Reading Notes: Epified Krishna, Part A
Mathura's king, Kamsa, was cruel, and his people longed for change and peace. The marriage of king Kamsa's cousin to Vasudev brought a heavenly announcement of his doom. The voice explained that the eighth child born to the couple would kill Kamsa, so he threw them into prison and killed six of their kids over many years by dashing them to the walls of the prison cell after their birth. Seventh child was miraculously transported out of the mother's womb to another woman's, and when the eighth child, Krishna, was born, the guards and Kamsa all fell asleep and the prison doors unlocked. Vasudev took the child, leaving his wife behind, and arrived at the Yamuna. Asking the mighty river for help, a beautiful serpent appeared, and protected the father and son through the river.
They found a pack of gypsies, the Nana people of cowherds, dwelling on the other side (this was far from Kamsa's kingdom). Listening to an unnamed voice in his head, he found Yashoda and her newborn daughter Maya, also asleep. He swapped the babies and returned to the jail. None knew of his absence save the wife, and Kamsa tried to kill the baby, but Maya turned into Durga, who explained Kamsa's death was unavoidable. The couple spent many years imprisoned.
King Kamsa slaughtered hundreds of babies (reminiscent of King Herod), and baby Krishna was visited by many merchants. Putana appeared and became part of the family, until one day she became a demoness and stole Krishna. She tried to kill him with poisoned breast milk, but Krishna only absorbed her powers, and her strength sapped away. The kid was fine and killed the demonputana, who was sent by King Kamsa.
A cart one day rolled off the wheels and almost squished Krishna, but he kicked the cart out of the way, then started crying because he was hungry. He loved to trouble Gopis, and became famous as the maakhan-chor (butter stealer). Yashoda stated he would never steal butter, and occasionally Krishna was punished.
Repeated references to the hunger of Krishna, especially as a child. He started to eat mud one day because he was hungry. Yahoda was horrified and demanded that he open his mouth, but saw inside the entirety of the universe within. This was the first time she realized he was the Brahmand.
The Gokul gradually realized that their dreams and haziness required a move, and they settled to Vrindavan, a greener place. The forest was very appealing to Balram and Krishna, and they spent much of their time there. This was the time period that Krishna became a flutist, and one day while playing within the forest, he realized that his friend's chatter ceased. He found them all dead from the Kalia serpant of poison who dwelt within the forest. His music crescendoed, and the power of his music dispelled the serpant. The poison left with her, and the Gokul began to realize that Krishna was the Avatar.
Krishna grew older, and Yashuda continued to deal with his mischief. A wind-demon carried him off one day, and Krishna killed it, plummeting hundreds of feet to the ground but surviving. Bakaasur also was killed by Krishna (tearing him in two). King Kamsa was running out of monsters, but Yashuda knew that Krishna was still in danger.
Govardhana Hill and Vrindavan had a close relationship, and Krishna talked everyone into worshipping at the hill of Govardhana. Indra was furious and sent terrible storms (as he was worshipped previously). Krishna protected and comforted the residents and lifted the entire hill of Govardhana, sheltering the entire village until the deluge was ended by Indra, who realized he was not capable of besting Krishna.
As a child, Krishna's flute was mesmerizing and peaceful, and all the residents enjoyed dancing to his tune. Radha, a girl who had previously been "darkened" by Krishna, was tricked into drinking scalding milk by the villagers (who were somewhat jealous). Krishna's mouth blistered, even though Radha was the one who drank it. Radha's devotion to Krishna was more important to her than her soul.
Radha with Krishna - The Flute Enchanter
Comments
Post a Comment