodious sound of Krsna's flute and seeing His de­lightful face. Conveying His secret attachment, Krsna glanced lovingly toward them with His lotus petal eyes before entering His house.

When Krsna and Balarama arrived, Yasoda and Rohini enthusiastically cleansed the dust from Their bodies, washed and rubbed Them with oil, and bathed Them. After dressing and ornamenting the two brothers, they fed them and laid Them to rest. By nature Krsna is an unfathomable ocean of sweetness, and the best among all qualified persons. His beauty illuminates the whole universe, and dispels the lamentation from the hearts of His obedient followers

Gopala Champu

Chapter Twelve - Herding the Cows

[1] The next day the talks continued.

[2] Snigdhakaṇṭha spoke:

Though Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma’s age was reckoned as three years, since time passed quickly according to Bhāgavatam 10.8.26, their kaumāra period was extended an extra year. At the request of the calves and boys, the kaumāra age remained for another year (till the fourth year), since it passed in a moment, because of Kṛṣṇa’s and the boys’ lack of enjoyment during that year.

[3] At the request of Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma also responded in the same way. Then the paugaṇḍa age became fully manifest for two years (fourth and fifth year), because of the quick appearance of kaiśora period after the joy of living together with friends. We will speak of this after the killing of Dhenuka. Thus, mention of time passing quickly is appropriate in the Bhāgavatam.

tāvad evātmabhūr ātma-mānena truṭy-anehasā |

purovad ābdaṁ krīḍantaṁ dadṛśe sa-kalaṁ harim ||

When Lord Brahmā returned after a moment of time had passed (according to his own measurement), he saw that although by human measurement a complete year had passed, Lord Kṛṣṇa, after all that time, was engaged just as before in playing with the boys and calves, who were his expansions. SB 10.13.40

tataś ca paugaṇḍa-vayaḥ-śrītau vraje babhūvatus tau paśu-pāla-sammatau

gāś cārayantau sakhibhiḥ samaṁ padair vṛndāvanaṁ puṇyam atīva cakratuḥ

When Lord Rāma and Lord Kṛṣṇa attained the age of paugaṇḍa (six) while living in Vṛndāvana, the cowherd men allowed them to take up the task of tending the cows. Engaging thus in the company of their friends, the two boys rendered the land of Vṛndāvana most auspicious by imprinting upon it the marks of their lotus feet. SB 10.15.1

[4] Now we will return to the topic. When Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, attracting the minds of all, played in this way, the fifth year, the last year of kaumāra, finally arrived.

While all people perceived that in that year Kṛṣṇa remained as in the previous year and the year previous to that, he suddenly took on the beauty of paugaṇḍa age and left the kaumāra age. ||1||

Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma reached the paugaṇḍa age and their intelligence increased. Kṛṣṇa’s blackness and Balarāma’s whiteness defeated their luster in the kaumāra period. Their chests increased in size and their eyes and other limbs became longer. Their hair and clothing became more elaborate. They became skillful at learning new types of play. Affection increased. This makes me desire to see them. ||2||

[5] One day Yaśodā came into the assembly in the morning. The wife of Abhinanda inquired from her, “O mother of Kṛṣṇa! Where did your son Kṛṣṇa go without delay, early in the morning?”

[6] Yaśodā smiled and spoke: Oh! Up till now, I have completed all the tasks such as rubbing his body with oil, bathing him and dressing him. Now, however, being somewhat embarrassed in front of me, he has become affectionate to his servants and after completing those tasks comes to me. He then honors me, Nanda and the other elders by offering deep respects.

[7] Until he killed Agha, I would think of his return in the evening, and when he returned with the calves, I would circle water over him three times and drink it according to local tradition. But now, though I am more careful and forbid him from many things, he is beyond my control. The same goes for Rohiṇī’s son. The women, hearing this new description, looked at her face and smiled.

[8] She again spoke, “Understanding that this is the quality of a person beyond infancy, I am happy, but he causes me great suffering.”

[9] Everyone said with concern, “Why is that?”

[10] She said, “He now desires to herd the cows while not paying attention.”

[11] The women said, “You should not worry about this. This is the nature of the children born of the cowherds. One cannot see absence of herding cows anywhere. This is the remarkable nature of cowherd boys and of Kṛṣṇa also.”

[12] The assembly of Nanda also discussed the nature of Kṛṣṇa. Nanda, giving joy to the assembly, spoke to Sannanda and Nandana with a gentle smile:

“O long-lived brothers! I can see that Kṛṣṇa, who acts like a new-born child, does not behave in the same way to me as he does to you. He looks at me with slightly contracted eyes and speaks to you with sweet words.”

[13] Sannanda said, “That is proper since you are most worthy of respect. You are serious about giving instructions to him but we cannot think of giving him orders though he is of kaumāra age.”

[14] “See! Though very young, Kṛṣṇa offers respects to his mother and then to you as his father. Then he offers respects to each friend every day at dawn.” ||3||

[15] When Upananda, Abhinanda and others voiced the same opinion one after another and then remained silent in order to hear Nanda. Nanda, listening to the descriptions from other persons, while gently smiling to reveal his bliss, spoke to Sannanda and Nandana:

“You two, with great intent, followed Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma endowed with pleasing, wide eyes, from the beginning of the day, begging them to follow instructions. But after three days, searching for them, you saw the brothers far away. What else can be said?”

[16] Nandana said, “What can be said about their actions now? For a long time the two boys have had increased their desire. We should not tell you to restrict the boys.”

[17] Nanda said, “Then what should be done?”

[18] Sannanda said with a smile, “I told them that they should herd the cows.”

[19] Upananda said, “What did they say?”

[20] Sannanda said, “They said they had just passed one year of age. It is improper for them to herd the cows like the elders.”

[21] Hearing them speak in this way and looking at their faces, Nanda remained silent and was astonished. Everyone began speaking: “Though they act like new-born children, they show intelligence and strength beyond their years. This astonishes us. But it is not so astonishing because it has been produced by your great austerities. They have had no assistance in killing demons. This can only be auspicious.”

[22] One day, while alone, Nanda made a proposal to his wife. The two discussed out of love for their son, “Let us wait for the best time.”

[23] Several days later in the shining assembly when they saw the surprising features of Nanda, the elder cowherds, glancing at each other, smiled.

[24] When Nanda asked with a smile why they were laughing they said, “It seems that Kṛṣṇa has forgotten us and you also.”

[25] Nanda said, “Please speak the truth.”

[26] Everyone said, “Though this has happened long before, you have noticed it while herding the cows. The cows follow no other person except him. Today he is in front and dispatched the cows with difficulty.”

[27] Nanda said, “Why has this happened suddenly?”

[28] They all said, “When your son shows affection for anything it behaves in this way.”

[29] Nanda said, “Should we hold a celebration of cow herding?”

[30] They all said, “When there is no alternative one must act. What you fear will not be insignificant even if they herd only the calves, but your austerities will torture the enemies. Therefore you should give permission. By that permission, you will destroy all inauspiciousness.”

[31] Immediately on hearing this Nanda gave consent in the assembly. Upananda and others, on gaining consent, became happy and inquired from the famous astrologers. The astrologers advised that the two boys should begin herding the cows on the eighth lunar day of the waxing moon in Kārtika month, during Śravaṇa constellation, on Wednesday. On hearing the auspicious moment chosen, the wise derive pleasure.

[32] Nanda and others then gave the responsibility of herding the cows to Kṛṣṇa, after he had surpassed the happiness of herding the calves, by holding a huge festival in Vraja lasting three days, with the sound of drums.

If each speaker’s mouth became ten thousand and their lifespan lasted then thousand years, they could describe only one day of Kṛṣṇa herding the cows. ||4||

[33] The description of their new job:

Wearing new cowherd dress and protective herbs, receiving blessings from brāhmaṇas, being worshiped with lamps on an auspicious day, Kṛṣṇa departed with the cows along with Balarāma after hearing sweet songs and seeing dances, to the sounds of continuous music. ||5||

[34] The arrangements for going to the forest were as follows. Putting the priests in front with songs, music, and auspicious verses, bringing the cows near and worshiping them by offering foot-wash and arghya, feeding them sweet chick peas, respecting them with obeisances and circumambulation, and then offering the same respects to the priests, Kṛṣṇa, with his elder brother, remained standing in front of Nanda who had his hands folded. Nanda offered him a jeweled stick and Yaśodā put tilaka on his forehead.

“O Balarāma! Remain in front of your friend Kṛṣṇa. O Subala! Stay behind him. O Dāma and Sudāma! You two should remain at his sides. All others, remain around him.” Instructing all the children and assigning them their jobs, she showered them with her tears. ||6||

[35] Women who were given great wealth by Rohiṇī met with the wife of Upananda while the earth and heavens performed various auspicious acts. Offering respects to his mother and father, as well as others, in the midst of great clamor and festivities, Kṛṣṇa was ready. Saying “Jihi, jihi” he sent off the cows, but they remained in front of him and did not go. Seeing that this was unsuitable, he sent the elders into their houses and departed in front of the cows. When Kṛṣṇa slowly walked in order to see the calves in front, the cows began to follow.

[36] Knowing that the elders wanted to follow, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma discouraged them from doing so. Freeing themselves from the iron chain of the elders’ glances, they laughed loudly and sported with their frolicking friends who were effulgent with their new occupation as cowherds. Stopping the cows so that they could graze, fulfilling their desires, they walked towards Govardhana.

[37] There they gathered and separated the cows by making special sounds and never used the stick to beat them. There the boys became absorbed in decorating themselves, rejoicing and playing with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, to produce a great festival.

[38] Seeing this, the devatās described the scene.

Each cow was like Kṛṣṇa’s life air situated externally. When the cows were satisfied, Kṛṣṇa was satisfied and when they were hungry, he experienced hunger. He would bring them close to his chest, smell them with happiness, embrace them, search for them intensely, bring them together, feed them and protect them. This made him appear more splendid. ||7||

Kṛṣṇa held the cows as dear as his life and they became vacant hearted without him, motionless like pictures, like trees standing all around. When they came to Kṛṣṇa they experienced bliss on smelling, seeing, hearing, tasting and touching him. What is remarkable is that they were able to experience him externally using their senses. ||8||

Kṛṣṇa would call his friends and they would call him. They would speak to him, embrace him, smell him, joke with him, touch his shoulders and pull him. Let that be, but listen to something astonishing. One should understand that Kṛṣṇa and his friends never experienced difference from each other. ||9||

Sometimes the friends said, “Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma” and sometimes they said, “Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa.” This was acceptable, because they are both like Paramātmā. ||10||

[39] Blissful because of the sweetness of their pure fragrance, non-moving and moving entities situated far away in Vṛndāvana began to serve Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with devotion. The two brothers were the life of Vṛndāvana, giving joy to all entities, including devatās, by their extraordinary sight and touch.

[40] In attaining the highest happiness, they were most skillful in reaping results of pious acts.

[41] In that place, the flute, giving happiness to all, made itself and all other entities successful.

A forest is not a forest without auspiciousness of playing and there is no playing without auspicious songs. There are no songs without the sound of the flute. A flute which does not touch Kṛṣṇa’s mouth is not a flute. ||11||

[42] May that sweet music of the flute be heard on that day!

Making soft sounds with his flute, Kṛṣṇa, surrounded by singing boys of his own nature, produced various types of sweetness with Balarāma. With a gentle smile Kṛṣṇa then entered the dear forest which was like a close friend’s heart, laden with taste, beneficial for the cows. ||12||

[43] Acting as a most affectionate friend, surrounded by his sweet friends, Kṛṣṇa embraced Balarāma around his waist, using his hands which were like buds caressed by fragrant wind from lotuses growing in the forests. He became more excited to play by imitating the sweet sounds of the animals, bees and birds.

[44] For special fun, with reverence and joking, looking around while smiling and observing with astonishment, he began describing the forest to Balarāma.

Truly, you are the lord of the universe, for the trees are offering you fruits and flowers, and are offering respects to your feet. Look! All the trees are touching your feet with the tips of their branches, laden with hundreds of fruit and flowers. ||13||

“O Lord! You are now present in this forest. We cannot see you since we are covered with ignorance. We trees take shelter of your feet, praying to be born as persons with eyes.” ||14||

Our friends say, “When you come to the forest, the bees follow Balarāma, beneficial to the heart, and sing his glories.” I also conclude this. Are you not the Supreme Lord and are not these bees the best of sages? ||15||

The joyful peacocks dance attractively and the deer gaze upon you with affectionate eyes. The cuckoos produce sweet, soft sounds. Among the inhabitants of the forest, these animals are fortunate, because the dancing peacocks and cuckoos who know how to recite excellently are welcoming you as their guest. ||16||

The earth, mountains, rivers and grass are fortunate to receive the touch of your feet.

Various creepers are fortunate in the colorful forest because of the marks made by your finger nails. The birds and beasts are fortune because of your glance. In this forest reside the śārikā creepers which are fortunate because they shine with effulgence in their hearts. Even Lakṣmī desires such a heart. ||17||

You have appeared in this world from a kṣatriya line on your father’s side. According to dharma, you became the son of a cowherd leader, my father. You will marry a gopī. This creeper named gopī is thus attracted to you. ||18||

[45] Relishing the nectar of his words, Balarāma smiled and said, “Having such a wealth of qualities, who else but you may be considered to be the master?”

[46] In this way Kṛṣṇa increased the joy of his friends with diversions while laughing with them. Making them see the beauty of the forest of Vṛndāvana, he approached the bank of Mānasa-gaṅgā and became exceedingly joyous. I will describe now how Kṛṣṇa played every day.

He sported with Balarāma everywhere, eager to hear the qualities of the songs of his friends. He began to imitate the songs of the bees and cuckoos. He began to gossip like the parrots and swans.

He imitated the sounds of the cakravākas, cakoras and cranes, as if arguing in debate while laughing. He made the sounds of terrifying animals such as the tiger to frighten the young children.

Daily he would call out the names of the animals, birds and mountains. If a friend wandered from the path, he would pull him back with his hand while laughing affectionately.

He would bring back the cows wandering far off by calling their names and the names of the cowherds. In calling the cows, the peacocks would also come, since his voice sounded like the deep rumbling of clouds.

Sometimes Balarāma would hold Kṛṣṇa’s hand, and sometimes Kṛṣṇa would hold Balarāma’s hand. Sometimes he would talk on subjects beneficial for the boys and laugh. Sometimes with his friends he would make Balarāma take rest and would ask to massage his feet.

Sometimes he would sleep using a very soft bed and sometimes would sleep with his head on the thigh of a friend. When fatigued from playing, he would desire to sleep and would be fanned by the purest of boys.

Among the boys, some would massage his feet, having only that desire. He would sleep to melodies arising from sweet songs sung by affectionate friends.

When we remember him, we cannot tolerate anything else in our minds. We are greedy for him just as Śukadeva and others are greedy for him. ||19||

[47] When all these pastimes mixed together attractively, after tying up sweets brought from home as previously, they would herd and protect the cows. Knowing it was time to return, Kṛṣṇa along with Balarāma and other boys of his own age would bring the cows back to Vraja while keeping the calves separate. They separated the cows as follows: those in heat; those impregnated; those about to bear calves; those newly giving birth; those having given birth long ago; those having given birth once; those having given birth many times; and those giving birth each year, as well as the best cows, barren cows and brown cows with names like Gaṅgā and Kālindī. They also separated the various types of bulls such as those suitable as oxen, young bulls, those with humps, those with huge humps, young bullocks, huge bulls, aged bulls, bulls with yokes, bulls for carrying loads, bulls for pulling carts, and bulls for plowing the field. Those with rings in their noses were tied to poles.

[48] As previously, in a most astonishing way, the inhabitants of Vraja took auspicious items in their hands and, putting the leader in front, approached Kṛṣṇa and performed āratrika. Respecting Kṛṣṇa who was surrounded by cowherds and Balarāma, they brought him to their houses. Joyous mothers pampered him and pleased him.

[49] Resting a short time, he went out to milk the cows. Servants brought attractive milk pails to the stables. On the order of Nanda, who was seated near the great cowherds, he got permission to release the calves, sat among the cows and then began milking the cows, which was attractive to all minds and worthy of auspicious prayers.

[50] Coming out of the house:

When he left the house he carried a golden rod in his hand. His turban was decorated with jeweled rope for tying the cows. With Balarāma, he surpassed the gait of the king of elephants. ||20|| [

[51] Milking:

When black-bodied Kṛṣṇa and white-bodied Balarāma began milking the cows, their hair shone along with the silk milking ropes which were embedded with pearls and which sparkled brightly. The lower parts of their bodies were bound tightly with attractive cloth. They held golden pails between their long, firm knees. ||21||

[52] Though they did not excessively milk the cows’ udders, they obtained abundant milk. They engaged other cowherds in caring for the cows and brought the milk to Nanda. Folding their hands, the two boys stood there. When they were fully satisfied with seeing the skillful competition in milking from far off, on being called, they sat on the left and right sides of Nanda.

Because he desired to see Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, Nanda’s eyes boldly moved to the left and right sides. ||22||

Nanda’s eyes, whose only purpose was to see Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma at the same time, began to shed tears. ||23||

Seeing Kṛṣṇa with his left eye and Balarāma with his right eye, he began shedding tears. He understood that his mind had become divided into two using the pretext of the tears. ||24||

Saying, “Come, come” Nanda along with the regular cowherds peacefully went into the house, while Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma cast effulgence in all directions. ||25||

[53] Coming into the house, he satisfied all by giving them sweets.

[54] Satisfying all the people, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma went to their rooms and lay down on pleasant beds. Their mothers caressed them, servants served them, and they fell asleep with contentment.

[55] Folding his hands, Snigdhakaṇṭha finishing the story, spoke:

“You have given birth to a son who makes Śukadeva becomes immediately unconscious when he glorifies him.” ||26||

[56] When Śrīdāma and others heard this detailed, astonishing account and the story was finished, Nanda lost consciousness. The people gathered around and the two reciters stood with folded hands.

After a long time, as on previous days, Nanda affectionately presented the two reciters with gifts and sent them to their quarters. All then returned to their homes.

Chapter Fourteen - Killing Dhenukāsura

O Kṛṣṇa! O Caitanya! O Rūpa and Sanātana! O Gopāla! O Raghunātha! O Vallabha who has attained Vraja! Please protect me! ||1||

[1] In this way, eternal Goloka of the cowherds protected by Kṛṣṇa has been described with its cowherd pastimes. And there, in the assembly of Nanda the two young reciters, sons of a famous poet, made their appearance.

[2] The two boys then described the childhood pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, ending with the subduing of Kāliya. Now, they began describing the kaiśora pastimes.

[3] On the next day, as on previous days, Snigdhakaṇṭha, one among the two, thought to himself.

[4-5] “Now the kaiśora period should be described. It was suitable to describe this in such a way that the members of the assembly who were filled with the confidential rasa would not feel embarrassment. If Kṛṣṇa filled with desire for his own sweetness asks us about this confidential topic, then we should speak about it to increase his happiness.”

[6] Snigdhakaṇṭha then spoke aloud.

When the sixth year clearly arrived with his birthday filled with joy, on the occasion of the increased age which would give a wealth of bliss, the enchanting kaiśora age of Kṛṣṇa appeared fully, spreading auspiciousness to all. TRDD

When kaiśora predominates in Kṛṣṇa’s body, which is resplendent in the three worlds and surpasses all in excellence with its playfulness, Kṛṣṇa gives himself to that age of kaiśora, the shelter of all good qualities, full of excellent knowledge, and caused paugaṇḍa to disappear. ||2||

His kaiśora age brings all things under control by joy of his glance, by his conciliation, by his luster, by his special, attractive intelligence and by the staff of his bhāvas endowed with other meanings. ||3||

His face became full and brilliant, his eyes became long with a reddish glow, and his chest became high and wide, while his waist was thin. Even a little of this beauty attracted the eyes of the whole universe. ||4||

[7] Balarāma developed in the same way.

[8] When the monsoon arrived, the tāla fruits became ripe. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with their friends herded the cows in south-eastern corner of Govardhana which increases all happiness.

| [9] From a far off place, an unprecedented eastern wind carried the aroma of ripe tāla fruit and similar fragrances. All the attractive, famous friends of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, who were fully dedicated to them among the people of Vraja, who had been transformed by Kṛṣṇa’s fame, developed a desire. “Going from here with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, we have developed a strong curiosity to see Dhenukāsura’s house, the tāla forest and its guards. Since we have become thin with hunger we will send them there.”

[10] Śrīdāma, Subala and Stoka-kṛṣṇa, who had strength similar to theirs, assembled with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. They all understood the hidden meaning of things and followed the principles of dharma. Therefore they were firm friends. It is said they had powers equal to that of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, and thus they were always thinking of the two brothers’ heroic acts. Thus, affectionately and without fear, they prayed to Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa that they were hungry.

“There is a tāla forest with ripe fruits exuding an attractive fragrance which traveled to distant places. Eating only those fruits will be satisfying. We have heard that the forest is guarded by the leader of man-eating demons. O long-armed Balarāma! O Kṛṣṇa, destroyer of rascals! Give us the ripe fruit!” ||5||

[11] By the words “having long arms” the following is implied:

“O Balarāma with long arms! You are known as courageous but we have not seen that. Show us your strength!” ||6||

[12] Balarāma said with a smile, “O friends! I know that you, who are greedy, are like us. O foolish boys! Sometimes you, eager for battle, showing the bliss of your courage with frowns, defeat us. Why are you asking us to get the fruit?”

[13] They said, “Our two princes have the best qualities. Diplomatic policy indicates that one should accept the king’s family and respect it. A person who injures a deer while hunting is not considered great. If the king’s family has great power, how much more it is praised. Since you are the elder brother, you should not be considered to have a lesser position. If you two are in agreement with our desire, then what other permission is necessary?”

[14] When Balarāma, white as the moon and smiling, came forward, Kṛṣṇa and others roared like lions and followed him in bliss by jumping to that forest. They kept the cows with them.

When they had criticized Balarāma with his long arms, he quickly approached the tāla trees with great anger, uprooted them with his arms all at once and, gathering them together, crushed all the tāla fruit like an elephant of the directions. ||7||

Seeing this, the demons shouted loudly and came from all sides. Seeing them come, the cowherd boys stood there laughing with Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa. Absorbed in laughing, Balarāma could not pay attention. Thus Dhenukāsura struck Balarāma with his two hind legs, which were like thunderbolts. Balarāma was not even aware of this. ||8||

When Balarāma did not notice his kick, the demon lost all judgment because of anger. Standing in front of Balarāma, the demon kicked him again. Balarāma then killed Dhenukāsura as if he were Vatsāsura. ||9||

[15] He threw a flaming cakra on the head of the master of the tāla forest using his strong arms, more terrifying than the trident of Śiva, with heat that could destroy the universe. By this, the large and small tāla trees fell apart. An intolerable, destructive wind producing agitation arose. With the wind which caused shaking and the cakra, which blazed like a fire brand, the forest filled with thousands of tāla trees became uprooted in a moment.

[16] The donkey followers of Dhenukāsura began braying. Angrily they approached, blocking the path in order to attack. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, the shelters of bliss, laughing in jest, grabbed them like rats, holding their tails and legs nonchalantly. Situated among the boys who were there to enjoy eating the tāla fruit, they then threw the demons over the trees as if they were blades of grass. The donkeys gave up their lives and fell to the ground along with the round tāla fruit, just as Ketu moves along with Rāhu. This gave fear to the friends of Kaṁsa for some days.

In destroying the donkeys Kṛṣṇa showed prowess. Kṛṣṇa should not be disrespected. With flowers, music and songs, the devatās praised Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. ||10||

[17] The devatās, understanding the intention of Kṛṣṇa, mocked Dhenukāsura. TRDD

“O killer of children in the womb! When Agha and Kāliya cannot tolerate my strength, why do you show such impudence to try to kill me?” ||11||

[18] The boys did not eat the fruit which had touched the corpses of the demons living in the tāla forest, the place of evil spirits, and the cows did not eat that grass. For a long time the cowherds and others relished the fruit not touched by them without fear.

[19] In this way Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with their friends angrily destroyed even the subtle body of this cruel demon. Putting the cows in front, playing flutes they finally returned to Vraja with their friends.

With moving eyes which were as wide as lotus petals, praised by his friends, Kṛṣṇa, along with Balarāma and his friends, entered Vraja while playing his flute. ||12||

The gopīs with thirsty eyes approached Kṛṣṇa holding his flute, with his pure fame, pure glance and attractive smile, his hair bound with peacock feather and his garland covered with dust. ||12a||

[20] When joyful Snigdhakaṇṭha has spoke this far, his mind stolen by Kṛṣṇa, remembering the gopīs’ depth of anurāga, an ocean filled with waves of moving eyebrows generating happiness on glancing at Kṛṣṇa’s moon-like face, he lost use of his senses and remained in an unconscious condition in the assembly for two muhūrtas.

[21] Nanda and others, not knowing his feelings, attentively cared for him with great concern trying to revive him.

[22] When all these actions proved to be hopeless, Madhukaṇṭha enthusiastically comforted them and began singing an attractive song about Yaśodā’s service to Kṛṣṇa in order to reduce the stricture on his brother’s senses.

When Kṛṣṇa with Balarāma, holder of the plow, destroyer of enemies, arrive in the evening, he accepts Yaśodā’s services:

Waving auspicious items and lamps, wiping his face, gazing at his face,

Dressing his hair, massaging and bathing him, dressing him, applying tilaka,

Feeding him tasty food and ācamana,

Fragrant with aguru, feeding him betel nut, sweet speaking,

Giving the order to servants to prepare the bed, putting him to sleep,

Giving association with friends and serving them, and spreading joy everywhere. ||13||

[23] A soon as the description of service to Kṛṣṇa, sung with sweet rāgas, entered the ears of Snigdhakaṇṭha, he woke up, just as a sleeping person wakes up on hearing his name being called.

[24] Fully revived, without restrictions, decorated with such qualities, Snigdhakaṇṭha began to speak with tears in his throat:

“O king of the cowherds! Your son is most merciless because when I describe his qualities, I simply faint. Instead of making me faint, he should make a fool like me joyful by his unrestrained pastimes.” ||14||

[25] After this, all the people joyfully returned to their houses as usual. Kṛṣṇa then came to the two reciters and, being the third party present, privately inquired from them, “Please say why you suddenly faint as if in pain?”

[26] The two said with choked voices, “What can we say? You know everything.”

[27] Kṛṣṇa then eagerly spoke, “Not only do I know but I acted explicitly. But I desire to hear your description.”

What you have composed spontaneously and which is most attractive, what you hear from each other, should always be heard. ||15||

[28] Please first describe the perfection of rasa, in the form of Rādhā, with lips like bimba fruits, the chief among the gopīs, who sits among her sakhīs.

[29] The two, with tears in their eyes, began to describe her:

When a dear person is within another’s heart, the dear person alone knows that. Can any other person know that dear person who sits in the heart? ||16||

[30] Kṛṣṇa spoke with bliss, “May this spotless knowledge be revealed this evening!” Taking their hands, he brought them to his assembly of friends and spent the day till the sun set by performing many amusing actions.