In the heart of Vrindavan, life once flowed peacefully along the banks of the sacred Yamuna River. The villagers cherished the river—it nourished their crops, quenched their thirst, and was the lifeline of their community. But this harmony was soon shattered by a terrifying intruder.
The Arrival of Kaliya
One dreadful day, a monstrous black serpent named Kaliya entered the Yamuna. His gigantic coils spread across the river, and his poisonous breath turned the clear waters dark and deadly. Fish floated lifeless on the surface, cows refused to drink, and birds vanished from the skies above. The stench of poison spread across the land, crops withered, and sickness crept into the village. What was once a river of life had now become a river of death.
Kaliya claimed the deepest part of the Yamuna as his lair, coiling his massive body within its waters. The people of Vrindavan, terrified, could do nothing but watch their beloved river slip away.
Krishna Dives into Danger
When young Krishna heard of this calamity, his heart burned with determination. Though just a boy, his spirit was fearless, and his divine strength unmatched. “This river belongs to the people,” he declared. “It cannot remain poisoned.” Without hesitation, Krishna ran to the riverbank. Tying his cloth firmly, he leapt straight into the deadly waters.
The Yamuna boiled and hissed as Krishna dove deeper. From below, Kaliya rose, his eyes blazing, fangs dripping venom. With a furious hiss, the serpent wrapped his coils tightly around Krishna, thrashing wildly in an attempt to crush and drown him. But Krishna, calm and resolute, could not be subdued.
The Divine Dance on Kaliya’s Heads
In a flash, Krishna slipped free from Kaliya’s coils and sprang upon the serpent’s many heads. Then began a sight no mortal could forget—Krishna danced upon Kaliya’s heads with divine grace and unstoppable power. Each step of his feet struck harder, shaking the serpent’s strength.
Kaliya roared in agony, spitting out his poison, but the venom only drained away. Krishna’s dance grew faster, his movements brighter than lightning, until Kaliya could bear no more. Exhausted and defeated, the mighty serpent lowered his heads in surrender.
Mercy and Victory
Gasping, Kaliya pleaded for mercy. “Spare me, O divine one. I shall trouble Vrindavan no more.”
Krishna’s gaze softened, though his words carried firmness. “You have frightened the innocent and poisoned the sacred river. You cannot remain here. Leave the Yamuna, and never return.”
Humbled, Kaliya bowed before Krishna. With his family, he slithered away from the river and disappeared forever.
The Yamuna Restored
The moment Kaliya left, the waters of the Yamuna turned clear and pure once more. Birds returned to sing, cows drank happily from the riverbank, and the fragrance of life replaced the stench of poison. The people of Vrindavan rejoiced, their fear replaced with love and gratitude.
Krishna emerged from the river, calm and smiling, as the villagers rushed to embrace their protector. The Yamuna was free again, saved by the courage and divinity of young Krishna.