Krishna and the Serpent Kaliya: How the Yamuna River Was Saved

Krishna and the Serpent Kaliya

A long time ago, in the peaceful town of Vrindavan, people lived happily along the banks of the Yamuna river. The river wasn't just a water source-it was part of their daily lives. But that peace didn't last long.

The Arrival of Kaliya

One day, without warning, a giant black serpent named Kaliya slithered into the river. His body was massive and his breath was full of poison. The moment he entered the water, the river turned dark and lifeless. Fish floated up dead, cows refused to drink, and birds stopped flying near it. People fell sick, crops dried up, and a foul stench hung in the air. Everyone in Vrindavan was terrified.

Kaliya made the middle of the river his home, coiled up in the deepest part of the Yamuna. No one dared go near him. The river that once gave life had become deadly.

Krishna Dives into Danger

When Krishna heard about it, he didn't wait. He was just a young boy, but fearless and full of divine power. "That river belongs to the people of Vrindavan," he said. "It can't stay poisoned like this." Without telling anyone, he ran straight to the riverbank, tied his cloth tightly, and leaped into the water.

The water bubbled and hissed as Krishna went deeper. Kaliya sensed him and rose from the depths, spitting venom all around. He lunged at Krishna, trying to wrap him in his thick coils. The serpent was strong and furious. He thrashed about, trying to drown Krishna, thinking he could scare him off. But Krishna wasn't afraid.

The Divine Dance on Kaliya's Heads

Just as Kaliya thought he had him, Krishna slipped out and jumped right onto the serpent's head. Before the serpent could react, Krishna began dancing on his heads - not just one, but all the many heads Kaliya had. With every step, Krishna's feet thudded harder. Kaliya screamed and spat out more poison. But nothing worked. Krishna kept jumping, faster and faster, and the poison started oozing out from Kaliya's mouths. His strength faded.

Eventually, Kaliya gave up. Tired, broken, and defeated, the mighty serpent lowered his heads in shame. He begged Krishna to spare him.

Krishna looked at him and said, "You've scared innocent people and ruined the river. You can't stay here anymore. Leave the Yamuna now and never return." Kaliya, still trembling, agreed. He bowed before Krishna and slowly slithered away with his family, disappearing from Vrindavan forever.

The water turned clear again. Birds returned, cows came to drink, and the people of Vrindavan cheered with joy. Krishna walked out of the river, calm and smiling, as everyone ran to hug him.