Nilanjana recounts the story of the migration from Gokula to Vrindavan, in the weekly column, exclusively in Different Truths.

The gopas in Gokula were not blind to the series of attacks by various strange creatures on little Krishna. Hence they held a meeting to discuss the same. The oldest of the gopas who was also the wisest one, called Upananda, suggested that they leave Gokula in the wake of so many incidents that unnecessarily threatened the little one. Others agreed with him and recollected the rakhashi (demon Putana), the dust-storm, the cart and then the two trees. While they did not realise why the little one should be facing so many problems, they thanked Narayana for his grace and agreed upon abandoning this place for good.

A suggestion was made to migrate to Vrindavan. It was a green and luscious place shielded by Govardhana Mountain. It was a peaceful place for simple folks and naturally blessed for cattle and other animals. As nobody opposed, the gopis and gopas began their preparation for their journey to Vrindavan.

Now, in those days, it was not usual for people to travel such distances often. Hence the folks dressed up in their finest clothes as they sat on their carts full of their belongings and happily migrated to Vrindavan. The men walked ahead with their herd of animals and the women sat in their carts as they moved away from Gokula. Even on their way they could not help but discuss the various pranks that Krishna played on them all the time.

Balarama and Krishna were seated on the cart with their respective mothers. Their mothers were pleasantly surprised as the children, who were otherwise very naughty, sat quietly throughout the journey. The mothers finally had their children all for themselves. And so the journey continued with stories of pranks of Krishna that delighted all of them. They experienced no fatigue as they crossed the distance to Vrindavan.

Once they reached Vrindavan, Balarama and Krishna were the first to jump out of their cart. Their eyes rested on Govardhana, on the lush green forest and the beautiful river Yamuna that was flowing by. With their eyes, they blessed the whole area that was to be their home for some time now.

As the gopis and gopas settled down in the new place, the children loved Vrindavan for all the adventure that awaited them. The younger boys were allowed to graze the calves on Govardhana Mountain and would enjoy themselves the whole day. Balarama and Krishna were slightly older now and they could go out with the older boys. Hence they participated in all the fun. Krishna would play the flute sometime. But usually, the day was full of fun, once they were out of sight of their mothers. They would throw stones on the fruit-bearing trees and munch on the half ripe fruits. Then they would run around draped in blankets, pretend to be bulls and scare their playmates. They would imitate the birds and laugh at nothing.

All the fun that only children enjoy and adults find “silly” kept them occupied the whole day…

[To be continued]

Footnote: Srimad Bhagavatam is often called the Bhagavad Purana. Authored by Ved Vyasa, the stories are about the various avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu, also known as Narayana.

©Nilanjana Dey

Photos from the Internet

#BhagavadPurana #VedVyasa #Avatars #LordVishnu #Narayana #Krishna #StoriesOfKrishna #MythAndMythology #DifferentTruths

Nilanjana Dey

A story-teller at heart, Nilanjana Dey is on a journey to experiment with fiction and poetry. Her first novel, largely aimed towards children, is titled ‘The Adventures of Puti – The Cheese Trail’. Her poems have been published at various prestigious portals. An alumni of English Literature from Jadavpur University (Kolkata), she is a marketing and communication professional based in Mumbai. She volunteers with a Mumbai based NGO working with the marginalised sections of the society.

See Full Bio