Subduing the Serpent Kaliya

Krishna danced upon the hoods of the serpent Kaliya, who had poisoned the Yamuna, crushed his pride and sent him away to Ramanaka island.

In a deep pool of the Yamuna near Vrindavan lived a fearsome serpent named Kaliya with his family. His poison made the water seethe. Birds flying overhead fell from the poisonous vapour, and the trees and plants on the banks withered away. One day thirsty cows and cowherd boys unknowingly drank that water and fell lifeless. With his nectar-like glance, Krishna brought them all back to life.

Resolving to purify the Yamuna, Kanha climbed a tall kadamba tree on the bank, tightened his waistcloth and leapt into the pool. Hearing the commotion, Kaliya rose up in rage and wrapped Krishna in his coils. When word spread, all of Vraja came running to the bank. Nanda Baba and Mother Yashoda, in anguish, were ready to jump into the water, but Balarama, who knew his brother's power, held them back.

Seeing the grief of the people of Vraja, Krishna expanded his body and slipped free of Kaliya's grip. Then he sprang onto the serpent's hoods and began to dance upon them. Whichever hood Kaliya raised, the Lord pressed down with his feet. The gods in the sky showered flowers and played music. At last blood flowed from Kaliya's hoods and all his strength was broken.

Then Kaliya's wives, the Naga women, came before the Lord with folded hands and prayed: "O Lord, even your punishment is mercy, for the dust of your feet, for which even Goddess Lakshmi performs austerities, has fallen upon his head. Please spare our husband's life." Kaliya too sought refuge in him.

The compassionate Lord forgave him and commanded him to leave the Yamuna with his family and go to Ramanaka island in the ocean. Kaliya had first fled from there out of fear of Garuda. Krishna reassured him: "My footprints are now marked on your hoods. Seeing them, Garuda will not harm you." And so the waters of the Yamuna became pure once again.

Source

Shrimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, ch. 16–17

Place

Vrindavan (Kaliya Ghat on the Yamuna)

Lesson

The Lord crushes pride, yet always grants forgiveness and protection to one who surrenders.