Krishna Subdues Kaliya

One day, Lord Krishna went to the Yamuna riverbank with his cowherd friends. Balramji was not with them. The summer heat of Jyeshtha-Ashadha was intense. The cows and cowherd boys were very thirsty. They drank the Yamuna's poisonous water. As soon as they drank, they collapsed lifeless on the ground.

Seeing this, Lord Krishna revived them with his divine gaze. In the Yamuna, there was a pool where the serpent Kaliya lived. The poison from Kaliya made the water boil. Birds flying over the pool would fall into it and die. The poisonous water spread to the riverbank. Grass, trees, animals, and birds that came in contact with it also died immediately.

Lord Shri Krishna, who comes to destroy evil, saw the serpent Kaliya’s poisonous power. He realized Kaliya’s venom had polluted the Yamuna, his divine playground. Determined, he tied his waist cloth, climbed a tall Kadamba tree, and leapt into the poisonous water with a loud splash.

The water from Kaliya’s pool splashed far and wide. Like a strong elephant, Shri Krishna played in the water, striking waves with his arms. The loud sound disturbed Kaliya. Enraged, the serpent bit Krishna and coiled tightly around him. Shri Krishna, bound in Kaliya’s grip, appeared still.

Seeing this, Krishna’s cowherd friends were filled with fear and sorrow. Overwhelmed, they fainted on the ground. The cows, bulls, and calves cried out in anguish, looking at Shri Krishna.

In Vraj, bad omens appeared, warning of danger. Nandbaba and the people of Vraj, filled with worry, left their homes to find Krishna. Following his footprints, they reached Kaliya’s pool.

At Kaliya’s pool, the Vrajvasis saw Shri Krishna bound tightly by the serpent. The cowherd boys lay unconscious, and the cows and calves cried out in distress. Seeing Krishna in such danger, the gopis were heartbroken. Mother Yashoda, overwhelmed with grief, tried to jump into the pool, but the gopis held her back. Nandbaba also tried to enter, but Balramji consoled everyone and stopped them.

Seeing the sorrow of the Vrajvasis, Shri Krishna enlarged his body. Kaliya’s grip loosened, and it was forced to let go. The serpent raised its hoods and hissed in anger. Shri Krishna skillfully dodged its strikes, wearing Kaliya down.

Finally, Shri Krishna subdued Kaliya. He climbed onto its hoods and pressed them with his divine feet. The jewels on Kaliya’s heads touched Krishna’s feet, making them glow even brighter. Shri Krishna danced on Kaliya’s heads with divine grace and power.

Kaliya had 101 heads. Each time a head rose, Shri Krishna crushed it under his feet. Kaliya grew weaker, and blood poured from his mouths. Realizing Krishna’s divinity, Kaliya remembered Lord Narayana and surrendered in his heart.

Kaliya’s wives, the Nagapatnis, were frightened. They brought their children, bowed before Krishna, and prayed with devotion. Pleased by their prayers, Shri Krishna showed mercy and spared Kaliya’s life.

With folded hands, Kaliya spoke to Shri Krishna:
'O Lord! You are the master of the universe. You control our nature and actions. You made us serpents wrathful by nature. Now, do as you wish, whether to punish or forgive us.'

Hearing this, Shri Krishna, who was playing the role of a human, said:
'O serpent! You cannot stay here anymore. Take your family and go to the ocean. From now on, humans and cows will safely use the Yamuna's waters.

Whoever remembers my command to you, morning and evening, will never fear snakes. This pool, where I played, is now sacred. Anyone who bathes here, offers oblations, fasts, or worships me will be freed from sins.

I know you came here fearing Garuda and left your home on Ramanaka Island. But now, my footprints mark your body. Garuda will no longer harm you. Go in peace.'

Kaliya obeyed Shri Krishna’s command. He left the Yamuna with his family, and the river’s waters became pure and safe again.

Lessons -

1. The cows and cowherd boys drank poisoned water and fell down lifeless. Krishna revived them with his gaze. This shows his power to restore life and his kindness toward others.
2. Krishna saw that the serpent Kaliya was poisoning the river. He jumped into the water and fought Kaliya. By defeating the serpent, he made the river safe again. This shows his courage and his role as a protector.
3. After defeating Kaliya, Krishna spared his life. He forgave the serpent when it surrendered. Krishna even protected Kaliya from harm in the future. This demonstrates his mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent.

Knowledge Bank

What is the difference between a mantra and a prayer?

Mantras derive their power from the power of vibrations. They produce effects but need not have any literal meaning. Prayers are meaningful words addressed to Gods and produce results if said with faith and devotion.

Who are the Saptarishis?

The Saptarishis are seven prominent rishis. The members of this group change every manvantara. According to Vedic astronomy, the members of Saptarishi-mandala or constellation, the Big Dipper are - Angiras, Atri, Kratu, Pulaha, Pulastya, Marichi, and Vasishta.