Krishna Nectar Lilas part 17 “Gopal Breaks the Pot”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Gopal Breaks the Pot

The following episode occurred one day during Krsna’s transcendental pastimes in Gokula. Though any number of maidservants could have done this chore, Yasoda tactfully engaged them elsewhere in order to show her expertise in preparing butter. With her own hands, which appeared as soft and elegant as lotus flowers, Yasoda personally churned butter for her beloved boy.

The beauty of her delicate arms put lotus stems to shame. As she rhythmically pulled the ropes back and forth, the jingling of her emerald-studded bangles resounded like the bells on the feet of a dancer. As Yasoda’s hair loosened and became wet from the exertion of churning, it looked like the opened tail feathers of a jubilant peacock.

When her hair braid untied, the jewels, flowers, and peacock feathers decorating it fell on the ground. As shooting stars beautify the dense darkness of night, similarly, these falling items increased the beauty of the earth.

The necklace on her raised breasts swung back and forth with the movements of her blouse. The shining effulgence emanating from her jeweled-earrings appeared like a constant flow of nectar. Bathed in the sweet mellow of maternal affection, Yasoda’s neck and shoulders looked exceedingly beautiful. The ornamental belt surrounding her highly raised hips appeared captivating.

The radiant gems and tinkling bells on that belt further increased its elegance. Drenched in a river of devotional perspiration, Yasoda’s delicate body looked delightful. The sweetness of this scene defeated the beauty of seeing a swarm of intoxicated bees buzzing over a blooming lotus flower.

A loud sound resembling the roaring of the ocean rose out of the wide mouth of Yasoda’s butter pot. The drops of yogurt spilling out of the pot and falling on the golden border of Yasoda’s sari made it look even more attractive. As Yasoda passed the time remembering Krsna, she recalled the enchanting look in her son’s eyes whenever He got caught stealing butter.

At that time He would proudly say, “Mother, you should know that I am expert in this art of stealing.” Krsna felt hungry and anxious to drink Yasoda’s breast milk. In a threatening voice, Krsna said, “Either you stop to feed Me or I will break the churning pot.”

Suddenly, the one who chums the hearts of everyone in creation forcefully caught the churning rod. Yasoda stopped, sat Krsna on her lap, and happily fed Him. While gazing at His, loosely hanging curly dark blue hair, Yasoda’s heart swelled with appreciation of Krsna’s wonderfully gentle nature.

Just at that time in the kitchen some boiling milk foamed up in a pot. Fearing it might spill over, Yasoda left her son and ran to the kitchen. This deeply pierced the core of Krsna’s heart. Becoming angry, He picked up a rock and broke the butter pot. Churned butter flowed in all directions across the floor.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.