In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important message from the three “Krishna Leela” instances that we’ve seen so far. The message is loud and clear from Bhagawan – He doesn’t like to share what He likes with others. His likes and preferences include those minds and hearts of His ardent devotees. This is exactly what the great “Alwars” and “Aachaaryas” have illustrated to all of us over and over again. If we look at all the “Paasurams” of the “Divyaprabhandham” text, each and every “Paasuram” would convey this message in a unique manner. The level to which the “Alwars” have exhibited this total “Sharanagati” towards Bhagawan is for all of us to see and experience. This clearly substantiates the point that the Alwars have dedicated their heart, mind, soul and breath to Bhagawan completely, and this is what made Bhagawan come towards them. Thus, we should realize this important spiritual message that Bhagawan Bala-Krishna is symbolically trying to convey through His “Leelas”.
Not only the “Alwars” and “Aachaaryas” – There are innumerable people even in this “Kali Yuga” who have attained Bhagawan through this way. We’ve earlier seen Meerabai, an ardent devotee of Bhagawan Krishna, Saint Thiyagaraja Swami, a prolific composer in Carnatic Music, Saint Tukaram, who was an ardent devotee of Bhagawan Paanduranga (Bhagawan Krishna) and how they had completely dedicated and surrendered themselves into Him, and how Bhagawan honoured them in return. Thus, we should also understand an offshoot message here that “Yuga” isn’t a valid criterion for exhibiting “Sharanaagati”. All these examples that we’ve witnessed above, that is, Meerabai, Saint Thiyagaraja Swami, etc. have all lived in this present Kali Yuga, a few hundreds of years ago. There might be many myths that Bhagawan cannot be attained or witnessed in this treacherous Kali Yuga and all these “Sharanagati” narratives are futile in nature. We can bust all these myths with such beautiful examples. Similarly, in the earlier episodes of our Shri Vishnu Puraana itself, we’ve witnessed how little Dhruva with his innocent devotion, was able to see Bhagawan Narayana in front of him, isn’t it? Thus, we’ve to understand that if we take the right effort towards the right direction, Bhagawan can be witnessed by each one of us in our own capacities. For some, He might come directly in person. For some others, Bhagawan might assume the form of a “Guru” or an “Aachaarya” (Spiritual Master) and come. For some others, the forms might be different. But the point here is that, Bhagawan would definitely come towards us if we’re putting the right effort with the right thought process and guidance.
Moving on with the instance thus, Bhagawan Bala-Krishan is now tied to the “Ural” with the long pieces of rope by Mother Yashoda, and with this, Mother Yashoda too challenges Him thus, “Oh Krishna! Now that I’ve tied you with the rope, let us see how you will move an inch from here!” Listening to this “challenge” from His mother, Bhagwan Bala-Krishna is crying even more now! Tears are flowing from His eyes as He tries to shake His hands and legs while crying! However, Mother Yashoda has now become stone-hearted and she leaves the place to take care of other duties. As Bhagawan Bala-Krishna crying thus, after a while, His father, Nandagopa comes from the cowshed. Upon seeing his darling child being tied to the “Ural”, he was shell-shocked. And the sight of Bhagawan Bala-Krishna crying aloud with folded hands melted Nandagopa’s heart even more. He thus pulls up Mother Yashoda, gives her a nice round of scolding and immediately frees Bhagawan Bala-Krishna from the ropes. Thus, Bhagawan Bala-Krishna’s punishment for the day comes to an end.
As the child gets freed up, Nandagopa takes Him on his lap and feeds Him with a lot of butter and fruits, as per the child’s desire. He feeds Bhagawan Bala-Krishna in such a way that He’s heartfully content with the food. Thus, Bhagawan Bala-Krishna was “rescued” by His father, even as Mother Yashoda meted out the punishment to Him. But the important question here is that, is this punishment going to teach Bhagwan Bala-Krishna a lesson to not steal things, as His mother intended to teach? As He was freed up, Bhagawan Bala-Krishna immediately started His “Operation butter” again. He’s not a child who’s going to sit idle and as an obedient child. What is Bhagawan Bala-Krishna’s next course of action? Let’s wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 