Krishna Leela Series : 30

Vidyadhara Liberated and the Demon Sankhasura Killed

Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men went to Ambikavana forest

It is located in Gujarat province near Sarasvati river

This occurred after the Rasa Leela ceremony

This festival that Nanda baba celebrated with the cowherd boys is called Shiva Ratri

Generally observed by Shaivites

Nanda baba once desired to observe Shiva Ratri.

Vaishnavas also sometimes observe because Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava.

They very devotedly worshipped Lord Shiva and Ambika after taking bath.

• Lord Shiva is the Topmost Vaishnava.

• Extremely Powerful and resides in Kailasha.

• Exalted One who is Chanting and Meditating on the Lord•In Brahma Samhita, analogy of Milk and Yoghurt is used.

•ArAdhanAnAm sarveshAmvishnor ArAdhanam param

tasmAt parataram devitadiyAnAm samarchanam

"Of all types of worship, worship of Lord Vishnu is best, and better than the worship of Lord Vishnu is

the worship of His devotee, the Vaishnava."

Nanda Maharaja gave charity to the Brahmanas.

Voluntarily giving and receiving

Charity must be given to the right people at the right time.

In scriptures, it is recommended to give to Brahmanas. This pleases the Lord.

Vidhyadhara in his snake form

Nanda baba and the cowherd men slept near Sarasvati river and fasted whole day.

Suddenly a snake came and started swallowing Nanda baba

Started calling for Krishna!

Cowherd boys started coming with burning logs!

Krishna immediately appeared on the scene.

Vidyadhara was a celebrated personality in his last life and was cursed by Angira Muni.

Krishna touched the snake and immediately a beautiful devata appeared.

There is no guarantee in this Material world.

Despite being a devata, he was cursed.

Snake is the most cruel but envious people are more cruel than snakes.

•He asked permission from Krishna to go back to the heavenly planets.

•Devatas get power from the Lord to give boons.

•One can ask anything from the Lord – material and spiritual!

•Curse was a blessing

•Relieved by the touch of your lotus feet

•Circumambulated and left for heavenly planet

Nanda and cowherd men went back to Vrindavan.

They praised Krishna about his wonderful activity.

They came to worship Shiva and Durga and became more attached to Krishna.

Krishna and Baladeva

They went to Vrindavan forest to sing and dance.

Were accompanied by the Gopis

Krishna and Baladeva were singing nicely.

Everyone became so absorbed and appeared lost.

A demon called Sankhasura appeared.

Puffed up with material opulence, he thought the women should be enjoyed by him and not the 2 brothers

Since he was Kuvera’s associate, he was rich and naturally wanted to own everything.

He forced them away.

Krishna and Balaram chased after Sankhasura.

Balaram took charge of the Gopis and Krishna gave chase.

Krishna gave a nice punch and brought back the jewel to Balaram and presented it to Him.

SUMMARY

•Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and He is accepted by the greatest authorities.

•Charity can be given to the right people especially so to Brahmanas.

•Always remember Krishna!

•The Lord delivered Vidyadhara by his touch.

•Go to Krishna for everything!

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare