How Did Shree Krishna Let Himself Be Carried by Love, but Not by a Demon?
The divine pastimes of Shree Krishna, as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam, are among the most cherished and profound events in Hindu scriptures. These sacred stories uplift the soul, awaken devotion, and offer deep spiritual insights. The Srimad Bhagavatam reveals Shree Krishna as the Supreme Being who chose to descend in a humble village to live as a child among simple cowherds. In doing so, He illustrated that the greatest truths of the cosmos could be found not in rituals alone, but in the unconditional love between a mother and her child, between the soul and its divine source.
Among the countless pastimes from Shree Krishna’s early years, two stand out for their emotional and spiritual intensity: the awe-filled visit of Sage Narad to witness the child incarnation of God, and the dramatic encounter with the demon Trinavarth. Both events, detailed in this blog, highlight how God responds to pure love and how He protects His devotees from harm in the most unexpected ways. Through these stories, Shree Krishna reveals His dual nature: the all-powerful protector of the universe, and the innocent child who delights in His mother’s embrace.
Sage Narad's Journey to Gokul
Sage Narad, the eternal traveler among the worlds and devotee of the Lord, became aware that the Supreme Being had taken birth on Earth. He journeyed to Gokul to have darshan of the avatar. As he approached the house of Nanda Baba and Mother Yashoda, he witnessed a simple domestic scene—one that carried the weight of spiritual truth far beyond the surface.
Inside the home, a young child stood beside a middle-aged woman, gently tugging at her saree. The child wanted to be held, and the mother lovingly sent him off to play. This seemingly ordinary moment brought deep reflection to sage Narad. He contemplated the nature of devotion and divinity. The scriptures speak of the soul yearning for God, longing to be uplifted and embraced by the Divine. Yet here, it was the child who desired affection and the mother who held authority over Him.
At first, sage Narad pondered whether the woman was divine and the child the soul. But upon realizing the child was the incarnation of the Supreme Lord Himself, he was struck by a new question—what kind of soul could attract such love from God? He recognized that the woman, Mother Yashoda, must have possessed a level of devotion so elevated that even the Lord, who grants liberation to sages and gods, chose to become her child.
Sage Narad stood in awe, contemplating Mother Yashoda’s fortune. Celestial beings like Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva had performed countless austerities for a glimpse of God, yet here, the Lord was playing at the feet of a mother, eager to be in her lap. Sage Narad knew that such intimacy was not the result of ritual or penance, but of pure, selfless love. In that love, Shree Krishna chose to forget His divinity. He did not perform miracles in front of Mother Yashoda. He let her believe she was responsible for His safety, upbringing, and behavior.
Lesson
Through this episode, Sage Narad’s visit revealed that the bond between a devotee and the Divine can transcend even the most profound spiritual knowledge. It is not through scholarly understanding or celestial power, but through unwavering, maternal devotion that Mother Yashoda became the chosen mother of God.
The Storm Demon Trinavarth
As Shree Krishna grew, the threats from his maternal uncle Kansa continued. Haunted by fear of the prophecy that declared his death at the hands of Devaki’s son, Kansa could no longer sleep in peace and was plagued by nightmares and restlessness. Finally, he sent yet another demon, Trinavarth, who took the form of a massive tornado.
Trinavarth descended upon Gokul in the form of a violent storm. The skies darkened, winds howled, and trees bent under pressure. Mother Yashoda, holding Shree Krishna in her arms, felt the approaching threat. At that moment, Krishna, fully aware of the plan, began to increase His weight. Mother Yashoda, surprised by the sudden heaviness, was forced to place the child on the ground, exhausted and unable to hold Him.
In the very next instant, the whirlwind struck. Trinavarth scooped up Shree Krishna and soared into the sky, intending to throw Him down and destroy Him. But this was no ordinary child. As the demon carried Shree Krishna higher, the child began to radiate unbearable heat. Trinavarth, who thought he held a defenseless infant, suddenly felt as though he was clutching fire wrapped in cloth.
Shree Krishna then began to grow even heavier until the demon could no longer bear the weight. His strength gave way. Shree Krishna seized Trinavarth by the neck and crushed him mid-air. The lifeless body of the demon plummeted to the earth, crashing with great force. The skies cleared and calm returned.
The villagers of Gokul ran to the scene, astonished to find Shree Krishna safe and unharmed. As before, they attributed the child’s safety to divine grace and performed rituals to ward off the evil that seemed to surround their beloved Lala.
Lesson
This event, like many others, showed the dual nature of Krishna. He was simultaneously the protected and the protector. While He let the world believe that He was saved by fortune, in truth, He was the savior ensuring the safety of all.
Mother Yashoda’s Love and Shree Krishna’s Willing Surrender
Throughout these incidents, one element remained consistent: the unparalleled love of Mother Yashoda. She treated Shree Krishna not as a deity, but as her own child. She worried about His well-being, disciplined Him when needed, and was concerned about His behavior and safety. Her devotion was so natural and unconditional that even the Divine chose to submit to it.
Shree Krishna allowed Himself to be bound, not by ropes, but by love. He chose to behave like a child in her presence, hiding His cosmic identity. His playful acts were not random but carried profound messages. He revealed that God does not remain distant and aloof; He responds to genuine love and pure-hearted devotion.
This relationship showed a unique form of bhakti, where the devotee forgets the Lord’s divinity, and the Lord rejoices in being loved as a child. It was not awe or fear that brought them close, but simplicity, warmth, and emotional surrender.
Conclusion
The early years of Shree Krishna in Gokul hold within them the secrets of how God chooses to connect with the world. Whether it was the gentle tug on a saree or the destruction of a demon, every act revealed the same truth—God, though all-powerful, delights in surrendering to love.
Shree Krishna’s life teaches that spirituality is not reserved for those who renounce the world or perform long austerities. It is accessible to every heart that loves sincerely and selflessly. The relationship between Mother Yashoda and Shree Krishna is a timeless reminder that the path of devotion is built on trust, humility, and deep emotional connection. Shree Krishna states in the Bhagavad Gita (9.29):
"I am equally disposed to all living beings; I am neither inimical nor partial to anyone. But the devotees who worship Me with love reside in Me and I reside in them."
Call to Action
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FAQs
1. Why did Sage Narad visit Gokul?
Sage Narad visited Gokul to witness the divine incarnation of the Supreme Lord and was deeply moved by the love between Shree Krishna and Mother Yashoda.
2. Who was Trinavarth and why did he attack Shree Krishna?
Trinavarth was a demon sent by Kansa to kill Shree Krishna. He attacked in the form of a tornado but was defeated by Shree Krishna’s divine power.
3. How did Shree Krishna defeat Trinavarth?
Shree Krishna increased His weight and radiated intense heat, making it impossible for Trinavarth to carry Him. He then crushed the demon and returned safely.
4. What makes Mother Yashoda’s love for Krishna special?
Mother Yashoda’s love was selfless, unconditional, and free from the awareness of Shree Krishna’s divinity, making it the highest form of devotion.
5. What spiritual lesson can we learn from these stories?
The greatest connection with God is built through genuine, heartfelt devotion, not ritual or power. Love, in its purest form, binds even the Infinite.