Narayaneeyam Dasakam:54-- Kaliya comes to Yamuna

Formerly, Garuda used to eat snakes. All the snakes came to an agreement with Garuda and every month a snake was offered as sacrifice to Garuda at the foot of a particular tree on the new moon day. All snakes used to offer to Garuda their share of sacrifice. Garuda was highly pleased with this arrangement. But the serpent Kaliya, son of Kadru, was very proud of his strength. Therefore he did not make any offering himself to Garuda but took away the offerings made by others. Garuda was incensed and attacked him. Kaliya was overpowered in the fight. He sought shelter in a deep pool of water in the Yamuna.

Once upon a time Garuda caught a fish in that pool of water and was about to eat it. Rishi Soubhari said, "O Garuda! Do not eat this fish." Garuda did not pay any attention to the words of the Rishi. The wailings of the other fishes touched the heart of the Rishi. In order to save the fishes, the Rishi pronounced a curse on Garuda that he would die if he entered that pool any more.Kaliya knew about this. Therefore he sought shelter in that pool of water with his family and it had been occupying the river Yamuna and its banks.It had poisoned the waters of the Yamuna and also dried the forests nearby by the poison airs breathed by it.

Sri Krishna noticed that the most venomous snake had rendered the water of the Yamuna poisonous. He wanted to expel the serpent from the river in order to purify the water. Sri Krishna tightened His girdle, climbed a lofty Kadamba tree, and jumped into the pool of water. The serpent fiercely attacked Krishna and stung Him in His vital parts. It completely enclosed Him in its coils. The cows wept and the Gopa boys became senseless. Nanda and other Gopas came out in search of Krishna. They saw Him in the grasp of the powerful serpent and wept bitterly.

Sri Krishna extricated Himself from the clutches of the serpent. He began to sport with it. He got upon its hoods and danced upon them. It had one thousand hoods, one hundred being the chief. Thus attacked, Kaliya looked for an opportunity to bite Him, but Krishna moved around him. Subduing Kaliya Krishna immediately pressed down the serpent’s hoods and jumped up on them. He who is the original artist of all fine arts, such as dancing, began to dance upon the hoods of the serpent, although they were moving to and fro. Upon seeing this, the denizens of the upper planets showered flowers, beat drums, played different types of flutes and sang various prayers and songs.

 In this way, all the denizens of heaven, such as theGandharvas,Siddhas anddemigods, became very much pleased. Kaliya had about a hundred hoods, but Krishna took control of them. Gradually, Kaliya was reduced to struggling for his very life. He vomited all kinds of refuse and exhaled fire. While throwing up poisonous material from within, Kaliya became reduced in his sinful situation. Kaliya then began to vomit blood instead of poison; he was completely fatigued. His whole body appeared to be broken by the kicks of the Lord. Within his mind, however, he finally began to understand that Krishna is theSupreme Personality of Godhead, and he surrendered unto Him.

Sri Krishna trampled down with His feet each one of the hoods. The body of the serpent was shattered. The serpent sought the protection of the Lord. The wives of the serpent, known as the Nagapatnis, saw that their husband had been subdued by the Lord’s kicking and that he was almost at the point of death due to bearing the heavy burden of the Lord, within whose abdomen the whole universe remains. Kaliya’s wives also surrendered unto the Supreme Lord and began to pray. The Nagapatnis knew that Krishna is the shelter of all surrendered souls, and they desired to release their husband from the impending danger by pleasing the Lord with their prayer.The Nagapatnis were astonished that, although Kaliya had the body of a serpent as the result of grievous sinful activities, at the same time he was in contact with the Lord to the extent that the Lord’s lotus feet were touching his hoods. The wives of the serpent praised Krishna and prayed for their husband's life.The Lord stopped His dance. Kaliya slowly recovered consciousness. 

The Lord was pleased with Kaliya and his wives. Immediately after hearing His order, the wives began to worship Him with great offerings of nice garments, flowers, garlands, jewels, ornaments, sandal pulp, lotus flowers, and nice eatable fruits. In this way they pleased the master of Garuda, of whom they were very much afraid. Then, obeying the orders of Lord Krsna, all of them left the lake within the Yamuna.

Krishna said, "O Kaliya !Do not stay here any more. Go to the sea immediately with all your kith and kin and, wives. Let the water of the Yamuna be used by the cows and men. I know that you left Ramanaka island for fear of Garuda and came to live in this pool. But now, as your hoods bear the marks of My feet, Garuda will not touch you." Thereupon Kaliya proceeded to the Ramanaka island in the sea with his wives, friends and children. The waters of the Yamuna then turned as sweet as nectar itself. 

Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 01
त्वत्सेवोत्कस्सौभरिर्नाम पूर्वं
कालिन्द्यन्तर्द्वादशाब्दम् तपस्यन् ।
मीनव्राते स्नेहवान् भोगलोले
तार्क्ष्यं साक्षादैक्षताग्रे कदाचित् ॥१॥

tvatsevOtkaH saubharirnaama puurvaM

kaalindyantardvaadashaabdaM tapasyan |

miinavraate snehavaan bhOgalOle

taarkshyaM saakshaadaikshataagre kadaachit || 1

Long ago, a sage called Soubhari, who wished to serve Thee, was doing penance,immersed in the waters of the river Kaalindi, for twelve years. During this time hebecame deeply attached to the shoals of fish, indulging in romantic sports, in thewaters around him. Then, one day he saw Garuda, in person, in front of him.

Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 02
त्वद्वाहं तं सक्षुधं तृक्षसूनुं
मीनं कञ्चिज्जक्षतं लक्षयन् स: ।
तप्तश्चित्ते शप्तवानत्र चेत्त्वं
जन्तून् भोक्ता जीवितं चापि मोक्ता ॥२॥ 

tvadvaahaM taM sakshudhaM tR^ikshasuunuM

miinaM ka~nchijjakshataM lakshayan saH |

taptashchitte shaptavaanatra chettvaM

jantuun bhOktaa jiivitaM chaapi mOktaa || 2

Thy mount that Garuda who was hungry and was eating a fish. Seeing that, Saubhari was mentally very agitated and cursed Garuda saying that he would lose his life if he ate any creatures there.

Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 03 
तस्मिन् काले कालिय: क्ष्वेलदर्पात्
सर्पाराते: कल्पितं भागमश्नन् ।
तेन क्रोधात्त्वत्पदाम्भोजभाजा
पक्षक्षिप्तस्तद्दुरापं पयोऽगात् ॥३॥

tasmin kaale kaaliyaH kshveladarpaat

sarpaaraateH kalpitaM bhaagamashnan |

tena krOdhaat tvatpadaambhOjabhaajaa

pakshakshiptaH tadduraapaM payO(a)gaat || 3

At that time, Kaaliya the serpent was full of pride due to the power of his poison. He ate away the offerings set apart for Garuda, the enemy of serpents. Angered at this Garuda who is devoted to Thy lotus feet, attacked him with his wings and chased him. So Kaaliya took refuge in that part of the river Kaalindi, which was out of bounds for Garuda, due to the sage's curse.

Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 04
घोरे तस्मिन् सूरजानीरवासे
तीरे वृक्षा विक्षता: क्ष्वेलवेगात् ।
पक्षिव्राता: पेतुरभ्रे पतन्त:
कारुण्यार्द्रं त्वन्मनस्तेन जातम् ॥४॥

ghOre tasmin suurajaaniiravaase

tiire vR^ikshaa vikshataaH kshvelavegaat |

pakshivraataaH peturabhre patantaH

kaaruNyaardraM tvanmanastena jaatam ||4

The waters of the river Yamuna, in the portion inhabited by the dreadful Kaaliya,became contaminated by the viciousness of his deadly poison, , destroying the trees onthe river bank, and causing The birds who flew in the sky above, dropped down dead. Thy heart melted in compassion and was moved with pity seeing the plight of the creatures.

 Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 05
काले तस्मिन्नेकदा सीरपाणिं
मुक्त्वा याते यामुनं काननान्तम् ।
त्वय्युद्दामग्रीष्मभीष्मोष्मतप्ता
गोगोपाला व्यापिबन् क्ष्वेलतोयम् ॥५॥

kaale tasminnekadaa siirapaaNiM

muktvaayaate yaamunaM kaananaantam |

tvayyuddaama griiShma bhiiShmOShmataptaa

gO gOpaalaa vyaapiban kshvelatOyam || 5

At that time, once Thou had gone to the forest region, near the river Yamuna, without Balarama. In the intense summer heat, The cows and cowherds, drank the poisonous water of the river, Yamuna.

Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 06 
नश्यज्जीवान् विच्युतान् क्ष्मातले तान्
विश्वान् पश्यन्नच्युत त्वं दयार्द्र: ।
प्राप्योपान्तं जीवयामासिथ द्राक्
पीयूषाम्भोवर्षिभि: श्रीकटक्षै: ॥६॥

nashyajjiivaan vichyutaan kshmaatale taan

vishvaan pashyannachyuta tvaM dayaardraH |

praapyOpaantaM jiivayaamaasitha draak

piiyuuShaambhO varShibhiH shriikaTaakshaiH || 6

Oh Achyuta ! They had all lost their lives and had fallen on the ground. Thou were overcome with pity and approached them. Thou shed Thy auspicious glances on them which were like showering nectar, which soon revived them.

Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 07
किं किं जातो हर्षवर्षातिरेक:
सर्वाङ्गेष्वित्युत्थिता गोपसङ्घा: ।
दृष्ट्वाऽग्रे त्वां त्वत्कृतं तद्विदन्त-
स्त्वामालिङ्गन् दृष्टनानाप्रभावा: ॥७॥

kiM kiM jaatO harShavarShaatirekaH

sarvaangeShvityutthitaa gOpasanghaaH |

dR^iShTvaagre tvaaM tvatkR^itaM tadvidantaH

tvaamaalingan dR^iShTanaanaa prabhaavaaH || 7

The cow herd boys wondering “What is this?Why is there a great joy which cools our body”Stood up and seeing you in front of them,And remembering the other divine acts that you did,And having understood that this also is your sport,Came running to you and hugged you.

 Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 08
गावश्चैवं लब्धजीवा: क्षणेन
स्फीतानन्दास्त्वां च दृष्ट्वा पुरस्तात् ।
द्रागावव्रु: सर्वतो हर्षबाष्पं
व्यामुञ्चन्त्यो मन्दमुद्यन्निनादा: ॥८॥

gaavashchaivaM labdhajiivaaH kshaNena

sphiitaanandaastvaaM cha dR^iShTvaa purastaat |

draagaavavruH sarvatO harShabaaShpaM

vyaamu~nchantyO mandamudyanninaadaaH || 8

 Similarly, the cows too, which had regained their lives, instantly, full of delight at seeing Thee in front of them, rallied round Thee, expressing their gratitude, by shedding tears of joy and mooing in soft tones.

 Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 09
रोमाञ्चोऽयं सर्वतो न: शरीरे
भूयस्यन्त: काचिदानन्दमूर्छा ।
आश्चर्योऽयं क्ष्वेलवेगो मुकुन्दे-
त्युक्तो गोपैर्नन्दितो वन्दितोऽभू: ॥९॥

rOmaa~nchO(a)yaM sarvatO naH shariire

bhuuyasyantaH kaachidaanandamuurchChaa |

aashcharyO(a)yaM kshvelavegO mukundetyuktO

gOpaiH nanditO vanditO(a)bhuuH || 9

Oh Mukunda ! The cowherds, with their hairs standing on end and the thrills of ecstasyvibrating through their body, could not find words to express their feelings. Theythought it was due to the strange effect of the poison. They praised and thanked Thee profusely, with joy.

 

 Dasakam: 054 -- Slokam: 10
एवं भक्तान् मुक्तजीवानपि त्वं
मुग्धापाङ्गैरस्तरोगांस्तनोषि ।
तादृग्भूतस्फीतकारुण्यभूमा
रोगात् पाया वायुगेहाधिवास ॥१०॥

evaM bhaktaanmuktajiivaanapi tvaM

mugdhaapaangaiH astarOgaamstanOShi |

taadR^igbhuuta sphiita kaaruNya bhuumaa

rOgaatpaayaa vaayugehaadhinaatha ||10

In this manner, by Thy charming glances, the devotees who had lost their lives were revived and were rendered devoid of diseases. Oh Guruvayurappa of suchboundless mercy ! May Thou guard me against illness.

Narayaneeyam Dasakam: 53 -- Slaying of Dhenukasura

Slaying of Dhenukasura

 Accompanied by the cowherd boys and Balarama, Krsna brought forward the cows and played on His flute through the forest of Vrndavana, which was full of flowers, vegetables, and pasturing grass. The Vrndavana forest was as sanctified as the clear mind of a devotee and was full of bees, flowers and fruits. There were chirping birds and clear water lakes with waters that could relieve one of all fatigues. Sweet flavored breezes blew always, refreshing the mind and body. Krsna, with His friends and Balarama, entered the forest and, seeing the favorable situation, enjoyed the atmosphere to the fullest extent. Krsna saw all the trees, overloaded with fruits and fresh twigs, coming down to touch the ground as if welcoming Him by touching His lotus feet. He was very pleased by the behavior of the trees, fruits and flowers, and He began to smile realizing their desires.

 His most intimate friends Sridama, Subala and Stoka Krsna began to address Krsna and Balarama with great love and affection thus: “Dear Balarama, You are very powerful; Your arms are very strong. Dear Krsna, You are very expert in killing all kinds of disturbing demons. Will You kindly note that just near this place there is a big forest of the name Talavana. This forest is full of palm trees, and all the trees are filled with fruits. Some are falling down, and some of them are very ripe even in the trees. It is a very nice place, but because of a great demon, Dhenukasura, it is very difficult to go there. No one can reach the trees to collect the fruits. Dear Krsna and Balarama, this demon is present there in the form of an ass, and he is surrounded by similar demon friends who assume the same shape. All of them are very strong, so it is very difficult to approach this place. Dear brothers, You are the only persons who can kill such demons. Other than You, no one can go there for fear of being killed. Not even animals go there, and no birds are sleeping there; they have all left. He has the form of an ass. He has already killed many men. Therefore people do not enter the place out of fear. We smell the fragrance of the fruits even from here. It appears that up until now, no one has tasted the sweet fruits there, either on the tree or on the ground.

One can only appreciate the sweet aroma that is coming from that place. Dear Krsna, to tell You frankly, we are very attracted by this sweet aroma. Dear Balarama, let us all go there and enjoy these fruits. The aroma of the fruits is now spread everywhere. Don’t You smell it from here?When Balarama and Krsna were thus petitioned by Their smiling, intimate friends, They were inclined to please them, and They began to proceed towards the forest, surrounded by all Their friends. Immediately upon entering the Talavana, Balarama began Balarama boldly entered the forest and shook the trees violently. Numerous fruits fell down from the trees. When the Asura heard the sound of the fall of those fruits, he rushed forth and violently kicked Balarama on his chest with his hind feet. Balaram took hold of the ass by both its hind feet and whirled round his head and hurled it with force against a very large palmyra tree. The Asura died. Then all the kith and kin of Dhenuka attacked both Balarama and Krishna. They were all killed by Rama and Krishna. The companions of Krishna and Rama ate the palmyra fruits to their heart's content. After the death of Dhenuka and his relatives, people entered the grove fearlessly and the cattle also freely grazed on the pasture in that grove.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 01

अतीत्य बाल्यं जगतां पते त्वमुपेत्य पौगण्डवयो मनोज्ञं ।
उपेक्ष्य वत्सावनमुत्सवेन प्रावर्तथा गोगणपालनायाम् ॥१॥

atiitya baalyaM jagataaM pate tvamupetya paugaNDavayO manOj~nam |

upekshya vatsaavanamutsavena praavartathaa gOgaNapaalanaayaam || 1

Oh Lord of the Universe! With Thy childhood stage ending at five years of age, Thou came to the endearing stage of boyhood (from six to ten years of age) and started to rear cows instead of calves, with great enthusiasm.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 02 
उपक्रमस्यानुगुणैव सेयं मरुत्पुराधीश तव प्रवृत्ति: ।
गोत्रापरित्राणकृतेऽवतीर्णस्तदेव देवाऽऽरभथास्तदा यत् ॥२॥

upakramasyaanuguNaiva seyaM marutpuraadhiisha tava pravR^ittiH |

gOtraaparitraaNakR^ite(a)vatiirNaH tadeva devaa(a)(a)rabhathaastadaa yat || 2

Oh Lord of Guruvayur,! this change is greatly befitting,For you who took the incarnation to protect the earth*,Started looking after the herds of cows*,When you reached this stage of boyhood. *”Gothra” means earth as well as cow herds.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 03
कदापि रामेण समं वनान्ते वनश्रियं वीक्ष्य चरन् सुखेन ।
श्रीदामनाम्न: स्वसखस्य वाचा मोदादगा धेनुककाननं त्वम् ॥३॥

kadaa(a)pi raameNa samaM vanaante vanashriyaM viikshya charan sukhena |

shriidaamanaamnaH svasakhasya vaachaa mOdaadagaa dhenukakaananaM tvam || 3

Once, with Balaraam, as Thou were happily roaming about in the woods and admiring the beauty of the woods, on Thy friend Sudaamaa's suggestion, Thou enthusiastically entered the Dhenuka forest.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 04
उत्तालतालीनिवहे त्वदुक्त्या बलेन धूतेऽथ बलेन दोर्भ्याम् ।
मृदु: खरश्चाभ्यपतत्पुरस्तात् फलोत्करो धेनुकदानवोऽपि ॥४॥

uttaalataaliinivahe tvaduktyaa balena dhuute(a)thabalena dOrbhyaam |

mR^iduH kharashchaabhyapatatpurastaat phalOtkarO dhenuka daanavO(a)pi || 4

At Thy words, Balaraam shook the cluster of tall palm trees with the force of both his strong arms. A bunch of soft and ripe and hard and unripe fruits fell in front of Thee. Just then, the demon Dhenukaasura, in the form of a donkey also appeared.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 05 
समुद्यतो धैनुकपालनेऽहं कथं वधं धैनुकमद्य कुर्वे ।
इतीव मत्वा ध्रुवमग्रजेन सुरौघयोद्धारमजीघनस्त्वम् ॥५॥

samudyatO dhainukapaalane(a)haM kathaM vadhaM dhainukamadya kurve |

itiiva matvaa dhruvamagrajena suraugha yOddhaaramajiighanastvam || 5

Considering the fact that Thou art the protector of the cows, Thou felt that it would not be proper for Thee to kill the demon called Dhenuka, (meaning cow) and hence, Thou entrusted the task of destroying this demon, who was an enemy of the gods, to Thy elder brother, who accomplished this job.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 06
तदीयभृत्यानपि जम्बुकत्वेनोपागतानग्रजसंयुतस्त्वम् ।
जम्बूफलानीव तदा निरास्थस्तालेषु खेलन् भगवन् निरास्थ: ॥६॥

tadiiya bhR^ityaanapi jambukatvenOpaagataa nagrajasanyutastvam |

jambuuphalaaniiva tadaa niraasthastaaleShukhelan bhagavanniraasthaH || 6

Dhenukaasura's servants had also come in the form of jackals. O Lord! Thou and Thy elder brother,, lifted them playfully as if they were jambufruits and effortlessly threw them on to the palm trees.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 07
विनिघ्नति त्वय्यथ जम्बुकौघं सनामकत्वाद्वरुणस्तदानीम् ।
भयाकुलो जम्बुकनामधेयं श्रुतिप्रसिद्धं व्यधितेति मन्ये ॥७॥

vinighnati tvayyatha jambukaughaM sanaamakatvaadvaruNastadaaniim

bhayaakulO jambukanaamadheyaM shruti prasiddhaM vyadhiteti manye || 7

When Thou began to destroy that army of jackals or jambukas, Varuna, the rain-godwas filled with fear, as he was also known by the name Jambuka. So he preferred to letthat name remain only in the Vedas,.

I believe that it is for this reason that Varuna's name as 'Jambuka' is not known

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 08
तवावतारस्य फलं मुरारे सञ्जातमद्येति सुरैर्नुतस्त्वम् ।
सत्यं फलं जातमिहेति हासी बालै: समं तालफलान्यभुङ्क्था: ॥८॥

tavaavataarasya phalaM muraare sanjaatamadyeti surairnutastvam |

satyaM phalaM jaatamiheti haasii baalaiH samaM taalaphalaanyabhunkthaaH || 8

O Slayer of Mura! The gods praised Thee saying that the fruit of Thy incarnation has now appeared. Thou laughingly said that 'indeed the fruits of the palm tree have been got now', and saying that the jambu fruits had fallen down and ate them with the children.

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 09 
मधुद्रवस्रुन्ति बृहन्ति तानि फलानि मेदोभरभृन्ति भुक्त्वा ।
तृप्तैश्च दृप्तैर्भवनं फलौघं वहद्भिरागा: खलु बालकैस्त्वम् ॥९॥

madhudravasrunti bR^ihanti taani phalaani medObharabhR^inti bhuktvaa |

tR^iptaishcha dR^iptairbhavanaM phalaughaM vahadbhiraagaaH khalubaalakaistvam || 9

Eating those big, luscious fruits, dripping with sweet syrup, to their heart's content, thechildren gathered the remaining bunches of fruits to take home, feeling quite happyand proud. Accompanied by them, Thou reached home

Dasakam: 053 -- Slokam: 10 
हतो हतो धेनुक इत्युपेत्य फलान्यदद्भिर्मधुराणि लोकै: ।
जयेति जीवेति नुतो विभो त्वं मरुत्पुराधीश्वर पाहि रोगात् ॥१०॥

hatO hatO dhenuka ityupetya phalaanyadadbhirmadhuraaNi lOkaiH |

jayeti jiiveti nutO vibhO tvaM marutpuraadhiishvara paahi rOgaat ||10

Oh Lord ! The people approached Thee cheering that Dhenukaasura was killed. They praised Thee saying, 'Victory to Thee', 'May Thou live long', as they ate the sweet fruits. Oh Guruvayurappa ! Do save me from my ailments.

Narayaneeyam Dasakam:52-Brahma's Delusion

STEALING OF BOYS AND CALVES BY BRAHMA:

After the killing of the demon Aghasura, Krishna and his friends sat down on the banks of River Yamuna to have their lunch. They set free the calves to forage for green grass. The calves went deep into the forest and did not return for some time. Afraid of some mishap to their animals, the cowherd-boys wanted to go in search of the calves but Krishna told them to continue with their lunch and volunteered himself for the search. In the forest, Krishna was unable to find the calves; when he returned he saw that his friends had also vanished. In fact, Lord Brahma had stolen these calves and the cowherd boys, took them to a cave and made them asleep under the spell of his mystic power. He wished to see what Lord Krishna would do without the calves and cowherd boys. Through his divine powers, Krishna understood that this was the work of Lord Brahma. He decided to play a trick upon Lord Brahma himself.

(Picture courtesy -Google image)

Krishna made no effort to release his friends and the calves. Instead, he multiplied himself into the cowherd boys and calves duplicating their original forms and minds. Down to the minutest details he copied their dress, behavior, mannerism, color, voices and other characteristics. These divine forms of the Lord were so perfectly matched the original that no one could even sense a change. As the sun went down, these Krishna-gopas and Krishna-calves wended their way home along with Krishna. On entering the village, each Krishna-gopa bid farewell to Krishna and entered his house along with the Krishna-calves. Krishna had so perfectly copied each boy’s characteristics that not even their own mothers could find anything strange. The Krishna-calves too went straight to the mother-cows.

Krishna continued to sustain this Leela so that the people of Vrindavana were not aware that the original boys and calves were missing. Every morning the Krishna-gopas and Krishna-calves would go as usual to the pastures. The calves would graze and the Krishna-gopas would play together all the games that Krishna and the cowboys used to play. In the evening they would return home again. Except for one strange thing, life was normal at Vrindavana. Day by day the mothers began to feel an overwhelming love for their children caring for them lovingly in the evenings. They were reluctant to send them to the pastures in the morning. The cows too began to adore their calves more. They could not stop muzzling them and could not seem to stop licking them.

In this way Krishna enjoyed the lavish love and tender care of so many parents and animals at the same time and gave immeasurable happiness to all the mothers. All the other gods and celestial beings watched with wonder at these Supreme impersonifications and envied those fortunate enough to enjoy Krishna's divine manifestations.

One-day, as usual, Krishna, Balarama and the other Krishna-gopas took their calves to graze in the pastures. The cows were already grazing on the hill slopes of Goverdhana. Seeing their beloved calves they came rushing down the mountain to caress them and lick them with great joy. Balarama, who was watching all this, said to Krishna: "Krishna, do you know the reason why everybody has become more loving towards their children? Why even the cows cannot bear to be separated from their calves. And the strangest thing is that they all look like you to me." Krishna then narrated to Balarama the entire incident of Brahma hiding the boys and the animals.

By now a year was almost over. It was one year of our solar calculation but only a moment in Brahma’s calculation. When he came again after a moment, he saw all the boys and calves playing with Krishna as usual. He was greatly puzzled at this since he was certain that all the boys and calves taken away by him were still sleeping in the cave. Very soon Brahma realized that his mystic power was almost nothing as compared to the mystic power of Krishna – the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Just like the light of a candle which pales into insignificance in the face of the sun, so did the mystic of Lord Brahma become insignificant in front of Lord Krishna’s mystic. As soon as he acknowledged this, like a mist clearing he saw the dark-complexioned beloved face of Krishna in each of the boys and calves. To his eyes wherever he looked he could only see the four-armed Lord Vishnu in each one’s form.

Getting down from his vehicle, the swan, Brahmaji went thrice around Krishna and bowed low. "My Lord, your mystic is infinitely great and divine" he said and sang in praise of the Lord. He then released the cowherd boys and calves. Then seated on his swan he disappeared.  The divine duplicates also vanished when the originals came back!.

The real cowherd boys (gopas) were now sitting in the same place from where Brahmaji had whisked them away. But he had cast a spell on them as a result of which they could not remember anything that had happened. The original calves also were grazing peacefully. To them, Krishna also appeared as he had been a year previously.  Although he returned after one year, the cowherd boys thought that he had returned in a moment. While enjoying his lunch with the other boys, Krishna chuckled to himself about their not realizingt for  one year they had all been involved in the mystic activities of Lord Brahma.

That evening the cowherd boys returned home and told the others how Krishna had saved them yet again from the jaws of death. They related how he had killed the demon Aghasura. The boys actually spoke of the event which had taken place a year ago but which they thought was only a few hours earlier. Day by day the people of Vrindavana spoke lovingly of the deeds of Krishna even though they continued to be unaware of  his divine nature.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 01

अन्यावतारनिकरेष्वनिरीक्षितं ते
भूमातिरेकमभिवीक्ष्य तदाघमोक्षे ।
ब्रह्मा परीक्षितुमना: स परोक्षभावं
निन्येऽथ वत्सकगणान् प्रवितत्य मायाम् ॥१॥

anyaavataaranikareShvaniriikshitaM te

bhuumaatirekamabhiviikshya tadaaghamOkshe |

brahmaa pariikshitumanaaH sa parOkshabhaavaM

ninye(a)tha vatsakagaNaan pravitatya maayaam || 1

Brahma watching you give salvation to Aghasura, And observing your great power which was not seen in other incarnations, Decided to test you and using his power of delusion , Caused the entire of herd of calves vanish from there.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 02

वत्सानवीक्ष्य विवशे पशुपोत्करे ता-
नानेतुकाम इव धातृमतानुवर्ती ।
त्वं सामिभुक्तकबलो गतवांस्तदानीं
भुक्तांस्तिरोऽधित सरोजभव: कुमारान् ॥२॥

vatsaanaviikshya vivashe pashupOtkaretaan

aanetukaama iva dhaatR^imataanuvartii |

tvaM saamibhukta kabalO gatavaamstadaaniiM

bhuktaamstirOdhita sarOjabhavaH kumaaraan || 2

The Gopa boys were worried by the disappearance of the calves. As though trying to bring them back, You left your half finished meal and as if to obey Brahma’s wish,Started searching for the calves and then that Brahma hide ,The Gopa boys also with their half finished mealsWitnessing the indisputable power of Thy glory, during the liberation of the demonAgha, hitherto not seen in any of Thy other incarnations, Brahma, with his mind determined to test Thee, used his power of delusion, (Maya), and caused the calfherds to disappear from view.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 03

वत्सायितस्तदनु गोपगणायितस्त्वं
शिक्यादिभाण्डमुरलीगवलादिरूप: ।
प्राग्वद्विहृत्य विपिनेषु चिराय सायं
त्वं माययाऽथ बहुधा व्रजमाययाथ ॥३॥

vatsaayita stadanu gOpagaNaayitastvaM

shikyaadi bhaaNDa muralii gavalaadiruupaH |

praagvadvihR^itya vipineShu chiraaya saayaM

tvaM maayayaa(a)tha bahudhaa vrajamaayayaatha || 3

There upon by Maya, Thou, assumed the forms of all the calf herds,the various cowherd children, and even that of inanimate objects, like the utensils, curdpots and pans, the flute, horn etc. and as before frolicked and played in the forest thewhole day, and returned to the village in the evening.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 04

त्वामेव शिक्यगवलादिमयं दधानो
भूयस्त्वमेव पशुवत्सकबालरूप: ।
गोरूपिणीभिरपि गोपवधूमयीभि-
रासादितोऽसि जननीभिरतिप्रहर्षात् ॥४॥

tvaameva shikya gavalaadimayaM dadhaanO

bhuuyastvameva pashuvatsaka baalaruupaH |

gOruupiNiibhirapi gOpavadhuumayiibhiH

aasaaditO(a)si jananiibhiratipraharShaat ||4

Thou alone were in the form of the slings and horns held by the gopaa boys who were also Thou alone in their form. The cows and calves were also Thy form alone. The mothers, that is, the Gopikas and cows received the gopa boys and the calves with great joy and love.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 05

जीवं हि कञ्चिदभिमानवशात्स्वकीयं
मत्वा तनूज इति रागभरं वहन्त्य: ।
आत्मानमेव तु भवन्तमवाप्य सूनुं
प्रीतिं ययुर्न कियतीं वनिताश्च गाव: ॥५॥

jiivaM hi ka~nchidabhimaana vashaatsvakiiyaM

matvaa tanuuja iti raagabharaM vahantyaH |

aatmaanameva tu bhavantamavaapya suunuM

priitiM yayurnakiyatiiM vanitaashcha gaavaH || 5

While before this happened , the Gopis and cows ,Due to the self centeredness of the soul , Were greatly loving them as their children,But when they got you who is the God himself as their child,
They were drowned in ecstasy and great joy.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 06

एवं प्रतिक्षणविजृम्भितहर्षभार-
निश्शेषगोपगणलालितभूरिमूर्तिम् ।
त्वामग्रजोऽपि बुबुधे किल वत्सरान्ते
ब्रह्मात्मनोरपि महान् युवयोर्विशेष: ॥६॥

evaM pratikshaNa vijR^imbhita harShabhaara

niHsheSha gOpagaNa laalita bhuuri muurtim |

tvaamagrajO(a)pi bubudhe kila vatsaraante

brahmaatmanOrapi mahaan yuvayOrvisheShaH || 6

In this manner, day by day, every moment the Gopas served Thee in Thy many forms with ever increasing joy. Even Thy elder brother Balaraam could not relies that it was Thou in the various forms till the end of one year. Though Thou two are in reality of the nature of Brahman, there is a vast difference. Thou are special

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 07

वर्षावधौ नवपुरातनवत्सपालान्
दृष्ट्वा विवेकमसृणे द्रुहिणे विमूढे ।
प्रादीदृश: प्रतिनवान् मकुटाङ्गदादि
भूषांश्चतुर्भुजयुज: सजलाम्बुदाभान् ॥७॥

varShaavadhau nava puraatana vatsa paalaan

dR^iShTvaa vivekamasR^iNe druhiNe vimuuDhe |

praadiidR^ishaH pratinavaan makuTaangadaadi

bhuuShaamshchaturbhuja yujaH sajalaambudaabhaan || 7

At the end of one year, Brahma, was extremely perplexed as he could not distinguish which set of cowherds and calves were the old ones and which were the new ones. Thou revealed to him Thy showed to him, each and everyoneof Thy new forms, adorned with crown, shoulder ornaments etc. and having four arms and the radiance of the rain bearing clouds.

Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 08

प्रत्येकमेव कमलापरिलालिताङ्गान्
भोगीन्द्रभोगशयनान् नयनाभिरामान् ।
लीलानिमीलितदृश: सनकादियोगि-
व्यासेवितान् कमलभूर्भवतो ददर्श ॥८॥

pratyekameva kamalaa parilaalitaangaan

bhOgiindra bhOgashayanaan nayanaabhiraamaan |

liilaa nimiilitadR^ishaH sanakaadi yOgi

vyaasevitaan kamalabhuurbhavatO dadarsha || 8

The lotus born Brahmaa saw each one of them as Thee alone. As Him whose limbs were caressed by Godess Lakshmi ; everyone of them reclining on the bed of the serpent Adisesha; each form with eyes shut in the trance of Yogic sleep; each form being worshipped by the sages Sanaka and others; seeing all these charming poses, Brahma was convinced of Thy identity.

 Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam: 09

नारायणाकृतिमसंख्यतमां निरीक्ष्य
सर्वत्र सेवकमपि स्वमवेक्ष्य धाता ।
मायानिमग्नहृदयो विमुमोह याव-
देको बभूविथ तदा कबलार्धपाणि: ॥९॥

naaraayaNaakR^itiM asankhyatamaaM niriikshya

sarvatra sevakamapi svamavekshya dhaataa |

maayaa nimagna hR^idayO vimumOha yaavat

ekO babhuuvitha tadaa kabalaardhapaaNiH || 9

Brahma saw the innumerable forms of Naaraayana everywhere. He saw himself as an attendent. His mind was totally overpowered by Maayaa and he was completely confused. Then Thou became one, holding a half eaten ball of rice in hand.

 Dasakam: 052 -- Slokam:1 0

नश्यन्मदे तदनु विश्वपतिं मुहुस्त्वां
नत्वा च नूतवति धातरि धाम याते ।
पोतै: समं प्रमुदितै: प्रविशन् निकेतं
वातालयाधिप विभो परिपाहि रोगात् ॥१०॥

nashyanmade tadanu vishvapatimmuhustvaaM

natvaa cha nuutavati dhaatari dhaama yaate |

pOtaiH samaM pramuditaiH pravishanniketaM

vaataalayaadhipa vibhO paripaahi rOgaat ||10

 

Oh Lord ! Then Brahma, with his pride, destroyed, bowed down to Thee,repeatedly,and singing Thy praises, heartily, left for his Satyaloka. Thou came back to Brindaavana, with all the calves and cowherd lads, who were most happy. Oh!Guruvayurappa ! May Thou save me from illness.

Narayaneeyam Dasakam: 51 -- Slaying of Aghasura

Dasakam: 51 -- Slaying of Aghasura

One day Krishna was playing with the boys in the forest. At that time a mighty Asura called Agha, who was the younger brother of Putana and Bakasura, came there under the direction of Kamsa. Even the Devas who were rendered immortal by Amrita were afraid of Agha. Aghasura reflected within himself thus, "This is the slayer of my brother and sister. I will take revenge now and kill Krishna along with Balarama and his friends.”

The wicked Asura assumed the huge body of a boa-constrictor, one Yojana (8 miles) in length and stout like a big hill. The extremities of his open mouth touched the clouds and the earth. It kept open its cave-like mouth in order to swallow Krishna and his associates. All the boys with all their calves clapped their hands and with a smile entered the mouth of the serpent. The serpent did not close its mouth. It waited with its mouth opened for Krishna. Krishna entered the mouth of the serpent and expanded Himself to huge dimensions in the throat of the Asura. The Asura died. Krishna gave fresh life to the cowherd boys and calves and came out with them from the mouth of the Asura. A brilliant light emanated from the huge body of the serpent and entered the body of Krishna.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 01

कदाचन व्रजशिशुभि: समं भवान्
वनाशने विहितमति: प्रगेतराम् ।
समावृतो बहुतरवत्समण्डलै:
सतेमनैर्निरगमदीश जेमनै: ॥१॥

kadaachana vrajashishubhiH samaM bhavaan

vanaashane vihitamatiH pragetaraam |

samaavR^itO bahutara vatsamaNDalaiH

satemanairniragama diishajemanaiH || 1

One day along with the children of Vruja Desa, Oh Lord ! Thou decided to go on a picnic, along with the cowherd children, Thou set out early in the morning. O Lord Thou also took along eatables, cooked rice and other delicacies.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 02

विनिर्यतस्तव चरणाम्बुजद्वया-
दुदञ्चितं त्रिभुवनपावनं रज: ।
महर्षय: पुलकधरै: कलेबरै-
रुदूहिरे धृतभवदीक्षणोत्सवा: ॥२॥

viniryatastava charaNaambuja dvayaat

uda~nchitaM tribhuvana paavanaM rajaH |

maharShayaH pulakadharaiH kalevaraiH

uduuhire dhR^itabhavadiikshaNOtsavaaH || 2

As Thou walked toward the forest, the holy dust raised by Thy pair of lotus feet, whichis sacred enough to purify the three worlds, was collected by the great sages, and wasrubbed on their bodies with enthusiasm and ecstasy, and Thy appearance wascelebrated by them as a grand, festive occasion.2

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 03

प्रचारयत्यविरलशाद्वले तले
पशून् विभो भवति समं कुमारकै: ।
अघासुरो न्यरुणदघाय वर्तनी
भयानक: सपदि शयानकाकृति: ॥३॥

prachaarayatyavirala shaadvale tale

pashuun vibhO bhavati samaM kumaarakaiH |

aghaasurO nyaruNadaghaaya vartaniiM

bhayaanakaH sapadi shayaanakaakR^itiH || 3

Oh Lord Omnipotent ! While Thou and the lads were grazing the cattle on the thick grass lands. Suddenly the most terrifying demon Aghaasura, in the form of a formidable python, with an evil intention blocked the way.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 04

महाचलप्रतिमतनोर्गुहानिभ-
प्रसारितप्रथितमुखस्य कानने ।
मुखोदरं विहरणकौतुकाद्गता:
कुमारका: किमपि विदूरगे त्वयि ॥४॥

mahaachala pratimatanOrguhaanibha

prasaarita prathita mukhasya kaanane |

mukhOdaraM viharaNa kautukaadgataaH

kumaarakaaH kimapi viduurage tvayi ||4

Thou had gone a little ahead. The lads mistook the huge body of the Asura for a mountain and its large spread out mouth for a cave. the cowherd children, who, eager to play in the forest,entered the open hollow of its mouth, (unsuspectingly), whilst Thou wert still a shortdistance away from them .

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 05

प्रमादत: प्रविशति पन्नगोदरं
क्वथत्तनौ पशुपकुले सवात्सके ।
विदन्निदं त्वमपि विवेशिथ प्रभो
सुहृज्जनं विशरणमाशु रक्षितुम् ॥५॥

pramaadataH pravishati pannagOdaraM

kvathattanau pashupakule savaatsake |

vidannidaM tvamapi viveshitha prabhO

suhR^ijjanaM visharaNamaashu rakshitum || 5

Oh Lord ! The cowherd children, along with the calves had entered the belly of the snake by mistake and started to feel the heat therein. O Lord! Apprehending the situation, Thou also entered immediately to save the helpless friends.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 06

 
गलोदरे विपुलितवर्ष्मणा त्वया
महोरगे लुठति निरुद्धमारुते ।
द्रुतं भवान् विदलितकण्ठमण्डलो
विमोचयन् पशुपपशून् विनिर्ययौ ॥६॥

galOdare vipulita varShmaNaa tvayaa

mahOrage luThati niruddha maarute |

drutaM bhavaan vidalita kaNTha maNDalO

vimOchayan pashupa pashuunviniryayau || 6

On entering the serpent's mouth, Thou Thy size of Thy body, thus obstructing its breath. such a great extent that he became breathless and started writhing in agony; , then Thou tore open its neck portion and releasing the cowherd boys and the calves, Thou also came out.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 07

क्षणं दिवि त्वदुपगमार्थमास्थितं
महासुरप्रभवमहो महो महत् ।
विनिर्गते त्वयि तु निलीनमञ्जसा
नभ:स्थले ननृतुरथो जगु: सुरा: ॥७॥

kshaNaM divi tvadupagamaarthamaasthitaM

mahaasuraprabhava mahO mahO mahat |

vinirgate tvayi tu niliinama~njasaa

nabhaH sthale nanR^iturathO jaguH suraaH || 7

Then, a brilliant ball of light which came out of the demon's body, remained suspendedin the air momentarily, and as soon as Thou emerged from his body, quickly enteredThy form and was absorbed in Thee. This was a miracle indeed, which made the godsin heaven dance and sing (Thy praise).

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 08

सविस्मयै: कमलभवादिभि: सुरै-
रनुद्रुतस्तदनु गत: कुमारकै: ।
दिने पुनस्तरुणदशामुपेयुषि
स्वकैर्भवानतनुत भोजनोत्सवम् ॥८॥

sa vismayaiH kamala bhavaadibhiH suraiH

anudrutastadanu gataH kumaarakaiH |

dine punastaruNa dashaamupeyuShii

svakairbhavaanatanuta bhOjanOtsavam ||8

Then, followed by the gods Brahma and others, who were full of amazement, Thou,and Thy friends, went to a different spot at noon, and celebrated the picnic, with all thetasty dishes and snacks.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam: 09

विषाणिकामपि मुरलीं नितम्बके
निवेशयन् कबलधर: कराम्बुजे ।
प्रहासयन् कलवचनै: कुमारकान्
बुभोजिथ त्रिदशगणैर्मुदा नुत: ॥९॥

viShaaNikaamapi muraliiM nitambake

niveshayan kabaladharaH karaambuje |

prahaasayan kalavachanaiH kumaarakaan

bubhOjita tridashagaNairmudaa nutaH || 9

Tucking the horn and flute in Thy waist, Thou holding the morsel of eatables in Thylotus hand, regaled the children with funny jokes, making them laugh heartily; seeing this, the gods sang Thy praises in delight.

Dasakam: 051 -- Slokam:10 

सुखाशनं त्विह तव गोपमण्डले
मखाशनात् प्रियमिव देवमण्डले ।
इति स्तुतस्त्रिदशवरैर्जगत्पते
मरुत्पुरीनिलय गदात् प्रपाहि माम् ॥१०॥

sukhaashanaM tviha tava gOpamaNDale

makhaashanaat priyamiva devamaNDale |

iti stuta sitradashavarairjagatpate

marutpuriinilaya gadaatprapaahi maam ||10

Oh Lord of Guruvayur! The great gods expressing their wonder at the fact that eating a humble meal in the company of the cowherds, seemed to be more pleasing to Thee, than the sacrificial offerings which Thou had received with the gods.O Guruvayorappa !Please save me from my troubles.