KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA--39

 Raamo naama babhuva hum  thadabalaa Sitethi hum tou

 piturvachaa Panchavati vane viharathas thaama haradh Ravanaha

Nidraartham janani kathaamiti Harer hunkaaratas srunvatas

Soumitrekva dhanur dhanur dhanuriti vyagraagirah paathunaha!

Leela Shuka’s fertile imagination transports us to different regions and situations associated with Lord Vishnu and His Krishnavatar! He takes us to the Lord’s abode Vaikunta and the sweet romance between Himself and Goddess Mahalakshmi! As the Divine couple are about to start, Mahalaksmi objects and tries to prevent the Lord's amorous advances! She does not desire to be kissed, embraced  or touched by His nails! She is very much afraid of the effects of such actions by the Lord in several instances previously! Lord’s kiss resulted in the terrible death of Putana, the demon sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna! Child Krishna drank away the demon's life along with the milk!  When Yasoda tied Krishna to the mortar, He dragged it in between the two “Maddi” trees that crashed with terrible thud! That was because of His embrace! It was Lord's nails that tore the entrails of Hiranyakasipu and saved the world and Prahlaada, His sincere devotee! Hence the fear of the Goddess! She is referring to the Narasimhavatar and Krishnavatars indirectly to dissuade the Lord from approaching Her! The poet hopes that such Krishna, romancing His Lady, should  protect him!

One day Yasoda started narrating a story to child Krishna to put him to sleep! “ There was a king by name Rama. Krishna responded by saying hum, hum!  His wife was Sita. Hum, Hum!  According to the order of his father Dasaratha Rama went to the forest. While they were staying in Panchavati, Ravanasura abducted her. Listening to the story narrated to put Him to sleep and responding with the sounds hum and hum, Krishna called out “ O Soumithri! My Bow, My Bow, where is it?” and exclaimed loudly! Let those words spoken repeatedly by Krishna protect us” says Leela Shuka in this graphic description!

Yasoda narrates the story of Sri Rama thinking that child krishna is ignorant of the story! Little does she realize that the same Paramatma, Lord Vishnu has incarnated as Rama and Krishna! It is a kind of blissful ignorance which allows her to pour her indescribable love and affection on her darling Krishna! She would not be able to enjoy and appreciate the presence of Krishna if she knew that Krishna is the Avatar of Vishnu! Hence, she tells the story of Sri Rama casually to put Krishna to sleep. It is the usual custom and practice of a mother to sing a lullaby or tell a story so that the child will sleep quickly. The moment Krishna heard this statement, He grew enraged, forgot His child nature and called out to Laksmana His brother and questioned repeatedly where His bow and arrows are!

The beauty of the sloka is that the poet presents the picture of Krishna responding to Yasoda's narration! Like all children reacting to the story, Krishna too heard the story and made sounds like “hum, hum”! This ensured Yasoda and she was totally satisfied. She continued the story and said that Sri Rama obeyed the command of His father and went to the forest with His wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. While staying at Panchavati, Ravana, king of Lanka came in disguise and abducted Sita! Krishna remembers the episodes of His previous Avatars and when reminded of such incidents, reacts with anger and heroism! How can we imagine that the Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient Lord would be oblivious of His past avatars, actions and miracles? Probably this sudden fury of Krishna is to impress Yasoda about His Divinity and to prove that He is no ordinary child!

Krishna's sudden reaction, perhaps is to indicate that he was Rama in Treta Yuga who went to the forest and lost his spouse Sita through the evil design of Ravana! The same Rama has come down to earth as Krishna, the son of Devaki and brought up by Yasoda! The word “ Soumitri” refers to Lakshmana, he being the son of Sumitra one of the three wives of Dasaratha. Sri Rama's bow is the legendary invincible “Kodanda” the terror of enemies. Leela Shuka, enjoying this wonderful, rare vision points out that such enraged Krishna should protect him!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA-38

 Oshtam muncha Hare bibhemi bhavataapaa nairhataaPutanari

kantaaslesha mamum jahihi dalitaa Valiganne naarjunau

Maadehi churitam Hiranyakasipur nito nakhaih panchita

Mittham vaaritha raathri keliravathaal lakshmyaapa haasaarthrihi!

One day Krishna remembered in His dream His previous Ramavatar and addressed Lakshmana thus: O Lakshmana! These clouds and the gentle breeze are tormenting me too much!” Hearing these pangs of separation from Janaki, Radha was shocked and surprised. How can Krishna be interested in another woman? She began to suspect the character of Krishna and grew jealous. She could not tolerate the influence of any other woman on Her Krishna! She viewed Krishna with that intolerant  look of hers! Leela Shuka  hopes that such Krishna, viewed with such intolerance by Radha, shall make us all happy!

“ O Krisna! Leave my lips! Don’t kiss me. Putana, the demon whom you kissed, died a terribly death! Please, don’t embrace me! Leave me alone!  I am very much afraid. Because of your embrace the two “Maddhi” trees were felled! Please do not leave your nail impressions on my body! I am terribly afraid because your nails tore apart the body of Hiranyakasipu and killed him!  Goddess Lakshmi Devi began finding fault with Krishna in this manner and prevented Him from romancing with Her! Let that Krishna, being prevented from romancing Lakshmi protect us!!” says the poet in this beautiful sloka!

Leela Shuka describes a delicate and private situation that happens in the bedroom of Vaikunta, the abode of Sri MahaVishnu! The Lord and Devi are in high spirits and in a mood to enjoy themselves! While the Lord tries to romance with His Spouse Mahalakshmi, under some pretext or other, She evades Him and requests Him to not to come near Her! What are the reasons that make Mahalakshmi prevent Her husband approaching Her? She is terribly afraid of the acts of Vishnu that have resulted in killing Asuras, and releasing others from their curses! She is afraid that something like that would happen to Her if She allowed Him to touch Her!! The poet ingeniously hints at the avatars of Vishnu in which He killed Putana and released two Gandharvas and earlier killed the dreadful asura Hiranyakasipu!

Kamsa sent Putana to kill Krishna growing up in Gokulam. He knew that Krishna would kill him. Putana came disguised as a pretty gopika and wanted to fondle the child and feed Him! Innocent Yasoda allowed her and seizing the opportunity she tried to breastfeed child Krishna with her poisoned milk! Omniscient Lord knew all about it and drank the mil along with her life! Putana fell dead with her terrible form ! Yasoda and others were horrified and took the seemingly innocent child into their arms and hugged Him! Lakshmi Devi alludes to this incident and wonders if anything like that would happen to Her if that Lord Kisses Herl

In another miracle during the Krishnavatar, Yasoda was sad and disgusted at the complaints of gopikas on Krisna's mischievous acts. She grew angry and tied up child Krishna to a mortar to prevent him from moving out! But will Krishna keep quiet? He slowly dragged the mortar that was stuck in between two huge “maddhi” trees and gave a big pull! Lo! Behold! The two trees crashed down with a terrible thud! Out from the trees emerged two Gandharvas, Nalakubara and Manigriva who were cursed earlier for their misdeeds! They were thus released from their curse! This was because of the warm embrace of Krishna! Lakshmi Devi is terribly afraid that something like that may happen to Her if the Lord embraced Her!! She is also alarmed at the nails of MahaVishnu because those sharp nails tore apart the entrails of the arch enemy Hiranyakasipu! In trying to stop the Lord from approaching Her, the Goddess alludes to the Krishnavatar and Narasimhavatar that worked miracles galore!

Three important aspects of romance between the husband and wife are described by the poet! Leela Shuka had his own earlier experiences with his paramour Chintamani! There cannot be any romance between the husband and wife without a kiss, embrace or nail scratch! Sringara Shastra explains in detail the different types of kisses, embraces and nail scratches between the lovers or husband and wife! In the height of erotic ecstasy the lover pinches the lady with his nails leaving impressions on her soft skin! These scratches are called “ nakha kshata” in Sanskrit! The poet's fancy exports him to the  abode of Vishnu whom he identifies with Krishna! We know that the words of Laksmi Devi are not very serious. Probably they are only to tease Her Lord for the time being!!

 

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA-37

 Ye the Lakshmana Janaki virahitam maam khedayantyambudaa 

Marmaanicha ghattayantyala Mami kruraah kadambaanilaaha 

Ittham vyahruta purvajanma charitam yo Radhayaa vikshitas sersyaa

Sankitayaa sanas sukhayathu swapnaa maano Harihi!

Krishna has been described as a child extremely beautiful and attractive! It is Impossible to resist the attraction! Gopikaas, affectionately lift Him up and kiss Him. But the child kisses them wildly leaving red imprints on their soft lips! Krishna’s behavior is very much unlike that of an ordinary child! Gopikaas hug child Krishna thinking that He is, after all, a child but were in for shock and surprise! Like a lover, Krishna groped over their private parts to their utter dismay and disgust! The Gopikas were spell bound at these mischievous and rude acts of Krishna which were pure fun for Him! Leela Shuka visualizes Krishna in this manner and hopes that such BalaKrishna shall ward off all our sins and evil deeds!

“ Oh! Lakshmana! These clouds are sad and worried about me since I am without  Janaki!  Cruel winds from the “ Kadimi” flowers are attacking my  private parts! In this manner, Krishna began recollecting  the various incidents of His earlier Ram Avatar in His dream! Listening to these words of Krishna, Radha felt that Krishna was more interested in another woman and became highly jealous! She looked at Krishna with doubt and suspicion! Let such Krishna looked at with suspicion and doubt by Radha make us all happy!” declares Leela Shuka in this beautiful sloka!

The poet is in the habit of portraying Krishna as remembering the various incidents in His previous Avatars! Child Krishna starts talking in His sleep to the shock of His mother. She is very much worried and curses those that have cast an evil eye on her darling child! She blesses Him by saying that He will live for long! Yasoda dotes on her child Krishna so dearly that she cannot think of any harm to Him. Yasoda treated Krishna as her darling child and hence her love is called “ Vatsalya bhava”- the love of the mother for her child! This is one of the nine types of Bhakthi or devotion exhibited by the devotee! God, who is Omnipresent can be worshipped in many ways, as a Lord, child, friend, master, guru and other ways.The intense filial bond of affection is excellently exhibited in the treatment of Krishna by Yasoda!

Poetic imagination runs riot and Leela Shuka suddenly introduces  Radha in to the picture! Radha is imagined to be present at the scene. She hears the pathetic words of Krishna who feels sad at the separation from His spouse Sita during His Ramavatar! Rama is suffering “Viraha vedana” pangs of separation from Sita! Hearing the name of Janaki, Radha suspects Krishna's character and thinks that  He is more interested in Sita than herself! How can a wife tolerate her husband interested in another woman? Radha becomes jealous and doesn’t approve the words of Krishna? “Viraha” or separation from lover or spouse is unbearable. Things that are normal become abnormal for the lover! Gentle breeze becomes a gale, cool pleasant moonlight turns burning hot and every second of separation looks like a never ending year!

Radha is considered as a Goddess and eternal consort of Krishna. She is the embodiment of love, tenderness, compassion and devotion! She is also the chief of Gopis! During Krishna's youth, Radha appears as His lover and companion though He is not married to her. According to Brahmavaivartha Purana and Garga Samhitha Radha and Krishna were married. Radha was revered as the primary consort and wife of Krishna. She is also considered as the eternal counterpart and the internal potency of Krishna! She resides with Him in their abode Goloka! It is significant to note that Brahmavaivartha Purana centers around Krishna and Radha! Radha is also symbolic of the Jivatma or the Individual Soul trying to merge into the Brahman or the Absolute Soul! 

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA-36

 Oshtam jighran sisuriti dhiyaa chumbitho vallaveebhihi

Kantam gruhnnam narunitha padam gada maalingithaangaha

Doshnaan lajjaapada mabhimrusan anka maaropitatmaa

Dhurtha Swami harathu duritam durato Balakrishnaha!

Leela Shuka describes the several ways in which Yasoda enjoyed and experienced the leelas of her darling child Krishna. She was utterly ignorant of the Divinity of her son Krishna. She considered Him as  a mortal child born to any other woman! Her worries and wonder at the super human miracles demonstrated by Krishna were the result of that predicament! She was terrified at the death of the demon Putana and was happy to find Krishna unharmed! She prayed that no harm should come to her beloved Krishna! One day Yasoda saw Krishna playing in the hall! The hall was full of pillars studded with diamonds. Krishna’s form was reflected in the pillar! Mistaking the reflection as the real Krishna, Yasoda  prepared two butter balls for them! On an occasion, Yasoda woke up sleeping Krishna by saying that it was dawn already. She blessed Him by saying that He would live for long and felt happy at looking at His face! The poet says that he is  meditating on such  Krishna!

Leela Shuka desribes the amorous advances that Krishna exhibited even as a child in the company of Gopikas! When they considered Him as a child and kissed Him, Krishna kissed them like a paramour leaving their soft lips with red marks!  Again, when they lifted up and embraced Him thinking that He was a child,  He began groping at the private parts of Gopikas very mischievously! Let that fun-loving Balakrishna remove all our sins says Poet Leela Shuka in this beautiful sloka!

“Karshati iti Krishnaha” One who attracts others is called Krishna! Attraction for Krishna is irresistible for anyone young, or old. There is no wonder that the Gopis of Gokulam were attracted  to the beautiful form of child Krishna. They doted on Him and passively tolerated the mischievous acts of Krishna!  They weren’t even ready to complain against young Krishna lest He might be admonished or punished! Krishna took advantage of their lenience and indulged in more and more mischief! Krishna is considered to be the embodiment of Sringara Rasa! Everything about Him is supremely beautiful tempting others to love Him and yearn for Him ardently! “ Adharam madhuram vadanam  madhuram vachanam madhuram vadanam madhuram…………….Madhuraadhipatherakhilam madhuram sings the poet in his Madhuraashtaka!

Krishna is described as “Sringara Ratnakara”—the ocean of Sringara Rasa. In his magnum opus Gita Govinda, the Bengali poet Jayadeva glorifies Krishna as Sringara Nayaka, the hero of Sringara Rasa!  He wonderfully portrays the ethereal love between Krishna and His paramour Radha! Radha’s pangs of separation—(viraha vedana) from Krishna and her utter helplessness is beautifully described by Jayadeva. Gentle breeze become terribly hot for Radha and cold soothing moonlight is unbearably severe and hot for her in the absence of Krishna! Her maids describe to her how Krishna is spending His time gleefully in the company of other Gopikas! They point out to Krishna how Radha is tormented in His absence! “Gopika Gita” in the Bhagavatha purana declares the true and faithful picture of their state of mind in the absence of Krishna!

Leela Shuka graphically describes the mischievous acts of Krishna in the company of Gopikas! His acts are not what one associates with those of a child! He behaved like a lover and kissed the Gopikas violently leaving their lips with red marks! They wouldn’t have expected such action by child Krishna!  Again, when they embraced Him thinking He is a child, the most unexpected thing happened! Krishna groped on their private parts to their utter horror and dismay! Leela Shuka himself had his lustful experiences with his lady love Chintamani before he turned spiritual! Krishna is seemingly a child but an adult intentionally in expressing love! Hence he calls Krishna as “ Dhurta Swami!”

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA 35

 Uttunga sthana mandalopari lasath pralamba mukthaman

Antar bimbita mindranila nikara cchayanukari dhyutihi 

Lajja vyaja mupetya namra vadanaa spashtam Muraarer vapuh

Pasyanthi mudita mudesthu bhavataam Lakshmir vivaahotsave!

The visions that flit across the mental plane of Leela Shuka are astounding and very attractive! He experiences intense bliss in seeing Krishna in different forms and angles that none had attempted yet!   The rare and wonderful scene of child Krishna  enjoying His mother’s milk is graphically described by the poet. After drinking milk from one side of His mother, Yasoda,  He went to the other breast, bent His eyes a little, touched the other breast oozing milk, with love!  Very happy at the love of Krishna, Yasoda  lifted His chin and expressed her filial affection!  Even as she did so, Krishna produced His infectious smile with His mouth  filled with drops of milk!! Leela Shuka says that such Krishna, with His bewitching smile should protect him!

 In this sloka Leela Shuka suddenly transports himself to Dwapara  Yuga and the celebrated wedding of Rukmini and Krishna! Rukmini Devi wanted to have the full view of Krishna at the time of marriage. But because of modesty  she bent her head down without looking at Krishna. But in the pearls of her garland hanging over her great breasts, she witnessed  the reflection of the beautiful blue color of  Krishna's form! She thus had the fulfilment of her desire! Leela Shuka wishes that such Rukmini shall bring happiness to all!

Lord Vishnu and Mahalakshmi can never be separated! Whenever Lord Vishnu incarnates, Mahalakshmi too comes down to keep His company! “ Raghavatve bhaveth Sita Rukmini Krishna janmani”  During the Ramavatar She came down as Sita, the beloved daughter of king Janaka of Mithila. Again during the Krishnavatar She took the form of Rukmini the daughter of king Bhishmaka. She loved Krisna and wanted to marry Him. But her brother Rukmi wanted to give her in marriage to Sisupala, his friend and enemy of Krishna. Terribly afraid, Rukmini writes a letter to Krishna and sends a trusted brahmin to see Krishna and hand over the letter. When Rukmini visits the temple prior to her wedding, Krishna comes and abducts Rukmini after defeating Rukmi and his forces. The great Telugu Poet Potana gives a brilliant description of  Rukmini Kalyanam in his classic the Bhagavatha!

In the previous sloka the poj Iet gives us the perfect picture of mother's love and how Yasoda feeds her darling child Krishna! A woman’s life is fulfilled only after she becomes a mother! Yasoda is shown as feeding little Krishna. Krishna, like any other

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child drinks milk from one side and switches on to the other breast. While doing so he touches the other breast from which milk was oozing. With great filial affection Yasoda lifts the chin of Krishna and Krishna sports his bewitching smile! No other poet could have described the scene so graphically!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA-34

 Kailaso navanita tikshitiriyam pragjagdha mrulloshtathi

Kshirodapi nipita dugdhatilasath smere prapulle mukhe

Matra jirnadhiya dhrudam chakitaya nashtasmi drushtah kaya

Dhu dhu vatsaka jiva jiva chira mithyuktho vatanno Harihi !

Leela Shuka visualizes the exhilarating leelas of child Krishna in Gokulam! On one occasion Yasoda called Krishna to her side and said,” Oh Krishna! Balaraama has gone to play at the sand dunes of the Yamuna! Before he returns drink the milk in the golden vessel! By drinking the milk your locks of hair will grow!”  Hearing the words of His mother Yasoda, He was interested in the growth of beautiful hair as He was a growing child. Accordingly, Krishna drank half of the milk in the golden vessel and immediately examined if His locks of hair have increased! Describing this vision, Leela Shuka asserts that such  Krishna should shower His Grace on him!

On one occasion, Yasoda looked in to the mouth of child Krishna and was shocked to see Kailash and other mountains! But she considered them as the butter and others that Krishna has swallowed!  She was worried that  whatever Krishna had taken in has not been digested! She wondered who has cast an evil eye on Krishna and what she could do to avert that evil eye. She felt that she was destroyed and cursed those that cast the evil eye on her darling Krishna. Later she said blessing Him “ Oh my Boy! You will live for  long!” “ Let that Krishna, being blessed by Yasoda protect me” says  Leela Shuka in this beautiful sloka.

One of the amazing Divine Sports of Krishna during His childhood is being recollected by the poet in this sloka. One day Balaraama complained to Yasoda that little Krishna was eating lumps of earth! She was shocked and went in haste to prevent Krishna from doing that. She wanted to admonish Krishna and see that He does not indulge in that act again. But she was in for tremendous shock and surprise! Krishna  said that He did not eat any lump of earth! Yasoda warned Krishna and asked Him to open His little mouth. He resisted first but unwillingly opened His mouth. What a sight did Yasoda see in that little mouth of little Krishna!  She saw all mountains, forests, rivers, the seven worlds above, the seven nether worlds, Creator Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara, all the Devas and every thing in creation parading in that Divine mouth! Krishna had , for a moment , shown her a vision which no sage or saint or devotee had ever imagined! It was the rarest of the rare VISWARUPA that Yasoda could see! How fortunate is Yasoda to witness that indescribable sight! But in a few seconds the vision vanished and Yasoda  considered Krishna as her ordinary darling child! That is the effect of “ Vishnu Maya” which is insurmountable!

It is astonishing that Kailash mountains appeared like butter and other milk products taken in by little Krishna. Krishna is  the master juggler and magician! His will is Supreme! He is Omnipotent and Omniscient! What a punya or holy deeds did Yasoda perform to be the foster mother of Parabrahman in the guise of Krishna! While Devaki was selected as the blessed mother of Krishna, Yasoda had the rare privilege and prerogative of bringing Him up and witness the innumerable miracles and leelas exhibited by the Avatar! In that way we can consider Yasoda more fortunate and blessed than Devaki, Krishna’s real mother! Leela Shuka brilliantly reveals the innocence and ignorance of Yasoda in considering  Krishna as her darling child and no more!!

Yasoda's innocent and worldly wise attitude is revealed in all the incidents that happened with Krishna in Gokulam! It is all because of the web of Vishnu Maya! What will happen if Yasoda realizes that her darling little Krishna is none other than the Avatar of Lord Vishnu? The little pleasures of bringing Him up, enjoying His movements, His mischiefs, and everything about Him would have been denied to Her!  Later in life on Earth, not many among the Kauravas and the Pandavas could recognize the truth of the Avatar of Krishna! Even Arjuna was enveloped by Maya though Krishna was his friend, philosopher and guide! To prove His Divinity, Krishna had to show His Virat Swarupa or VISWARUPA on the battlefield at Kurukshetra! As the Lord Himself has said, “ Mama Maya duratyaya” – My Maya is insurmountable!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-33

 Matah Kim Yadunatha chashakam Kim thena pathum paya

Sthanna thadya kadasthiva nisi  nisakaa vaandhakaarodaye

Aamilyakshi yugam nisaap pupagathaa dehiti maatur muhur

Vakshojosuka  karshanodute karah Krushnassa pushnaatu naha!

Leela Shuka's poetic imagination is fertile and very astonishing! In his Divine vision, little Krishna is dreaming and talking! He enquires about the well being of Siva and asks Creator Brahma to come and sit by His side! Krishna asks about Kumara Swamy and Indra's welfare! In the meanwhile Krishna is worried about the absence of Kubera, the God of wealth!  He questions where Kubera had gone! Yasoda is wonder struck at the words of Krishna in His Sleep! She admonishes Krishna for talking like that in His Sleep! He wishes that the words of Yasoda should bring good to him!

“O Mother!  “O the Lord of Yadus! What’s the matter?” “ Give me the glass to drink!” “ what about it?”  “ l want to drink milk.” “There is no milk to drink now!” “ When can I have it?” “At night!!” “ When will  be the night?” “ It is when the darkness falls!” Krishna closed His eyes and tells His mother that night has come and so she should give Him a glass of milk!  So saying, Little Krishna, tries to pull the apron of the sari of His mother Yasoda! Let that Gopala Deva with the blessed hand protect me!”Describing the leelas or Divine sports of little Krishna, Leela Shuka employs a novel method which is very interesting and effective. The reader is very much amused and attracted.  The method is the conversation between little Krishna and His beloved mother Yasoda!  It is a graphic description of the questions and answers between the mother and the Son!

Little Krishna calls out to His mother Yasoda. She immediately responds to His call and asks what he wants. Krishna wants her to give Him the glass to drink. Yasoda questions why he wants the glass. Krishna replies that He wants it to drink milk. Yasoda replies that there is no milk to drink at that time. Krishna asks when He can have milk.  Yasoda replies that He can have milk at night. Krishna enquires when that night will come. Yasoda tells Krishna that it is night when darkness falls. Mischievous Krishna closes His eyes and tells her that it is night now and so she should bring Him the glass of milk! So saying, Krishna tried to pull at the apron of His mother’s sari! Leela Shuka feels that Little Gopala Deva with that hand should protect him

It is  an interesting and engaging conversation between the Divine Child and His mortal mother! How can Yama understand the Divinity and the Maya or illusion that the Lord creates? Does He really need milk at that hour? He is the eternal Mother to all living beings! Yasoda innocently asks why Krishna wants the glass. The Lord, knowing all, asks when will milk be available. Krishna pretends that He doesn’t know what night is! Innocent Yasoda explains that it is night when darkness sets in.  The climax is when Krishna closes His eyes and pleads that night has set in as it is dark and He cannot see anything!

What will happen if Krishna really closes His eyes? We cannot imagine! Krishna plays a prank on His mother by closing His eyes and telling her that night has come! It is just to humor her and play with her feelings. Mother Yasoda cannot be so cruel to deny Krishna a glass of milk. He is her darling child.  Krishna playfully portrays Yasoda as a strict disciplinarian not ready to offer milk when He wants it. Inscrutable are the ways o Good!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-32

 Sambho swagatha masyathamitha itho vamena padmasana

Krounchare kusalam sukham Surapathe vittesa nodrusyathe

Ittham swapnagatasya Kaitabhajithas srutwa Yasodagiraha

Kim Kim Balaka jalpasithi rachitam dhu dhukrutam pathunaha!

“  Holding his lotus feet with His lotus hands and placing them on His lotus face and reclining on the banyan leaf, child Mukunda is shining brilliantly!  I think of that Krishna in my mind!” says Leela Shuka describing the vision that presents itself before his mental screen! Again and again the poet describes the various forms and different situations that parade across his mind! His thirst for  the vision of his Lord Krishna is insatiable and he is depressed and disappointed when he does not have the vision! He is pathetic at times and wonders whether he doesn’t deserve the immediate presence of Krishna. He languishes for the sympathy, Grace and the sight of Krishna!

“ O Sambho! Hope you are fine! O Padmasana! Come by the left side! This side is fit for your seat! O the Enemy of Krouncha mountain! Hope you are fine! O the Lord of Devas! Are you doing well? O the Lord of wealth! How is it that I don’t see you?” Yasoda Devi heard these exclamations of Krishna in His dream and ran to him in wonder and questioned Him, “ O Krishna! What are you blabbering in your dream?”  Let those rousing sounds and words protect us” says Leela Shuka describing the dream of Krishna indicating His Divinity and Avatarhood!

The fertile imagination of the poet is in search of different modes of expression! The poet wants to heighten the state of child Krishna and His antecedents! As an Avatar He has contacts with many Devas! He cannot forget them suddenly. He cannot sever their contact simply because He has come down to earth. Past connections and relationships cannot be effaced so soon!  So Krishna, in His sleep, dreams about them and calls each one of them individually and enquires about their safety and well-being! Thus first Krishna welcomes Sambhu or Sankara! Then He enquires about Padmasana or Creator Brahma! Next, He enquires about the enemy of Krouncha mountain or Kumara swamy! Later Krishna wants to hear about the welfare of Indra, king of Devas! Krishna remembers the Lord of wealth, Kubera and enquires about his well being! As He was talking in His sleep, Yasoda was scared and coming near Krishna, questioned about His blabber in sleep!!

 “Sambhu” is one of the many names of Lord Siva. He is considered as the bestower of wellness to all. Creator Brahma is called “ Padmasana”! After the pralaya or deluge,  Lord Vishnu desired to create the universe. When He had that will or sankalpa, a beautiful lotus emerged from His navel and went up! On that Padma or lotus was seated the Creator Brahma! Under the order of Vishnu, Brahma created the universe and all its inhabitants! Tarakasura was an asura who tormented the Devas. He was invincible because of the boons granted to him. It was Lord Kumara Swamy who could kill him. The asura had fortified himself in  Krouncha mountain. Lord Kumara Swamy  destroyed the mountain and killed Tarakasura  and saved the Devas! Hence He is called “Krounchari” the enemy of Krouncha!

“ Surapati” is Indra, king of Devas whose abode is Swarga Looks or Heaven. He has been defeated by a number of asuras who were emboldened by the powerful boons granted by Creator Brahma and Lord Siva! Every time he approached either Brahma or  Vishnu or Siva and defeated the asuras and regained his kingdom! “Vittesa” is the Lord of wealth, Kubera!  His abode is called Alakapuri in the North! Kubera is the brother of Ravana, king of Lanka! It is said that Ravana defeated Kubera and seized the legendary  “Pushpaka Vimana” that could fly to any place!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka 31

 Vikretu kaamaakila Gopa kanyaa

Muraari paadaarchita chitta vruttihi

Dadhyaadikam moha vasaadavochath

Govinda Damodara Maadhaveti!

Leela Shuka has totally surrendered himself unto the lotus feet of his darling Lord Sri Krishna! “I want my manas to be always in the possession of Krishna’s feet! Krishna is similar to the Sun to the lotus like hearts of sages and saints! His smile is spotlessly white like the Jasmine flowers! He shines with a personality full of youthfulness and anxious to be extremely helpful to the Gopikaas! Saints and philosophers may count upon Krishna’s celestial glory and other aspects of Atma or Soul! But I want to wade through the rivers of Krishna’s childhood leelas or Divine sports! I derive ecstasy in experiencing those nectarine waters!” says Leela Shuka!

“ One Gopika wanted to sell milk and curd products. But her heart was fixed on worshipping the lotus feet of Krishna! She totally forgot her purpose overcome by her passion for Krishna! Her love for Krishna overwhelming her, she started chanting “Govinda, Govinda and Madhava, Madhava”! Leela Shuka sees this interesting picture in his mental vision! The Gopika was completely oblivious of the purpose for which she had come! Krishna had such mesmerizing effect on everyone! 

Entire Gokulam was mad after young Krishna! Krishna was a naughty and mischievous child. He entered into the homes of Gopikas and stole the milk and curd! He released the calves and drove them away to the utter confusion of the owners! He played many tantrums among the Gopikas, created tantrums and fights between the daughter in-law and the mother in law! The sufferers were really angry with Krishna! But their intense love and filial bond did not allow them to punish Krishna. They weren’t ready even to complain against Krishna to His mother Yasoda! The innocent face of Krishna and the charm that He exuded disarmed them and they turned into His devotees! 

On an occasion, as Krishna’s pranks went beyond bounds, the Gopikas went to Yasoda and poured out their sufferings in the hands of Krishna! They threatened that they would leave their homes and settle somewhere else to save themselves from Krishna! Yasoda felt sad and furious at the complaints against her darling Krishna. She wanted to take him to task. She admonished Krishna and to satisfy the Gopikas, tried to tie up the Lord so that He would not stir out do any mischief!

Can she bind the One who is above all bonds? Can she tie up the One who transcends all ties, the One who has no beginning middle, and end? Can she limit the one who has no limits? How is it possible for her to fix Krishna who is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient? But ignorant Yasoda thought that Krishna was her darling child and that she could easily tie Him up with a rope!! She had a bitter experience as the Lord wanted to play a trick! Every rope she brought to fasten Krishna fell short by a few inches! She tried again and again but failed miserably! She was much tired in doing so when Krishna didn’t like to trouble her more and allowed Himself to be fastened with the rope! It is very difficult to go against Vishnu Maya!  The Gopika who came with the intention of selling dairy products like milk, curd and other things lost herself totally at the sight of Krishna in His Supreme Beauty! Immediately she began chanting the sacred name, “ Govinda, Govinda and Madhava”!  Krishna thus played havoc in the lives of all who looked at Him!!

 

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RASAKREEDA--KRISHNAKARNAMRUTA--Sloka 30

 Angana mangana manthare Madhavo

Madhavam Madhavam chantharenangana

Itthamakalpite mandale madhyaga

Sanjagow venuna Devaki Nandanaha! 

Leela Shuka has described  the various visions of his darling Krishna, His forms, beauty, adornments and the melodious Divine music emanating from His wonderful flute! The music of the flute has enchanted the Gopikas as well as all the creatures of the world! The more the poet describes Krishna's beauty, there is some more to be described! There appears to be no end for the description of the Divine beauty of Krishna! The peacock crown that He wears, the blue color of His body, the lotus feet and eyes, His unsteady stealing looks, the  garlands He wears, His face resembling the full moon and the ruddy nether lip that has contact with the Divine flute attract the poetic imagination of the spiritual bhaktha, Leela Shuka! Despite the extraordinary, emotional descriptions, the poet is not satisfied! His thirst for singing the glory of Krisna and His leelas is insatiable! Thus he stumbles upon the most important and exhilarating of all the Divine sports exhibited by the son of Devaki, Krishna! He now attempts to describe the enviable and the most interesting RASA KREEDA---His dance with every Gopika individually at the same time!

 “Krishna is in between two Gopikas and in between every Krishna there is a Gopika! In such an area arranged for the purpose, Krishna sang with His Divine flute in “ Madhyama” sruthi!” The radiance of Krishna’s body was mistaken for the dark rain bearing clouds and the peacocks started making sounds! Soon they realized that it was Krishna who was rendering delectable music through His Divine flute!  It was none other than Krishna who was like the wild fire that destroyed the forest of Kamsa! It was such Krishna that danced with His flute among the Gopikas!!

At one place Krishna played in tune with the pecking of the Veena strings by Gopikas! At some other place Krishna merged the soft jingling sounds of small bells with the sounds of the Veena! In another spot Krishna, the son of Devaki, sang according to the distinctive sound of the Veena and played sweetly on His Divine flute! Decked in extremely beautiful ornaments, Krishna offered a feast for the eyes of Gopikas! He was also the form of God for all Gopikas! He was also the paramour of all Gopikas! He also happened to be the Lord of all Gopalas, Gopikas and the cows! Such Krishna produced celestial music through His flute!

The Gopikas seemed to be afraid of the rows of bees coming from the garlands on their locks of hair! Their sarees appeared to drop down and they locked down Krishna in their warm embrace that brought their hard breasts into a friction with Krishna’s chest!! Leela Shuka has a vision of such Krishna playing on His Divine flute! The spouse of beautiful golden hued Lakshmi Devi, garlanded by the creeper like Vaijayanti  that makes His chest wonderfully fragrant, Krishna, stationed Himself amidst  the Gopikas residing in Nanda's Brindavana and played on His celestial flute!

Krishna is compared to the devastating wild fire that reduces the entire forest into ashes! Kamsa is the forest that has been destroyed! How many Asuras did he send to finish off young Krishna! Young Krishna destroyed them all as if He is totally innocent! During Rasa Kreeda, Krishna mesmerized every Gopika by His maya and different stances of dance! Often Leela shuka refers to Lord Vishnu’s attributes and identifies the Avatar of Krishna to Maha Vishnu! Vishnu is the spouse of Mahalakshmi of Golden hue! He has the fragrant Vaijayanti Garland on His chest! He is worshipped by all Gopikas, Gopas and others! Nanda is the foster father of Krishna and the husband of Yasoda at Gokulam!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka29

 Devaki thanya pujana puthaha

Putanaari charanodaka dhoutaha

Yadyaham smruta Dhananjaya sutaha

Kim karishyati same Yama dutaha?

Leela Shuka tells the Vedic scholars and others where the could find the essence and cream of all Upanishadic meaning! “ O Vedic scholars!  You have become thirsty by roaming about Vedic forests! But your thirst is not satiated! Please listen to my word! The essence of all Upanishads is to be found in the verandahs of the homes of Gopikas where Krishna is stealing butter along with His train of  supporters! Again you can understand the content of the Vedas and Upanishads where Krishna is tied up! Hence it is better that you search for secrets of the Vedas and Upanishads in the homes of Gopikas!”

“ I am sanctified by the worship of the son of Devaki! I am purified by the water that washed the feet of the enemy of Putana! I recollect Krishna, the driver of the chariot of Dhananjaya  during the great Kurukshetra War! If that is true, what is it that the messenger of Yama, the God of Death can  do with me?” exclaims Leela Sukha reflecting on the ignorance and vain efforts of scholars in understanding the essence of the Vedas and the Upanishads as well as his own death!

“ Jatasya maranam dhruvam” One who is born is destined to die one day or other. None can escape death. That being certain, it is the way in which a person dies gathers significance. Man has a special purpose in life. He has to realize himself and understand that that he is not the physical body but the indestructible Spirit or the Soul embedded in the body! Is there any way or means to overcome or defeat? Yes! It is total surrender unto the Lord feet of God! Repeating His Name always, chanting his praise, sathsang and thinking about God continuously can help a devotee in escaping from the jaws of death! Leela Shuka proudly says that he has worshipped Krishna, the very embodiment of Paramatma! He was the darling son of Devaki and at the same time the enemy the demon Putana and several others! Krishna was also the driver of chariot of Dhananjaya or Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War! Leela Shuka has been purified by this Divine association and thoughts! How can Death near him who is always in the thought of Krishna?

When Devaki delivered her eighth child, it was not the normal child! Vishnu appeared to Devaki  with His full form, with four arms, Sankha, Chakra, mace and Sarnga the bow! Soon after, that form disappeared and the normal child was in place. King Kamsa, knowing that Krishna is in Gokulam, sends Putana, the demon to kill him. She transforms herself in to a beautiful woman, plans to kill the child be feeding  Him with her poisoned milk! But Omniscient Krishna drinks away her life along with the milk! All efforts of Kamsa in attempting to finish off Krishna end up in miserable failure! There are two instances where God’s feet were washed and that water had purified the concerned person. In the Ramayana, soon after Rama leaves for forest, Bharata comes and requests  his brother to return to Ayodhya. But Rama refuses and offers his Padukas after Bharatha washes his feet! Rama is that Avatar of Vishnu!  The second instance is that of the boatman Guha who washes the feet of Rama before he enters the boat! Both Bharatha and Guha were staunch bhakthas of Rama!

Yama or God of Death can never approach the great devotees of God!  He had a bitter experience when he came to take away the life of child Markandeya! He was in deep penance and had embraced the Sivalinga in front of himl The pasa or rope that was thrown to take Markandeya's life fell on the Linga! Infuriated at this audacious act of Yama, Lord Siva appeared and kicked Yama and warned him not to approach His bhakthas! Siva granted the boon of deathlessness—” Chiranjivatwa” to Markandeya and blessed him! In commemorating that incident, Markandeya composed the famous “Chandrasekhara Ashtakam” where he questions Yama by saying “ Chandrasekhara masraye mama Kim karisyathi vai Yamaha?” Leela Shuka follows the footsteps of Sage Markandeya!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-28

 Raadhaa punaathu jagadachyuta datta chitta

Manthanamaa kalayathi dadhiriktha paathre

Thasya sthana sthabaka chanchala Lola drushtir

Devopi dohana dhiya vrushabham nirusthan!

Leela Shuka always chants the reputed spiritual “Panchakshari Mantra!  He is always connected to Lord Siva. Despite this connection with Lord Siva, he is a lover of Krishna who is black in color and wears a smiling face! His heart longs for that radiant son of Yasoda! In general, worshippers of Siva do not worship Vishnu and His other incarnations! They are all fanatic about their religious beliefs! But Leela Shuka does not allow his devotion to Lord Siva restrict his love and devotion to Krishna the most attractive and charming Avatar of Vishnu! In fact, he received Upadesa of “ Madana Gopala Mantra”  from his Guru earlier!

“ With her heart lost in the contemplation of Achyuta or Lord Krishna, Radha, a Gopika , is churning  a pot unaware that it is empty, and devoid of any curd in it! Let that Gopika, Radha, purify the entire Universe! While Radha's situation is like this, how about the state of Krishna?  With His looks fixed on the soft flower like breasts of Radha and viewing them again and again with desire, Krishna, is pretending to tie up the bullock to its peg!! Let that Krishna, too, purify this universe!” declares Leela Shuka in this beautiful sloka! 

The Divine love between Radha and Madhava is glorified and brilliantly portrayed in the famous “ Gita Govinda” Kavya of the Bengali poet Jayadeva! The passion of Radha for her Madhava was insatiable. She could not remain lonely even for a fraction of a second without Krishna! Legend says that Sachi Devi, on account of her desire, came down as Radha and kept company with Krishna! Divine romance of Radha and Madhava is full of very interesting situations where Radha pines away for the presence of Krishna when He is away from her! Radha's maids go in search of Madhava and describe to Him the pangs of Her separation!  In the same way, her maids describe to Radha the mischief of Krishna and His flirting with other Gopikas!

Leela Shuka brilliantly portrays the predicament of lovers in this sloka. Mutual love of ideal nature is that the lovers forget everything happening around them! They are anxious to see each other though they are involved in other activities! They forget what they are doing. Radha, in her anxiety to have a look at Krishna, keeps churning a pot without any curd in it! Her heart and soul are so dedicated to the sight of Madhava that she doesn’t care to see if there is curd or not in the pot she is churning! Such a sight of Radha may appear stupid and comical for others but not for the lovers involved!

How about Krishna? He is equally lovelorn! He is pretending to tie up the bull to its peg. But His heart is yearning for the sight of Radha at a distance!  Both are looking at each other totally oblivious of what they are doing actually! Krishna is looking at Radha churning the empty pot and her soft flower like breasts by His stealing glances! Leela Shuka introduces Sringara rasa—erotic feelings of Krishna as he looks at Radha. Sringara is unavoidable wherever Krishna is present! Radha is an exceptional bhaktha of Krishna! The devotee can consider herself as the wife of Krishna! Pure bhakthi is nothing but total love or dedication to God! Such unalloyed bhakthi can surely purify the entire universe!  Krishna is Paramatma Himself! His very presence is capable of destroying everything evil and purify the entire world!

 

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-SLOKA-27

 Ghosha praghosha samanaaya madho gunena

Madhye babandha janani Navanitachoram

Tat bandhanam jagathaa mudaraasrayaanaam

Aakrosa kaarana maho nitaraam babhuva!

Leela Shuka sees in his mental vision the exceptionally beautiful form of his beloved Lord Krishna!  How is He for the poet? “ Standing in front of him, Krishna is changing His stance by putting His left leg to the right and the right leg to the left! As usual, He is adorned with the crown of peacock feathers! His lotus face is aligned with the openings on His flute! He looks as an embodiment of compassion and radiates dazzling brilliance! Let this extraordinary dazzling brilliance appear before me during my terminal state!” says the poet languishing for the presence of Krishna!

“Gopikas, unable to tolerate the mischief of little Krishna in stealing milk and butter from their homes, complained to Yasoda. She wanted to admonish Krishna and persuade Him to desist from such mischievous acts and trouble the Gopikas. She wanted to tie up the thief of butter with a the rope used for churning butter! She managed to tie up Krishna with great difficulty! Little did Yasoda realize the suffering of the three worlds in the stomach of Krishna, the Avatar of Vishnu!  Unable to tolerate the pain induced by tying Krishna, the three worlds were in throes of intense pain!  In trying to relieving the suffering of Gopikas Yasoda ended up in torturing all the worlds!

The Bhagavatha purana narrates the leelas of young Krishna splendidly! Krishna would break pots of milk being carried by Gopikas by throwing stones at them! He would dart into the homes of Gopikaas with His mischievous train and steal butter, eat it and distribute to all his followers! If the butter is kept safe in pots hanging above, he would make his followers bend down, climb up above them and empty the precious butter collected and saved by the Gopikas!  He would go the cows and release the calves so that they can move freely! Because of His mischief there arose quarrels between the Gopikas and their mothers in law! The Gopikas tolerated to the maximum and had no other alternative but to go in group and complain to Yasoda against mischievous Krishna. They were so much annoyed with Krishna that they threatened Yasoda and said they would leave their homes and settle elsewhere! 

Poor Yasoda was an ordinary innocent woman! Her maternal instinct made her impervious to all complaints against he darling Krishna! But she grew angry when repeated complaints were levelled against her dear son. Unlike Devaki, Krishna's mother, she had no idea of the Avatar of Krishna! Devaki was blessed with the darshan of the radiant form of Vishnu just before Krishna was born! Yasoda was under the impression that Krishna was an ordinary lad like others! That is why Krishna reveals to her His nature in a few incidents! When she tried to tie him up, the rope  fell short every time and she felt tired! Pitying her state, Krishna allowed Himself to be tied up! When Balaraama complained to Yasoda that Krishna was eating small quantities of earth, she reprimanded and asked Him to open His mouth. When innocently Krishna opened His mouth she was aghast at what she saw inside-- the entire universe, the upper seven worlds and the seven nether worlds.

Krishna tells elsewhere ”Mama Maya duratyaya”—My Maya can never be won over!  Various sages too had this experience. Even as Yasoda  was wonder struck at what she saw in the small mouth of little Krishna, she was overcome by Maya and felt that Krishna was her darling child!  How can she think that the One that has no beginning, middle and end—“Adimadhyantharahita” can be her mortal son?  He is  “Ajo Nithyaha sasasvathoyam puraano na hanyathe hanyamane sarire”! He is eternal, sanatana! Purushha Sukta describes the Purusha as having a thousand heads, thousand eyes and a thousand legs! “ Sahara shirshah Purushaha sahasrakshah sahasra path” Is it so easy for Yasoda to recognize the Paramatma who has taken Avatar as Krishna? Leela Shuka feels sorry that Yasoda,  in tying up Krishna with the rope, had unwittingly tormented the entire universe and the fourteen worlds in the stomach of Krishna!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-26

 Sajala jalada nilam vallaki keli lolam

Srita sura tarumoolam vidyu dullaasi chelam

Natha sura muni jaalam sanmano bimba leelam

Suraripukula kaalam noumi Gopaala Baalam

Leela Shuka is terribly disappointed at the non appearance of his beloved Lord Krishna! He concludes that Krishna has not recognized His Bhaktha! In that state of frustration, he wants to become familiar with Krishna. Who will introduce him to Krishna? As his heart and mind are immersed in him, he wants his Manas to take lead and introduce him to Krishna! He has his own doubts whether that will be possible. He is in search of some other object close to Krishna that can effectively introduce him to his Lord. He spots the Divine flute that is always close to Krishna. He addresses the flute thus: “  O Divine Flute! You are very fortunate as you taste the honey of the breath of Krishna emanating from His lotus face! I bow down in prayer and request you to narrate my pathetic state in to His ears as soon as you reach His diamond like nether lip!”

How does Krishna appear to Leela Shuka?  “He is like the dark blue rain bearing clouds. He is much interested in playing and talking to the Gopikas! He is at the foot of Kalpa vruksha the wish fulfilling tree! He has draped Himself in dazzling robes! He is worshipped by Devas and sages! He presents Himself in the hearts of the good! He is like the God of Death, Yama to all the Asuras and their families! I praise that form of Gopala Krishna!” says Leela Shuka in this Sloka. 

The word 'Krishna' denotes black color. But it is not ordinary black color. Krishna is dark blue in color like the rain bearing clouds which are exceedingly beautiful! Being brought up in Gokulam He is always surrounded by Gopikas who are madly in love with him. They enjoy His little mischiefs and pranks but do not complain to Yasoda ordinarily. Many have suffered in the hands of Krishna when he came with His mischievous train to steal butter kept in pots! Unable to tolerate his mischiefs, once, they complained to Yasoda when she grew angry and tried to tie him up with a rope! No rope could tie him up as it fell just short of length! Taking pity on His mother, Krishna agreed to bind Himself with the rope! Krishna's most mischievous act to tease Gopikas was stealing their robes as they played and bathed in the clear waters of the Yamuna! This act of stealth by Balakrishna is celebrated as “Gopika Vasthrapaharana” in the Bhagavatha purana! In short, Krishna always played with Gopikas and immersed them all in indescribable bliss!

“Alankkara priyo Vishnu” –Vishnu is fond of 'alankara or adornments! Leela Shuka observes Krishna   draped in dazzling robes that splash like lightning! He is at the foot of Kalpa Vruksha, the wish fulfilling tree!

Sages and all varieties of Devas are paying homage to Him! He can be visualized by the good alone! Krishna is the inveterate enemy of Asuras who are against Devas! He has never spared any of those that tortured the Devas! As a child He killed Putana, a terrible demon who came to kill Him by feeding Him! Along with her milk Krishna drank away her life! Sakataasura, Thrunavartha and others sent by Kamsa were dispatched to the land of Death! Later he killed Sisupala and Jarasandha!

Leela Suka recapitulates the leelas or the Divine sports of his dear Lord Krishna in his great work  “Krishna Karnamruta.”  The entire work is devoted to the leelas of Krishna, His extraordinary Divine Beauty and wonderful different visions that the poet enjoys in his mental vision! A faithful description of what the poet sees, of his darling Krishna, is placed before the readers for their enjoyment and bliss!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-25

 Ayi parichinu chetaha praatarambhoja netram

Kabara kalitha chanchath pincha daamaabhiraamam

Valabhi dupula nilam vallavi bhaagadeyam

Nikhila Nigama Valli moola kandam Mukundam

“What a wonderful fortune has happened to the bamboo on the banks of the great Yamuna river! It has managed to be near the ruddy nether lip of Krishna as his flute!  Not only that, it has become holy and sanctified! Will it be possible for me to attain that prestigious position on account of my “purva punya”- holy deeds performed in my previous births?” said a Gopika to herself envious of the glorious state of Krishna's flute, made of bamboo on the bank of the Yamuna! Leela Shuka imagines the predicament of a Gopika aspiring for the proximity of Krishna’s nether lip!

“O My Mind! Will you not introduce and familiarize me to Krishna?  He has beautiful eyes like the lotus that blossoms in the morning! He has adorned Himself with peacock feather garlands and looks extraordinarily handsome due to their movement in the air! Is he not superbly blue in color like the “Indranila” precious stone? Surely He is the embodiment of Fortune for all the Gopikas! He is the very source and origin of all the Vedas which are like creepers! He is the root of everything in the universe!  Kindly introduce me to that Sri Krishna!”

All Gopikas are enamored of Krishna and desire to be with Him always. But is that possible? They envy every object associated with the Lord! They are jealous of every ornament that Krishna wears. The peacock feathers, the garlands and other adornments on Krishna aggravate their envy! One Gopika wonders how an ordinary bamboo was so fortunate to shape in to a beautiful flute and occupy the ruddy nether lip of Krishna! It is difficult to digest and feel happy about the fortune of the bamboo reed! The Gopika thinks that it was because of the bamboo reed’s “purva punya” that it had the rare fortune of reaching the sweet lips of Krishna! She wonders whether she would be in a position to attain that state through her “Purva punya”. Leela Shuka envisons this plight of Gopika in his poetic imagination!

Krishna's beauty is indescribable and incomparable! Many stotras on Krishna vie with one another in describing the Divine beauty of the Lord! All forms Vishnu are described in a standard manner. Lord's eyes are compared to the beautiful lotus flower and petals. Krishna's eyes are beautiful like the lotus that blooms early in the morning at sunrise! “ Krishnam Kamala patraaksham nila jimutha sannibham”is the description in a particular stotra. Krishna can never be thought of without the peacock feathers or nament “ Barhipinchava chudaankam”. Krishna is blue in color and his hue is compared very often to the dark blue rain bearing clouds and to the blue Indraneela precious stone! Krishna is Parabrahman that the Vedas and the Upanishads glorify! He is “Ajo Nithyaha sasasvathoyam puraano na hanyathe hanyamane sareere”! He is “ Adi madhyantarahita”-  One without a beginning, middle and end! He is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient!

Leela Shuka is languishing for the direct presence of his dear Lord Krishna! He is not fortunate so for. He feels that Krishna does not know him! He wants some one to introduce him to  Krishna! The best person would be his own Mind! Hence he requests his Mind to introduce him to Krishna! Mind is the root cause of our actions and reactions. It is also deciding factor between our attachment and detachment! “Mana Eva manushyaanaam karanam bandha mokshayoh!” If the Mind attaches itself to Krishna, Moksha becomes easy! Otherwise it is an endless life caught in the cycle of samsaara! Leela Shuka had enough of lustful existence and has genuinely turned Godward! Hence his perpetual craving for the presence of his  darling Lord Krishna!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-24

 Kadamba Vruksha maarudam Gopi Vasthraapaharinam

Krishnam dhyaatwaardha raathretu japen mantram sahasrakam

Dasaraathra japaar Deva maakarshen Naagakanyakam

KanyakaaThridasaadinaam Kim lunar Marthya yoshitaha!

“ Gopikas are bathing in the crystal clear waters of the Yamuna!  They are begging for their dress from Krishna, who has mischievously stolen them! But they are humble in their prayers in requesting Krishna to return their garments! Their eyes radiate gentleness! They are overwhelmed with modesty and unstable in their looks! It is as if Manmatha has just emerged and the Gopikaas are worshipping Krishna with their eyes similar to the flower arrows of Manmatha!  Let that form of Krishna, worshipped by those Gopikaas, protect us!” declares Poet Leela Shuka in his ecstasy at the vision of his dear Lord Krishna in his mind!

The Gopikaas lost themselves in play in the clear waters of the Yamuna! Krishna, in the meanwhile, climbed on the ' Kadamba' tree and stole the garments of the Gopikaas! Gopikaas were stunned at this stealth of their darling Krishna! They were struck by the sense of modesty in appealing to Krishna to return their dress. They looked hither and thither with their  lotus eyes that created erotic feelings! Leela Shuka is in a state of supreme bliss at the sight of Krishna the stealer of the robes of Gopikas. Praying  such a form or of Krishna on the Kadamba Tree teasing the love lorn and languid Gopikaas has its special significance!

This sloka has a special significance as it is related to the “Gopala Krishna Mantra rajam”! Poet Leela Shuka was initiated into spiritually by his Guru who gave him the Upadesa of “ Madana Gopala Mantram! According to “Sanathkumara Samhitha” this sloka forms the “Dhyana” of “ Vasthrakarshana Prayoga”

The effect of meditating on the form krishna on the Kadamba Tree, involved in stealing the robes of Gopikas, has a tremendous effect!  Chanting the mantra thousand times during the midnight or chanting it for ten nights shall attract Devas and damsels of the land of Nagas! Why then think of ordinary mortals?

“ Gopika Vasthrapa harana”—the incident of stealing the robes of Gopikas is one of the well known Divine leelas or Sports of Krishna! He wanted to teach them a lesson as they were proud of their beauty! On a day, when they went to the Yamuna for bathing, Krishna followed them secretly! The Gopikas disrobed themselves and freely played in the clear waters of the Yamuna. Silently, Krishna climbed on the Kadamba Tree and collected all the dress of the Gopikas with the help of his mischievous band!  He sat on the branch of the tree as if He was totally innocent!  After a jolly bath, the Gopikas were stunned at the disappearance of their robes and sensed that it was the purposeful mischief of young Krishna. The couldn’t come out of water without their garments! Modesty and shyness prevented them from coming out. They prayed  and appealed to the Lord to save them and return their dress. It was only after a long time that Krishna sympathized with their state and returned their dress! It was a revelation for them that one has to surrender himself to God totally but not have any reservations like shyness or modesty! Leela Shuka such Krishna, showering His Grace on the Gopikas, to protect him!!

In the Mahabharata, Krishna didn’t come to the rescue of Draupadi when Dussasana started disrobing her in the presence of Bhishma, Drona and other seniors!  She wailed and wept and clung to her robes in trying to save her chastity. A time came when she couldn’t save herself or stop the evil minded brother of Duryodhana. She threw her hands up and cried sincerely for help from Krishna. It was only later that Krishna granted her the never ending series of sarees! Dussasana was dead and dog tired in drawing away her sarees! Finally he fainted and Draupadi's chastity was protected!  It is only total surrender to God that compels Him to come to your rescue!

 

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-23

 Jaya Jaya Jaya Deva Deva Deva tribhuvana mangala Divya naamadheya

Jaya Jaya Jaya Balakrishna Deva sravana mano naya naamru thaavathaara!

“O Krishna! You are always blessed with the six qualities of prosperity (“ Shadgunaiswarya sampanna”)! It is my rare fortune that you have taken the form of Gopala! If I am dedicated and devoted to you and become your Bhaktha,  the lady of mukthi or salvation shall be humble at my service!  Even the other  “Purushaarthaasaas”—Dharmaa, Artha, and Kaama shall be at my disposal  O Lord!  As I am your deeply devoted  Bhaktha there is nothing  that I cannot achieve!” asserts poet Leela Shuka expecting the direct presence of his dear lord Krishna!

In this sloka Leela Shuka extols the distinct qualities of Krishna! “  Oh my Lord Krishna!  Victory, victory and victory to you! Have You not taken Avatar pleasing our ears, mind and eyes? It is like the rain of Amirta or nectar on me! Your Name is not of ordinary nature. It bestows wellness and good for all the three worlds namely Swarga or heaven, Marthya or the world and Pathala or the nether world! O Balakrishna! the owner of extraordinary names! Victory for You! You are the Lord of all Gods—Deva Deva!

The name or chanting the name of Hari or Lord Vishnu or Krishna is the panacea for all the Ills of society! In this Kaliyuga Nama sankirthana or Name smarana is the easiest and the best way to reach God. Du During the Krita Threta, and Dwapara Yuga one had to perform tapas for hundreds of years to please Gods and obtain boons! But in Kali Yuga it is enough if one has faith in God and. Chants His name relentlessly through out his life. Lord Vishnu tells Sage Narada that He does not reside in His abode Vaikunta or in the hearts of Yogis! But He is present places where His bhakthassing His glory! Materialistic man is drowned in this illusory world and can never think of penance or tapas. He is entangled in the never ending samsara and has no time to think of God! To chant the name of God is a rare opportunity for salvation though many fail to seize the opportunity!

Name smarana or chanting the name of God has worked many miracles in the lives of Bhaktha’s! Child Dhruva attained his wish as well as a position in the Galaxy! Prahlada, by his intense chanting of the name of Hari had the vision of Lotrd Vishnu, though Hiranyakasipu was killed for the well being of the world! Most astonishing story is that of young Markandeya destined to die at the age of sixteen! He sat in penance, chanting the name of Siva! The God of Death, Yama, came to take his life and threw the ‘pasa' at him. It fell on the Siva Linga even as Markandeya embraced it in fear! Lord Siva came out in fury and kicked Yama by His left leg and warned him severely! He was admonished and warned not to touch His Bhakthas! In the lives of the Azwars and Nayanmars of South India and the sants or saints of the North several astonishing incidents have happened to establish the primary importance of Nama sankirthana and Nama smarana!

  

 The omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient Supreme God has innumerable Names that indicate His extraordinary powers and qualities. In the Mahabharata war, on a particular day, Bhishma Pitamaha was furious and appeared to kill the Pandavas! None could stop him! Krishna, the Sarathi of Arjuna, became angry at the sight of devastating Bhishma, and jumped down from His chariot!  Though he had promised not to fight in the war, He wielded His Sudarsana Chakra and said He would kill Bhishma on that day! Pitamaha remained unruffled and cool and happy! He felt proud that his end would come through Krishna, none other than Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being! He then started to extol the Lord in His different forms and names. This is the “Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotra” that we are familiar with and recite often! No doubt that Leela Shuka praises Krishna whose name is “ Tribhuvana mangala Divya naamadheya”! The six Gunas or qualities (“Shadgunas”) that the Supreme Being is endowed with are  Jnana, Aiswarya,  Sakthi,  Bala, Virya and Tejas!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-22

 Bhuvanam bhavanam vilaasini Srihi

  Thanayau Thaamarasaasana Smaraucha

   Parichaara paramparaa Surendras

    Thadapi twat charitam vibho vichitram!

“ Bereft of all modesty, the Gopikas were mad after you and looked very beautiful like Rati Devi, the wife of Manmatha!  Divine music wafting in the air through your flute is similar to falling drops of honey! It is really indescribable! Your unstable movements  hang heavily and sweetly stealing our hearts! The words of an ignorant like me have turned into exaggerations like those of Valmiki and other great poets! As all my poetry is dedicated to  You, my birth in this world has turned fruitful and gained significance!.” Says Leela Shuka in his ecstasy at the vision of his dear Lord Krishna!

In this sloka the poet gloats over the glory, prosperity, and luxurious state of Krishna. Can we consider Him as an ordinary mortal? Definitely not. Is He not the very incarnation or Avatar of Lord Vishnu?  As such His state is glorious, enviable! He wonders at the relationship that the Lord  has significantly maintained. “ O Krishna! The entire ‘bhuvana' or universe is  your palace (bhavanam)!  Goddess Lakshmi is Your wedded wife! Your distinguished sons are the Creator Brahma and Manmatha! Your servants are   the lineage of Devas and the guardians of the eight directions! With all these distinctions Your history is amazing and incredible!”

Of all the Avatars, the incarnation of Krishna is considered as “ Purnavatar.” The first four incarnations were purely for the destruction of demons and Asuras.  Vamana Avatar was also for punishing emperor Bali who had seized the throne of Indra, king of Gods.  Rama was the embodiment of Dharma or righteousness. “ Ramo vigrahavan Dharmaha.” He lived like a perfect man and is the role model for all humanity. He didn’t reveal his true identity of his mission and very few were aware of his Avatarhood! The speciality of Krisnavatar is the manifestation of His Divinity even from childhood. Krishna was born to Devaki in the prison as MahaVishnu Himself with four arms, Sankha, chakra and granted darshan to Devaki! Very soon he became an ordinary child and enveloped all through His maya!  From that moment onwards Krishna's life is a series of incredible miracles! Again and again Krishna exhibited His Divinity to all according to situations!

Leela Shuka is amazed at the distinguished children of Vishnu. Creator Brahma emerged out of Vishnu's navel! Manmatha, God of Love is Vishnu's son as per our Puranas! He was reduced to ashes when he tried to disturb Lord Siva during His deep meditation or penance! He is also called “Ananga”- one without angas or parts of body! But he is the most powerful God with flower arrows that play with the emotion of love! Great sages have fallen a prey to the wiles of the God of Love! Lord Vishnu’s spouse is Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity! She emerged from the ocean of milk when it was churned by Devas and Asuras for Amrita, the elixir of life! Chandra or Moon also emerged from the ocean and hence Lakshmi is called the sister of Chandra—"Chandra sodari” 

All other Devas including Indra, king of Gods, the eight guardians of directions, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas and a host of others are at the service of Vishnu! Vishnu has come to the rescue of  Indra and other Devas during their hapless days and killed the Asuras that tormented them! Is it an ordinary state to be blessed with a wife like Lakshmi, sons like the Creator Brahma and Manmatha, God of Love and all Devas at their beck and call! This type of glory and prosperity is the rarest of rare things even among Gods and hence the amazement of poet Leela Shuka!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-21

 Mandaara mule madanaa bhiraamam

Bimbaadharaa puritha Venu naadam

GoGopaGopi Jana madhya samstham

Gopam bhaje Gokula purna chandram!

“Let there be a thousand or more connoisseurs of beauty,  let there be innumerable individuals with ideal Divine beauty, what is the use of quarreling with them or speak pleasingly or lovingly with them? I speak the exact truth! Your Beauty is incomparable and incredible, O my Lord!” exclaims poet Leela Shuka stunned and petrfied by the extraordinary beauty of Krishna who appears in his vision.

In the following sloka the poet actually describes the beautiful form of Krishna, “His stance, and the wonderful ambience. Where is Krishna now? He is at the foot of Kalpa vruksha, the Divine wish fulfilling tree. He shines forth in the midst of cows, Gopaalakaas or cowherds and Gopikaas or the women of Gokulam. His attractive lower lip is red in color like the 'Bimba' fruit! He plays on His flute mesmerizing the entire universe! He is the full moon for  all the cows and residents of Gokulam! Child Krishna is more beautiful than the love God Manmatha the standard of everything beautiful in the universe! I worship such  Bala Gopaala—Child Krishna again and again! 

‘Mandaara’ is the heavenly tree Kalpa Vruksha that grants all the wishes of people. It is one of the many things that came out of the churning of the ocean of milk! Krishna is the Kalpa Vruksha- who grants all the desires of His Bhakthas! ‘Madana' is the Love God who is last word for Beauty! Krishna is more beautiful than Manmatha himself! Manmatha lost his form in trying to disturb Lord Siva during His penance. Angered by the disturbance, Siva opened His Third Eye and Manmatha was reduced to ashes! However, Siva relented and brought him back to life but without form!

“ Bimba’” is a variety of fruit that is blood red in color. “Adhara” is the lower lip. Krishna's lower lip on which he places the Venu or flute is blood red in color, striking and very beautiful. Krishna is amidst the Gopikas and cows radiating soft, gentle and cool light like the full moon! Leela Shuka is never tired of describing and appreciating the Divine beauty of his darling Krishna! Krishna Karnamruta is nothing but the description and appreciation of the beauty of Krishna and His leelaas or Divine Sports!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-20

 Keyam kaanthih Kesava twan mukhen doh

Koyam veshaha kaapi  vachama bhumihi

Seyam seyam swadutha manjulam Sri

Bhuyo bhuyo bhu yasastwaam namaami 

Leela Shuka is pining endlessly for the direct presence of his beloved Lord Krishna! He is not sure when the Lord will present Himself before him. Thousands of sages, practitioners of yoga, and scholars have tried their best to gain the Lord’s presence but in vain! Even the Vedas and the Upanishads declare that Brahman is unreachable.” Yato vacho nivartante aprapya manasa Saha” affirm the Upanishads! Words cannot reach and Manas returns with out success! When such is the case, when will my Krishna appear and stand before my physical eyes? feels poet Leela Shuka.

Leela Sukha exclaims, “ O Kesava! How can I describe the soft glow of your moon like face? It is impossible to describe your person with splendid adornments! Your charm and indescribable beauty is beyond words and comparison! O Lord! Because of these reasons I prostrate myself before you again and again!” 

Krishna is always considered as the embodiment of ideal beauty! “ Alankara priyo Vishnu rabhisheka priyo Sivaha namaskara priyo Bhanuhu..” The inordinate Divine Beauty of the Lord is described in various stotras. “ Meghasyamam pita kouseya vaasam Srivatsaankam Kousthubhobhasitaangam punyopetam Pundarikaayathaksham Vishnum vande sarva lokaika naatham” Poets and sages vie with one another in describing the beauty of Lord Krishna and Vishnu. Another beautiful sloka describing the beauty of Krishna is given here: “ Kasthuri thilakam lalaata phalake vakshasthale Kousthubham naasaagre nava moukthikam karathale venum Kare kankanam sarvaange harichandanancha kalayam kantecha mukthaavali Gopastree pariveshtitho vijayathe Gopala Chudaamanihi! Every anga or part of the Divine form is wonderfully adorned and looks resplendent!

Chandra or Moon is considered an example of ideal beauty. It is because of the soft and cool glow that He radiates. The full moon is round and perfect and hence is used in comparing beautiful faces radiating coolness and softness! It is poetic tradition to compare the faces of Gods and Goddesses and beautiful women to the moon!

Human beauty is imperfect! There can be some defect or other in mortal form. But Divine Beauty is ideal and perfect. When we see women who are extremely beautiful we say they look like Goddess Lakshmi! Leela Shuka totally loses himself in drinking deep the exceptional beauty of his Lord Krishna and offers obeisance to Him again and again!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-19

 Akhila bhuvanaika bhushana madhi bhushita

Jaladhi duhitra kucha kumbham vraja yuvathi

Haaravalli marakatha naay inaka mahaa manim vande

Leela Shuka again  and again is lost in the exquisite beauty of Krishna.  Everything about the person of the Lord is so beautiful that the poet is amazed. “The lotus feet of Krishna are really astonishing!   Krishna's  eyes that resemble the lotus are amazing! Again the face of the Lord similar to the lotus flower surprises others by its exceptional beauty! O Mother! Every part of Krishna’s person is so  indescribably beautiful that every one is struck by its Divine beauty! In short, it is Impossible to put in proper words the ethereal beauty of Gopala Krishna.” says Leela Shuka!

Leela Shuka is never tired of singing the glory of Krishna and His beauty! “ Krishna is the ornament adorning all the fourteen worlds! He is the ornamental diamond on the chest of  Goddess MahaLakshmi!   Not only this, the Lord is the “Indranila” precious stone between the garlands worn by the Gopikas! I offer my obeisance to such Krishna standing  before my eyes!” exclaims poet Leela Shuka.

Krishna Karnamruta is replete with the ideal and spiritual description of the beauty of Krishna and His leelas or Divine Sports. Krishna is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient! He is the Avatar or incarnation of Sri Mahavishnu in Dwapara Yuga! The poet identifies Krishna as MahaVishnu Himself and hence his reference to Goddess Lakshmi. Leela Shuka introduces Sringara rasa very often in his slokas in describing the romance of Krishna!  He visualizes Krishna or Vishnu reclining on Her chest as a diamond ornament!  The Lord, in His leelas, moves deftly playing among the Gopikas! He shines like the blue  “Indraneela” precious stone between the garlands worn by the Gopikas! In other words Krishna is the pendant of the garlands of the Gopikas!

Mahalakshmi is called the daughter of the ocean because She came out during the churning of  the ocean by the Devas and Asuras! First, deadly poison, “Halahala” emerged frightening the Devas and Asuras. Lord Siva, drank it and saved them. Later many precious things came out of the ocean. Chandra or Moon emerged and was taken by Lord Siva! The White Elephant” Iravatam” came out and Indra, king of God’s received it. Then Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean and selected Mahavishnu as Her spouse! Many other articles came and finally came Dhanvatari with “ Amrita Kalasa.” When the Asuras ran away with the Kalasa, Vishnu enticed them as Mohini, and distributed Amrita to the Devas according to our Puranas!

Rasa Leela is one of the most important and astonishing Divine Sports exhibited by Krishna! He takes innumerable forms to match the number of Gopikas who dance in ecstasy! There is a Krishna for each and every Gopika who is thrilled and excited to dance with the Lord! As they dance forth, in between them, Krishna looks like the “Indraneela Diamond” hanging like a pendant from their beautiful garlands! The poet highlights the color of Krishna and its mesmerizing effect on others! Leela Shuka freely employs metaphors and similes in his slokas!

KRISHNA KARNAMRUTA-Sloka-18

 Soyam munindrajana maanasa taapahaari

Soyam madavraja vadhu vasanaapahaari

Soyam trutiya bhuvaneswara darpahaari

Soyam madiya hrudayaamburu haapahaari!

Leela Shuka assures himself that the form that presents Itself before his eyes is none other than his darling Lord Krishna! “His Divine music from the flute has enchanted the entire universe! He is decked with invaluable and astonishing radiant ornaments that amaze everyone! His tender and delicate feet are cool and the resort of His devotees who surrender themselves to his lotus feet! Are these not enough to declare that the arriving Lord is my beloved Krishna Himself?” Leela Shuka asks himself!

He is not satisfied with the description of the nature and qualities of the Lord he has described in the previous sloka! He gives a few more proofs to ensure that the figure that stands before him is surely that of Krishna! What are His credentials? What more are His acts at which the Devas and all others were astounded? Leela Shuka exclaims, “ Is He not the One that warded off all the miseries and troubles of the sages and seers? Is He not the Lord that stole the garments of youthful Gopikas in Nandagokulam? Surely is He not the one who demolished the pride and arrogance of Devendra, the king of Devas and Swarga loka?

Leela Shuka enumerates a few of the wonderful leelas of Krishna during His early life. During His gurukulavasa Krishna and his elder brother Balaraama had their education under the guru Sandipani. It so happened that his son died unexpectedly. Both the preceptor and his wife were lost in sorrow and blamed their fate at the demise of their only son. Krishna, as the dutiful student of his mentor decided to help them. He went to the land of Death and brought back the boy to the great delight of His Guru! Krishna, from His early childhood had been exhibiting His Divinity to the utter astonishment of all the residents Vraja bhumi!

One of the mischievous acts of young Krishna is stealing the garments of young women bathing in the river! The Gopikas find to their horror that Krishna has collected all their dress and hiding on the tree nearby. They are at a loss and very much perturbed at this act of mischievous Krishna! They are hesitant and shy to come out of water! Krishna demands that they should come out and take back their dress. The Gopikas pray and appeal to Him to save them from that delicate situation.This incident is called  “Gopika Vasthraapaharanam” and narrated in Bhagavata purana. Krishna does not take pity on them first because they were egoistic and arrogant! When they surrendered themselves to His lotus feet in pure devotion the Lord relented and returned their clothes! There should be no inhibition in uttering the Name of God. One should not be shy or feel ashamed of chanting His Name.  “ Visrujya lajjaam yodhite mannaamaani nirantaram kulakoti samaayukto labhate maamakam padam.” – one who chants My Name always without shyness shall reach My place with his innumerable clans!

Another incident in the life of young Krishna is his lifting the hill called Govardhana Giri!  It was customary for the people of Nandagokulam to celebrate a festival in honor of Indra, king of Gods. Krishna suggested that it should be cancelled and instead the cows should be honored. So all in the village started festivities in honor of the cows that formed the backbone of their life. Indra was infuriated at this ignominy meted out to him. He wanted to teach the Gopas and Gopikas a good lesson! He sent thunder, lightning, and a terrible downpour that almost drowned their village. Frightened and shocked Gopas besieged Krishna for help. Asking all people to assemble along with herds of cattle, Krishna lifted the Govardhana Giri with his little finger and held it like an umbrella and protected the entire village and its people! Indra's arrogance and pride was thus blotted out! Indra came down, offered his apologies to Krishna and realized that young Krishna was none other than Vishnu, the protector of the entire Universe! Leela Shuka , citing these incidents, declares that the form that stands before him is undoubtedly that of  Krishna!