Krishna Nectar Lilas part 28 “Gopal Liberates a Calf”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Once upon a time a demoniac follower of Kamsa, a devout worshiper of Durga, disguised himself as a calf to mix with Krsna’s calves. Just as an open well concealed by tall grass waits to trap an unsuspecting bull elephant, this demon pretended to be a friend, though actually he was a thief. Krsna, the crest-jewel of omniscience, immediately recognized the asura imposter and said to Balarama, “Hey Douji! Does this calf belong to Vrndavana? Or is it a man disguised as a calf?” The playmates of Krsna could not determine the calf’s identity.

With His left hand, which resembled a gentle lotus flower, Krsna caught the demon by the hind legs, whirled Him overhead like a firebrand, and smashed him to death in the top of a kapittha tree. Assuming a huge, grotesque form, the demon immediately died. Krsna gave Brahman liberation to that demon, who was a former mystic yogi. Brahma, Siva, and the other demigods appreciated Krsna’s effortless act of killing Vatsasura and came to congratulate Him. An expert such as Krsna can easily perform impossible tasks; therefore such deeds are not at all astonishing.

Krsna, the vanquisher of all demons, looked exceedingly attractive while engaging in His pastimes. The life of the lotus flowers gradually faded away with the diminishing rays of the sun. Seeing the sun slipping behind the dark curtain of the sky, Krsna called His calves and returned home. Although the character and pastimes of Krsna defy comprehension, they perfectly suit His age and charming personality as the beautiful cowherd boy of Vrndavana.

When the boys and calves approached the edge of town, their respective mothers happily greeted them. Nanda, Yasoda, and the Vrndavana gopis received Krsna, Balarama, and their own children with an outpouring of love and affection. But the boys resisted when their mothers tried to pick them up and carry them home. The cowherd boys excitedly told Yasoda how Krsna sent a big demon to the house of death without even fighting him. As usual upon arriving home, Krsna was massaged with oil, bathed anointed with sandal pulp, and dressed. Then Krsna ate His evening meal with His father and retired for a pleasurable rest.

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.