Taming the Serpent Kaliya

In one pool of the Yamuna lived a huge, poisonous serpent named Kaliya with his family. His venom kept the water boiling; birds flying above fell dead and trees on the bank withered. One hot day the thirsty cowherd boys and cows drank that water and collapsed.

With His nectar-like glance, Krishna brought them all back to life. Then He decided the Yamuna had to be freed from this poison. He climbed a kadamb tree on the bank, tightened His waistband and jumped into the pool.

Kaliya angrily wrapped Krishna in his coils. Hearing this, Nand, Yashoda and all of Vraj came running in tears. Many were ready to jump into the water. Only Balram stayed calm, for he knew his brother's power. Seeing the grief of the people of Vraj, Krishna slipped out of the coils.

Then Krishna leapt onto Kaliya's raised hoods and began to dance. The blows of His feet crushed Kaliya's pride, and he began to vomit blood. Then Kaliya's wives, the Nagapatnis, came with folded hands and begged for their husband's life.

The Lord showed mercy and ordered Kaliya: leave the Yamuna and go to Ramanak island in the ocean. Kaliya feared Garuda would eat him there. The Lord said: when Garuda sees My footprints on your hoods, he will not touch you. The Yamuna's water became sweet and clear again.