Part 54 (1/2)

SUDARSANA.

*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 34.*

(The Rasa is a teaching about conquering Kama by treating of indulgence in Kama itself. Similarly this chapter treats of the conquest of Vidyadhara. _Sridhara_.)

On the occasion of a sacred festival the Gopas went to the banks of the Sarasvati. (Students will mark the significance of the Sarasvati, which corresponds to Sushumna in the human system at this stage of spiritual development). They adored Pasupati (Siva) and Ambika (Durga). They pa.s.sed the night on the river bank. A huge serpent swallowed Nanda. The Gopas burnt the animal but it would not let go its hold; Krishna then touched it with his feet and out came a Vidyadhara from the serpent body. This Vidyadhara, by name Sudarsana, had been cursed by Ris.h.i.+ Angiras for having slighted him and became a serpent.

SANKHA CHuDA.

*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 34.*

One day Rama and Krishna came to the forest to have company with the Gopis. It was the first part of the night. They played upon the flute and the Gopis listened to the music with rapt attention. At this time Sankha Chuda, the well-known attendant of Kuvera, drove the Gopis away northward. The girls wept and called out to Krishna and Rama for help.

They ran after the Yaksha who in terror left the Gopis and fled away.

Rama remained in charge of the Gopa girls. Krishna overtook Sankha Chuda and severed his head with its jewel and presented the crest jewel to Balarama.

THE SEPARATION SONG OF THE GOPIS.

*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 35.*

At night the Gopis enjoyed the company of Krishna. But the day was their time of separation and, when Krishna went to the forest, they pa.s.sed the time any how in singing about him. For the separation song, please refer to the original.

ARISHTA.

*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 36.*

Arishta, an Asura in the form of a bull, attacked the quarters of the cows. The cows fled away and the Gopas cried out ”Krishna, O Krishna save us,” Krishna killed the Asura.

NaRADA AND KANSA.

*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 36.*

Narada told Kansa: - ”The female child was the daughter of Yasoda; Krishna and Rama are sons of Devaki. Vasudeva kept them with his friend Nanda out of fear. Those two brothers have killed your spies.” In rage the king of Bhoja took his sword to kill Vasudeva. Narada prevented him.

But the King put Yasudeva and his wife in iron fetters. He then ordered Kesi to kill Rama and Krishna. He called his ministers together in council. Addressing Chanur and Mushtika he said: - ”Rama and Krishna are to kill us. So Narada told me.” Those two Asuras came ready for Vraja.

But Kansa said: ”No, you need not go. I shall send for the two brothers and kill them in a wrestling match. So prepare the playground. Place the elephant Kubalayapida at the entrance and let him kill my enemies. On the fourteenth day of the Moon, let us commence Dha.n.u.s Yajna, and let animals be killed in honor of Siva.”

Kansa then sent for Akrura, one of the chiefs of the Yadu clan.

”Akrura,” said he, ”Thou art my friend and do the work of a friend.

Please go to Vraja. Take this chariot and bring the two sons of Vasudeva. Tell them, they are to see the Dha.n.u.s Yajna and have a sight of the town. Let Nanda and other Gopas come with presents. The elephant shall kill the two boys. Or if perchance they escape, the wrestlers shall do away with them. I will then make easy work of Vasudeva, my old father Ugrasena, his brother Devaka, the Vrishnis, the Bhojas and the Dasarhas. Then, O friend, the earth will be left without a thorn.

Jarasandha is my guide. Dvivid is my friend. Samvara, Naraka, and Vana have made alliance with me. With the help of these, I shall kill all kings that are on the side of the Devas. Know this to be my plan.”