Śrī Kṛṣṇa's Līlās – The Move to Vṛndāvana and the Fall of Vatsāsura

Story So Far

Gokula has witnessed many astonishing events—Pūtanā's death, Tṛṇāvarta's fall, and the twin arjuna trees being uprooted by little Kṛṣṇa. Though the villagers see Him only as their precious child, the elders begin to feel that danger surrounds the boys.

The Decision to Move

The elder gopas met in worry. Upananda, wise and experienced, spoke gravely: "These dangers are not ordinary. For the safety of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa—and for all our children—we must move from Gokula." He proposed a new home: Vṛndāvana, a beautiful forest filled with fresh grasses, cool groves, Yamunā's gentle banks, and the protective presence of Govardhana Hill. All the gopas agreed.

Soon carts were loaded, bells rang, cows moved in long elegant lines, and the gopīs sang joyfully of Kṛṣṇa's baby pastimes as the caravan traveled. Yaśodā and Rohiṇī sat together with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma on one cart, smiling as the songs of Vraja flowed around them.

Reaching the lush lands of Vṛndāvana, they arranged their carts in a half-moon shape and settled into their new home. Rāma and Kṛṣṇa, delighted with the forests, hills, and riverbanks, began tending calves with the other children—playing, laughing, imitating animals, and learning the world through innocent joy.

The Vatsāsura Incident

One day, while the boys tended their calves along the Yamunā, an asura servant of Kaṁsa named Vatsāsura crept into their midst. Taking the form of a cow, he mingled with the herd, hoping to kill the divine brothers. But Kṛṣṇa, who sees all hearts, recognized him instantly. With a quiet gesture to Balarāma, He approached the disguised asura. Then, moving swiftly, He caught Vatsāsura by the hind legs and tail, whirled him around with tremendous force, and flung him onto a kapittha tree. The asura dropped his calf disguise, revealing a huge monstrous form as both he and the tree crashed to the ground.

Kṛṣṇa's friends cheered, "Well done! Very good!" and the Devas showered flowers from the sky.

Having finished their little adventure, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma returned calmly to tending their calves, just like ordinary boys—yet They were the Protectors of all the worlds.

Meaning for Devotional Hearts

• Vṛndāvana is the sacred stage where Kṛṣṇa's sweetest childhood līlās unfold, guided by divine protection.
• Even in the form of ordinary play, the Lord effortlessly removes dangers and protects His devotees.