Ratna Prabha
The buffaloes bellowed, the boys shouted, and the birds flew shrieking from the trees.
The cows bleated in agony as they saw their favourite cowherd take a leap into River Yamuna.
KRISHNA! KANHA! KANHAIYA!
The sounds of His varied names raged over the waters. The people of Vrindavan wanted to keep their dark-skinned beloved boy safe and sound. But he had jumped in the swirling, poisonous waters of Yamuna with a purpose.
Shortly, the black waters turned blackish-red as the vile creature released more venom. The desperate voices called him again and again.
But He was gone! Mother Yashodha was so distraught she swooned. Father Nand was no less panic-stricken. But he held his thoughts. By now, he had realised that the boy they were raising was an extraordinary being, beyond what he could comprehend. Still, the fear of a father raised its ugly head filling his heart with dread.
I hope he knows what he’s doing. Though He always seems to know.
“I told you not to bring the child here, Balarama!” Aunt Rohini shrieked at her son.
“He led us here, Mother,” replied Kanha’s elder brother, outwardly looking guilty and worried but smiling inwardly.
Watch out, Evil Reptile.
Krishna Performs the Dance of Death on Kaliya
He lay comfortably coiled in the river bed, cool and confident that nothing could harm him.
Vrindavan is the only place I am safe from Garuda, the nemesis of all serpents. He hates me more than other snakes. And why should I pay tribute to that bird? So what if he thinks he is divine? I have my venom that gives me immeasurable power. I’ve made Vrindavan my home. And what a place! It is such fun to frighten the hapless villagers! To kill the foolish ones who try to enter the river! This is life! And now this naive, little dark-skinned boy has jumped in. Perfect! It’s been a long time since anyone had had the courage to jump into the waters of Yamuna in this area! I’m hungry for a human.
His wife, Surasa, tried to warn him. “That child has a divine aura about him. I’m sure he’s special. We’ll go away somewhere else. It is high time we leave Vrindavan in peace. They have been tolerating your harassment for very long.”
“Shut up, you foolish female! Just watch the fun.”
And he spewed more venom. Yamuna became deathly black! Fear-laced shrieks were heard from above, sending Kaliya into a giggling fit! What fun, indeed!
And then He appeared! Unfazed by the venom! Small but powerful! His dark eyes filled with fury!
“Go away from here! Leave Vrindavan in peace.” The intrepid boy mouthed.
Kaliya was shocked.
How come my poison doesn’t affect him? Who is He? The Wonderboy Surasa spoke about!
His wife’s warnings rang true, but his gigantic ego shrouded his judgement! He lunged at Krishna, who easily caught the snake’s tail and jumped on his enormous expanded hood. The surprised reptile found himself pulled upward, his venom, strength, and ego completely useless! Deathly silence prevailed for the first time since he made his home in the waters of Vrindavan.
The people on the banks stood rooted in the sudden pervading silence, staring in awe at the stunning scene unfolding in front of them. Kaliya’s head was above the water while the rest of his slimy body was hidden beneath. The water was back to its beautiful blue. The poison had all disappeared. Their beloved Kanha was dancing on the hood of the dreaded reptile, every rhythmic beat reminding the evil creature of the pain he inflicted on others.
The buffaloes and cows mooed in happiness, the boys shouted in jubilance, and the birds flew, tweeting in delight! The whole of Vrindavan joined in Krishna’s victory dance. But it was the dance of death for the vile reptile.
Kaliya’s wife fell at Kanha’s feet. “Forgive him for my sake. I’ll make sure he will never return here.”
Krishna jumped down onto the banks into the welcoming arms of his relieved mother. Kaliya and his wife slithered away hurriedly.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
A smaller version of this story was first published on penmancy.com as part of their monthly writing, Quintale.
This was such a gripping read! The story of Kaliya and Krishna has always fascinated me, and you brought it to life with such vivid storytelling. The way you described Krishna’s fearless dance on Kaliya’s hood gave me chills—it’s a perfect mix of mythology and symbolism. I love how this tale isn’t just about victory over evil but also about balance and redemption. The parallels you drew between ancient wisdom and modern life really made me think. It’s amazing how these stories, centuries old, still hold so much relevance today. Your writing made me feel like I was right there, watching the river churn and the serpent submit. I could almost hear the rhythmic beats of Krishna’s divine dance!
I heard this story from my mom while she was explaining me showing the colorful images of Amar Chitra Katha. I was small but I loved the story. But when I reread it through your words I felt it something new and different. That’s the uniqueness of your writing which makes even a known story new to me. Keep inking mam and I will keep loving your works.
Lord Krishna lives in my heart. I used to listen to and read all his stories, thanks to Amar Chitra Katha. This was such a favourite story. Reading it after such a long time gives me nostalgia.
A story we grew up listening from our grandmothers and then watched on Television too yet your words have the power to give me goosebumps as I read about how little Krishna drove away the venomous Kaliya.
Beautiful narration Ratna!
This story was so futuristic. We have the Kaliya in Yamuna now, see how poisoned it is. In fact, the scientists say that it’s not fit for supporting life. The faecal levels are way too high. I think, we need a miraculous power that will free the river of its dirt.
The allegory of good over evil is brought out really well. The story is almost the same as we all have read in our childhood, in Amar Chitra Katha. Legends of Krishna and his triumphs are a great lesson we should give to kids of today while making the story relevant but interesting.
I could watch and read Krishna’s stories forever—they never get old. Each tale brings such immeasurable joy and timeless charm. Thank you for rekindling cherished memories and filling our hearts with happiness through Kanha’s stories.
The story of Kaliya and Krishna is so powerful, and you’ve narrated it beautifully. I love how mythology carries deep symbolic meanings—Krishna’s dance on Kaliya’s hood feels like a lesson in overcoming negativity with grace.
Many have narrated this story in their own ways and yet your retelling of this story feels complete! Thanks for sharing this one.
Wonderfully you wrote Ratna. A familiar take but you told it in your inimitable style that I feel I am hearing it for the first time !
The story of Kaliya and Krishna is so captivating, and you’ve told it so beautifully.i could read into Krishna’s tales endlessly—they always bring inner joy to me. Thank you for bringing back those percious memories.
This Kaliya and Krisha story always fascinated me. You described very well specially the dance of Krishna on kaliyas hood. It is fascinating with good moral.
This retelling is breathtaking! The vivid imagery, the rising tension, and Krishna’s effortless power make it mesmerizing. Kaliya’s arrogance crumbling under Kanha’s divine dance? Absolutely thrilling! I could feel Vrindavan’s pulse in every line.
I love all of Little Krishna’s stories and this is one of my favourites. Thanks for taking me back to my childhood.
This was one of my favourite stories whenever I watched Krishna on television. What a sight!
Definitely one of my favourite stories of Krishna, both while listening from my mom and watching on television! Your description made me everything visualise, all over again!