Radha Krishna Love Story – Chapter 2: Childhood Pastimes in Gokul

Childhood Pastimes in Gokul

The previous chapter ended with the wonderful story of Krishna's divine birth. Vasudeva brought him from the prison of Mathura to the house of Nand Baba in Gokul. From here begins a new chapter filled with love and joy, where Lord Krishna, like an ordinary child, captivates everyone with his childhood pastimes.

Affection of Nand and Yashoda

Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiya were blessed to have Krishna. Their hearts were filled with affection. Little Krishna, crawling on his knees in the streets of Gokul, enchanted everyone with his lisping speech. Yashoda Maiya kept him hidden in her lap, protecting and caring for him every moment. Nand Baba would carry Krishna on his shoulders, roam around the entire village, and kiss his face with love. Both of them saw their world in Krishna alone.

"Nand Ji, look, how beautiful our Kanha is! He is made of pure gold," Yashoda Maiya would say to Nand Baba, her eyes reflecting immense love for Krishna. Nand Baba would reply with a smile, "Yes, Yashoda, he is the very form of Narayan. We are fortunate that he has come to our home." Krishna, playing in Yashoda Maiya's lap, would touch her face with his little fingers and smile.

Butter Theft and Complaints of the Gopis

As Krishna grew older, his mischievous pastimes also increased. He was very fond of butter, and he would steal butter from the homes of the Gopis with his childhood friends. The Gopis were initially upset, but seeing Krishna's enchanting smile, they would forget all their sorrow. Krishna would sometimes get caught while stealing butter, but he would show such innocence with his innocent eyes that no one could get angry with him.

One day, Radha's mother, Kirtida, came to complain to Yashoda Maiya, "Yashoda, your Kanha eats all the butter from our house! What should we do?" Yashoda Maiya smiled and said, "Oh Kirtida, he is just a child. You should give him a little butter." Kirtida knew that scolding Krishna was useless, so she returned with a smile. Krishna's love was such that everyone forgave his mischief.

Subduing Kaliya Nag

Once, Krishna was playing with his friends on the banks of the Yamuna River. While playing, their ball fell into the river. Krishna jumped into the river to retrieve the ball. In that river lived a terrible serpent named Kaliya, whose poison was making the entire river poisonous. Kaliya Nag attacked Krishna, but Krishna climbed on the serpent's hood and began to dance. The serpent was defeated and begged Krishna for forgiveness. Krishna ordered him to leave the river, which made the Yamuna clean again.

This pastime of Krishna was a symbol of his power and compassion. He not only punished Kaliya Nag but also freed the Yamuna River from its poison. The people of Gokul hailed Krishna and expressed their gratitude. From this incident, Krishna's divinity became even more evident.

Next Stop

Krishna's childhood pastimes in Gokul were a mixture of love, joy, and divinity. He performed Raas Leela with the Gopis, stole butter, and subdued Kaliya Nag. Now, a new turn is about to come in Krishna's life. The next chapter will take us to Vrindavan, where Radha and Krishna will meet for the first time, and the beginning of a wonderful story of love will unfold. Radha's first sight will completely change Krishna's life.