Canto Ten - Chapter 26

Śrī Śuka said: Having witnessed such deeds of Kṛṣṇa and not understanding the extent of His power, the cowherds gathered together in utter amazement and spoke.

This boy has performed such exceedingly astonishing deeds. How could He deserve a birth among rustic people, one seemingly unworthy of His true nature?

How can this seven-year-old boy have playfully held the greatest of mountains upon one hand, just as the king of elephants holds a lotus?

When He was only an infant with His eyes closed, He drank from mighty Pūtanā's breast and drew out her life with the milk, just as time drains away the lifespan of a body.

When He was only a few months old and lying beneath a cart, He cried and struck it with the tips of His upraised feet, causing the cart to overturn.

At one year of age, while the demon Tṛṇāvarta was carrying Him through the sky, He seized the demon's throat, strangled him and killed him.

Once, after His mother tied Him to a mortar for stealing freshly churned butter, He crawled between the two arjuna trees and pulled them both down.

While tending calves in the forest with Rāma and the other boys, He seized the murderous enemy Baka with His arms and tore apart the demon's beak.

When a demon entered among the calves in the form of a calf, intent upon killing Him, Kṛṣṇa slew him and playfully used his body to knock down kapittha fruits.

With powerful Balarāma He killed the ass demon and the demon's companions, making the tāla forest, filled with ripe fruit, safe for everyone.

After mighty Balarāma killed the fierce Pralamba, Kṛṣṇa delivered the animals and cowherd boys of Vraja from the forest fire.

He subdued the serpent king Kāliya, more poisonous than the deadliest snake, crushed his pride and forcibly expelled him from the lake, making the Yamunā's waters free of poison.

Nanda, why do all of us residents of Vraja feel such an irresistible affection for this son of yours, and why does He possess the same natural affection for us?

How can a seven-year-old boy be compared with the feat of holding up a mighty mountain? This is why doubts arise in us about your son, lord of Vraja.

Śrī Nanda said: Cowherds, please hear my words and let your doubts about the child disappear. I shall tell you what Garga said to me concerning this boy.

In different ages, as He accepted bodies, He formerly possessed three colors: white, red and yellow. Now He has assumed a dark complexion.

At some time in the past this son of yours was born as Vasudeva's son. Therefore learned people who understand this call the glorious boy Vāsudeva.

Your son has many names and forms corresponding to His qualities and deeds. I know them, but ordinary people do not.

This son, who gives joy to the cowherds and Gokula, will bring you every blessing. By His power you will easily cross beyond all dangers.

Lord of Vraja, in former times, when no king ruled and saintly people were oppressed by brigands, they prospered under His protection and defeated those brigands.

Enemies cannot overpower human beings who place their love in this greatly fortunate child, just as demons cannot conquer those who stand on Viṣṇu's side.

Therefore, Nanda, this son of yours is equal to Nārāyaṇa in His qualities, beauty, fame and influence. You should not be astonished by His deeds.

After Garga clearly instructed me in this way and returned to his home, I came to regard Kṛṣṇa, whose every act is effortless, as a portion of Nārāyaṇa.

Hearing Nanda recount the words sung by Garga, the residents of Vraja became joyful. Their amazement gone, they honored Nanda and Kṛṣṇa.

When the god Indra, enraged because his sacrifice had been disrupted, poured down thunderbolts, hail, rain and wind, Kṛṣṇa saw the cowherd men, animals and women sinking in distress after taking shelter of Him. Smiling with compassion, though only a boy, He uprooted the mountain with one hand and held it aloft as playfully as a mushroom, protecting the cowherd community. May that Lord of the cows, who shattered mighty Indra's pride, be pleased with us.