A Story of Dvapar Yuga in Prose (Part-12 B-)

A Story of Dvapar Yuga in Prose ( part-12 B-)

By Lokanath Mishra

The Tale of Krishna, Balarama, and the Village Girls at the Yamuna

Kamsa, the cruel king of Mathura, was constantly haunted by fear of the prophecy that a child would be born to destroy him. His demon allies—Keshi, Chanura, Mustika—often gathered to plan his defenses. One day, alarming news reached his ears:

In the Kalindi lake, long haunted by the deadly serpent Kaliya, an extraordinary event had taken place. The poisonous waters, once feared by all, had now become safe. It was said that Krishna, the cowherd boy of Gokul, had danced upon the many hoods of the mighty serpent and forced him to flee. The children of Gokul were now freely playing, plucking lotuses and swimming in the once-deadly waters. The villagers even planned to rear fish in that very lake! Songs of victory to Krishna were resounding everywhere, not only in Vrindavan but echoing across Barsana and nearby regions.

Kamsa trembled. Within him was the terror of death, but upon his face was burning anger. He said to Chanura and Mustika:
“Again and again, my mighty demons are being crushed by this mere cowherd boy! If such a simple child cannot be killed in secret, then perhaps I must march with my whole army upon Gokul myself!”

Mustika replied:
“My king, I have a relative, the demon Pralambasura. He can disguise himself in the form of a cowherd boy and secretly mingle with Krishna’s companions. In their games, he will seize Krishna or Balarama and destroy them.”

Kamsa laughed bitterly. “I have heard such promises many times. Still, send him.”

Thus Pralambasura entered Vrindavan in the form of a young boy.

That very day, Krishna and Balarama had divided their friends into two teams for a mock battle. Krishna led one side, Balarama the other. The rule of the game was this: each side would send one fighter, and whoever lost must carry the winner on his shoulders to the banyan tree at Bhandirvana.

In this way, the game began. Pralambasura quietly mingled among the boys. Krishna gave a glance to Balarama, as though hinting something. Krishna himself lost deliberately to his friend Subala, and carried him joyfully on his shoulders, laughing.

Now it was Balarama’s turn. He fought and defeated Pralambasura. According to the rule, Pralambasura had to carry Balarama upon his shoulders. But in his wicked mind, the demon thought: “I will carry him far away, smash his head, and then return for Krishna.”

Yet as he bore Balarama, he suddenly felt a crushing weight—he could barely move. Balarama had become heavier than Mount Meru itself. Realizing the trick, Balarama, the wielder of the plough, struck the demon’s head with his mighty fist. Like thunder striking a mountain, the blow shattered Pralambasura’s skull. The demon roared in his true gigantic form, and fell lifeless like a great tree upon the earth.

The boys screamed in fear, but Krishna and Balarama comforted them and led them back safely with the cows.

Meanwhile, the young maidens of Gokul were performing their vow to Goddess Parvati, praying for a husband like Krishna himself. They bathed early in the morning, built little Shiva lingas out of river sand, and worshipped with devotion.

One day, they left their clothes upon the riverbank while bathing in the Yamuna. Krishna, mischievous yet divine, came that way. Hearing their laughter and songs, He thought to test the depth of their love. He quietly gathered all their garments and placed them high upon a tree, then sat upon a branch, playing His flute.

When the gopis saw that their clothes were gone, they realized at once it was the work of Kanhaiya! They called out angrily:
“Krishna! Return our garments! This is shameful of you!”

Krishna smiled and replied:
“The wind was carrying your clothes away. I worked hard to collect them. If you speak harshly, I will throw them back into the forest where they lay!”

The girls, helpless, tried to coax Him gently:
“You are the prince of Vraja, our golden child. You are dearer than anyone. Please, return our garments. We will give you sweet offerings. Please don’t trouble us!”

But Krishna only teased them further:
“If you truly wish for your garments, come out of the water and bow to Me with folded hands. This will wash away the sin of bathing unclothed.”

Shivering in the cold water, covering themselves as best they could, the gopis slowly stepped out and, with both hands together, bowed before Krishna. Their hearts were trembling with shame, but also filled with surrender. Krishna, seeing their pure devotion, was satisfied. He returned each garment and blessed them.

From that day, the gopis knew that their lives, bodies, and souls belonged only to Krishna.

✨ Message for Children:
This story is not just about Krishna’s playful tricks. It teaches us:
• Evil, however strong, always falls before truth and divine power.
• Krishna tested the gopis not to embarrass them, but to draw out their complete devotion and surrender.
• When we pray with pure heart—body, mind, and words united—God accepts us fully.
• Just as Balarama destroyed the demon with a single blow, so too must we destroy the demons of pride, anger, and greed within ourselves.

In the end, the gopis’ love was rewarded. They became one with Krishna in heart and soul, showing that the truest path to God is not fear, but love, surrender, and faith.

⸻( to be continued) –

କୁମାର ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣିମା

Celebrating Lakshmi Puja and Gajalaxmi Puja Across Odisha

The Divine Journey of Lokanath Mishra