Krishna Nectar Lilas part 22 “Nanda Frees Gopal”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Nanda Frees Gopal

Then the twin arjuna trees crashed to the ground. Their falling such a terrible sound that it deafened the village ladies as well as the four elephants controlling the four directions of the heavenly planet All the Vrajavasis felt fearful. The sweet taste of bliss that Vrajesvari Yasoda and the Vrajavasis had previously relished now suddenly disappeared. Becoming bewildered and fearing another calamity, they stormed their duties and rushed to that place.

When they saw the huge fallen trees they thought perhaps mother earth offered dandavats to Krsna-kumara with the arms of these tree trunks The split open trees looked like the gaping mouth of the lower planetary system. Its two branches appeared like two huge snakes rising up and desiring to go in different directions.

The two trees seemed like the dead bodies of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha thrown on the ground by the Lord Himself. When the Vrajavasis found Krsna, He appeared calm, fearless, and free from danger. Though only a child, Krsna looked like a priceless jewel ornamenting mother earth, and assuring Her of protection by His very presence.

At that time the Vrajavasis thought, “0 what is this? How have these huge arjuna trees suddenly fallen without being pushed down by the wind? In a second, they could have crushed and killed Krsna. But Krsna just stands peacefully between them looking as fresh as a newly formed rain cloud. It is our good fortune that nothing has happened to Him.

“For a long time these two trees have stood here troubling others. Now due to old age their roots have become rotten, and they toppled over from the weight of their leaves and branches. But upon closer examination, we see this is not the reason because the roots, branches, and leaves are all fresh and hard.” In various ways the Vrajavasis tried to evaluate the situation.

While deeply drinking the pure nectar of Krsna’s wonderful pastimes, Nanda Maharaja’s face beamed with transcendental delight. The mind of Krsna also danced in jubilation over His recent exploit. Vrajaraja Nanda untied Krsna from the mortar and placed Him on his lap. Then the expert and learned Nanda scolded his wife,

“Nandarani, You have made a big mistake!” But suddenly Nanda Maharaja remembered Garga Munis prophecy that Krsna equals Narayana, and that all the scriptures proclaim His transcendental qualities. Thinking thus, Nanda concluded that no one but his son could have done this amazing feat.

The friends of Krsna said, “Hey look what Krsna has done. Our spotless hero has done something impossible. Afraid of His mother, Krsna dragged the mortar over here. Then it got stuck between these two trees and Krsna uprooted them.” None of the assembled Vrajavasis believed the words of the innocent children.

Taking auspicious articles such as rice, arghya, and durva grass, Nanda worshiped Krsna, who is the source and bestower of all benedictions and who surpasses Narayana in good qualities. Afterwards Nanda brought Krsna back home to the accompaniment of musicians playing drums and cymbals.

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.