We’re amidst a very interesting and absorbing phase of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine incarnation, wherein He flees from Mathura and “runs” all the way to Dwaraka in the western coastal state of Gujarat in India. We should imagine the distance which Bhagawan Krishna has covered all the way by just running – Mathura is in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. From Mathura, Bhagawan Krishna has crossed the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. If we calculate the distance, it would be more than a thousand kilometers easily. We witnessed yesterday how Kamsa’s uncle, Jarasandha was trying to avenge Kamsa’s demise by taking on Bhagawan Krishna repeatedly, only for both of them being unable to neutralize each other. As this warfare was becoming a never-ending story at Mathura, Bhagawan Krishna decides to give it up and flee from there, so that the Mathura people can be free of any further war and loss of life and property. Thus, one fine night, Bhagawan Krishna starts to run away from Mathura, only to be spotted by Kaalayavana, who was Jarasandha’s brother.
As Bhagawan Krishna runs all His way, Kaalayavana starts chasing Him. This was an ultra-long chase and it was never-ending. However, Kaalayavana was never tired of running such a long distance. Bhagawan Krishna too was surprised as Kaalayavana never gave up the chase at any point! Finally Bhagawan Krishna decides that He’s had enough with all the running. He thus enters into a huge cave, full of darkness. Kaalayavana too enters into the cave and starts chasing Bhagawan Krishna.
As Bhagawan was running with full speed, even amidst darkness, He came across this person by name “Muchukunda”. This Muchukunda is a peculiar person – Once upon a time there was a huge war between the Devas and the Raakshasas. Muchukunda being an invincible person in warfare, was approached by Indra, the leader of the Devas camp. Accordingly, Muchukunda accepted the invitation to fight, and thus fought on behalf of Indra and Co. to defeat the Raakshasas. Muchukunda achieved this feat quite easily with all his power and valor and this impressed Indra beyond words! Indra asks Muchukunda thus, “Oh Muchukunda! I’m mighty impressed with the way you’ve fought and won this battle for us. You’ve restored and safeguarded the safety and reputation of the Devas. So please feel free to ask me for a boon. I shall grant you without any prejudice!” Upon Indra’s request, Muchukunda was overwhelmed and replied thus, “Oh Indra! I did not fight this war for you on the pretext of any boon. I just did my duty to protect Dharma. I’m not interested in any boon from you. However, since I’m feeling tired after a long fight, I want to rest for a while at some secluded place wherein I wouldn’t be disturbed. If I get disturbed by someone and when I open my eyes and look at that person, he / she should get burnt down then and there! Oh Indra! Please grant me this one thing!” Pleased by Muchukunda’s reply, Indra grants whatever he asked for, and shows this very tunnel for him to sleep. The time period for which Muchukunda is asleep was over a hundred years put together, because the war went on for many light years.
Thus, it is near this same Muchukunda that Bhagawan Krishna is now coming close to. Of course, Bhagawan Krishna knows Muchukunda’s past and on purpose, comes into this particular cave. It is to be remembered by readers that Kaalayavana is giving chase all the way inside the cave as well. Upon seeing this, Bhagawan Krishna decides that this is the right time for things to move ahead. Bhagawan Krishna gives Muchukunda a tight kick on his thighs, covers Muchukunda’s body with His “Peetaambara” (Yellow silk cloth that Bhagawan Krishna wears every time), runs into a corner and hides Himself! Giving a befitting chase, Kaalayavana reaches the spot where Muchukunda was sleeping! Upon seeing the yellow “Peetaambara” cloth covered over, Kaalayavana thought that it was Bhagawan Krishna who was acting there as if He was sleeping. Seeing this, Kaalayavana gives a tight kick to Muchukunda’s legs to wake him up!
Now we’re at a very interesting phase here – What happens next? Is Muchukunda going to wake up with Kaalayavana’s kicks? Is Muchukunda going to open his eyes now? Who is going to be burnt down by Muchukunda? Let’s wait to witness the answers for all these questions in tomorrow’s episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 