From Mischief to Miracle: Krishna Frees the Cursed Arjuna Trees

One day, Mother Yashoda gave the maids other works. She started churning curd herself to feed butter to Krishna. While doing this, she sang about Krishna's past deeds she had seen. At that time, Krishna came to her for breastfeeding. He grabbed the churning stick and stopped her. He climbed onto Mother Yashoda's lap. She began breastfeeding him while gazing at his smiling face.

Just then, the milk kept on the stove boiled over. Seeing this, Yashoda left Krishna unsatisfied to remove the milk. This made Krishna angry. He took a stone and broke the curd pot. Then, with tears, he went inside and started eating butter. When Yashoda returned after removing the milk, she found the pot broken. She understood it was Krishna's doing. She started looking for Krishna.

She saw him standing upside down and eating butter. He was also feeding the monkeys gathered nearby. Yashoda approached him from behind. Seeing her coming with a stick, Krishna tried to run. Yashoda quickly caught him.

Seeing Krishna scared, Yashoda's heart softened. She threw away the stick and took Krishna in her arms. She tied him to a mortar. After this, she returned to her household chores. Meanwhile, Lord Krishna decided to perform a miracle. There were two Arjuna trees nearby.They were once Kubera's sons, named Nalakubara and Manigriva. They were arrogant due to their wealth. Seeing this, Sage Narada had cursed them, and they became trees in Gokul.

Lord Krishna slowly started dragging the mortar toward the trees. Krishna passed between the trees, but the mortar got stuck. He pulled the mortar with more force. The trees fell to the ground with a loud crash. Two bright beings emerged from the fallen trees. They bowed before Krishna and praised him with folded hands. Listening to their praise, Krishna smiled and said:

'You were blinded by your wealth and pride. I already knew that compassionate Sage Narada, with his curse, destroyed your pride and blessed you. Those with a balanced mind, fully devoted to me, do not get bound by material ties. Just as darkness disappears when the sun rises, similarly, true devotion removes all bondage. Now, Nalakubara and Manigriva, return to your celestial abode. You have attained your desired liberation from the cycle of birth and death' said Lord Krishna.

Learnings -

1. Divine Play and Purpose: Krishna's actions, though playful and seemingly mischievous, carry a deeper divine purpose. His actions of breaking pots and feeding monkeys teach us that divine intentions can manifest in simple, everyday activities, reflecting a greater cosmic plan.

2. Redemption and Liberation: The liberation of Nalakubara and Manigriva from their cursed tree forms underscores the themes of redemption and liberation. No matter how deeply one is trapped in ignorance or pride, divine grace can free anyone from bondage, showing that spiritual liberation is always within reach.

Knowledge Bank

What Ramayana teaches us

Through the example of Lord Rama, Ramayana teaches us how not to falter from dharma even while facing the gravest challenges in life.

Which Goddess is known as Srividya?

Lalita Maha Tripurasundari is also known as Srividya.