Tenth Canto Chapter Seventeen

In this chapter, Śrikrishna rescuing the residents of Brindavan from the forest fire is covered.

Emperor Parikshit now enquired, “O supreme Yogi! What had prompted Kaliya to initially leave the Ramaṇaka island? What was his deed which brought displeasure to eagle Garuda?’

Maharishi Śuka replied, ‘O Emperor! Previously, in Ramaṇaka island, Garuda would prey on snakes per his whims. At that time, Vāsuki and other serpent leaders entered into an agreement with Garuda by which every month a snake would be offered to him as food. In accordance to this plan, each serpent, for its own protection, would keep its share of offerings at the foot of a tree on every New-moon day as food for the mighty Garuda.

Although all serpents abided by the agreement, the arrogant Kaliya, the son of Kadru, who prided in his poisonous energy, disregarded it and instead consumed all the offerings set aside for Garuda.

Garuda is extremely venerable and is very dear to the Supreme Lord Srihari. This venerable Garuda, who flies at unimaginable speeds, was incensed upon knowing that Kaliya had consumed the food set aside for him. At unimaginable speeds, he rushed towards Kaliya seeking to kill him.

Even when the enemy was at a great distance, Kaliya could use his poison as a weapon. From close quarters he would use his fangs as weapons. Seeing Garuda rushing swiftly towards him, Kaliya raised his many hoods in fury and quickly rushed towards Garuda. With wagging tongues and reddened ferocious eyes, Kaliya, who was hissing loudly, appeared fearsome. He rushed towards Garuda and bit him hard with his fangs.

The prowess of Garuda, the vehicle of the Supreme Lord Madhusudana and the son of Maharishi Kaśyapa, instils fear in everyone. His appearance itself sends shivers down the spine. Angered with this attack, he forcefully hit Kaliya, the son of Kadru, with his leg. Simultaneously with his wings that shine in golden hue he threw Kaliya far away.

Kaliya, whose limbs were almost totally damaged, trembled in fright. His pride was totally shattered. He lost control over his body. Fearing that Garuda would further attack him if he lived there, he immediately left the island and settled in this deep pond adjoining River Yamuna, wherein others, especially Garuda, would never set his foot. I will now explain the reason why Garuda could not enter this pond.

Although this pond appears small, it is extremely deep. Reaching the depths of this pond is beyond anyone’s capacities. The one who swims deeps into it never returns alive.

Long, long ago, one day, Garuda was extremely hungry. Desiring to swallow a fish he rushed into the pond. Maharishi Soubhari, who was present there, tried his best to stop Garuda from this deed. Unmindful of the Sage’s advice, Garuda forcibly grabbed the fish and flew away from there. The fish taken away by Garuda was actually the king of the fish. In the absence of their leader, the other fish were disconsolate.

Seeing their pitiable condition, Maharishi Soubhari was overcome with compassion and desirous of offering protection to the fish there, he uttered the curse, ‘If Garuda enters this pond and eats any fish here, he will instantly lose his life. My words always turn true’.

Kaliya was the only serpent to know of this incident. Fearing Garuda, he began to reside in this pond. Now, upon being expelled from there by Krishna he left the pond.

Śrikrishna now returned from the pond decked in finely illumining garlands, beautiful garments and sandal paste. His body was beautifully decorated with many gems and other ornaments. Just as the senses feel enlivened when the life-force is restored, seeing Krishna approaching them, all the cowherds instantly stood up in great elation. With hearts that overflowed with joy, they rushed forward eagerly and embraced him”.

Swamiji explains: All these people were fortunate to be blessed with the chance to embrace the Lord. All the ascetics who had sought to embrace the Lord when he had incarnated as Rama, were now graced with this chance.

“Yashoda, Rohini, Nanda together with all other cowherds and their families, met Krishna and rejoiced. They who had remained like statues for so long, now felt enlivened and energised. The desire in their heart had fructified. Among all the people who had assembled there, only Balarama was aware of the transcendental nature of Krishna”.

Other inhabitants of Brindavan considered Krishna to be merely a brave boy who with his might danced on the hoods of the serpent and managed to drive him away from there. They were happy that the snake had gifted to their beloved Krishna all his gems and glittering garments. They failed to grasp the inner significance hidden behind this incident.

“Balarama, who was aware of Krishna’s transcendence, laughingly embraced his brother. At that moment, when Balarama embraced Krishna all the trees, cows, bulls, calves rejoiced. All the living entities in that area were filled with great joy.

Together with their wives, the learned Brahmins who were adept in the knowledge of the Vedas, approached Nanda and said,

“Your son narrowly escaped from the clutches of the dreaded serpent Kaliya. Kaliya is no ordinary serpent”.

Krishna Narayana