Krishna and the Furious Indra

    By Shameka Hood

    Krishna and the Furious Indra cover image

    28 May, 2024

    Once upon a time, in the lush green land of Vrindavan, there lived a young and brave boy named Krishna. His sparkling eyes and charming smile made him the talk of the town. He was not an ordinary boy; Krishna was a form of Lord Vishnu, born on Earth to eradicate evil.

    People in Vrindavan were simple, hardworking folk who cultivated land and reared cows. An essential aspect of their lives was their devotion to Lord Indra, the King of Heaven, and God of Rains and Thunderstorms.

    They believed that it was because of Indra's blessings that they received rains, which helped grow their crops and fed the grass their cows grazed. Every year, the villagers conducted a grand ceremony to honor and please Indra.

    One year, just before the ceremony, Krishna questioned its purpose. He wondered why they were worshipping Indra when it was the Govardhana hill and the Sun that was directly benefiting them, not Indra.

    Krishna reasoned that the hill provided grass for the cows, and the Sun helped ripen their crops. The villagers, upon hearıng Krishna's logical argument, decided to pay tribute to Govardhana hill and the Sun instead of Indra that year.

    When Indra learned about this change, he was filled with fury. He felt disrespected and dishonored. His wrath was such that he wanted to teach the villagers of Vrindavan a lesson they would never forget.

    Indra summoned the clouds of devastation, known as Samvartaka. These clouds caused a ferocious storm, resulting in heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over Vrindavan.

    The incessant rain created panic among the villagers. The fields were destroyed, homes were flooded, and the cows were frightened. The villagers didn't know what to do and turned to Krishna for help.

    Understanding the situation, Krishna knew he had to protect the villagers from Indra's wrath. He smiled and reassured the villagers that they had nothing to fear as long as they stood together.

    Krishna then did the unthinkable. He walked towards the Govardhana Hill, lifted it effortlessly with his little finger, and held it high above his head. The hill served as a massive umbrella, sheltering the entire village.

    The villagers and their cattle took refuge under the hill, safe from the pouring rain. They marveled at Krishna's strength and thanked him for his protection. The storm continued for seven days and seven nights.

    Krishna, without showing any signs of fatigue, held the hill up all this while. The villagers started praying under the shelter of Govardhana, thanking it for the protection it was offering them.

    Seeing the unshakeable spirit of Krishna and the villagers, Indra finally realized the mistake he had made. He understood that his anger stemmed from his ego and not from the villagers disrespecting him.

    Indra felt a deep sense of remorse for the hardship he had caused to the innocent villagers. He stopped the rain and came down to Earth to apologize to Krishna personally.

    Indra asked Krishna for forgiveness, admitting that he had let his pride cloud his judgment. Krishna, showing his compassionate nature, forgave Indra and reminded him of the importance of being humble.

    When Krishna set the Govardhana Hill back in its place, the villagers cheered in joy and relief. They were grateful to Krishna for saving their lives and teaching them the importance of respecting nature.

    The villagers learned that it's not the powerful gods in the heavens they should fear, but rather, they should respect and value the Earth that nurtures them. This lesson stayed with the villagers, who passed it down through generations.

    From that day onward, Krishna was also known as Giridhari, the lifter of Govardhan Hill. The story of Krishna's bravery and wisdom spread far and wide, instilling admiration and respect in everyone's hearts.

    The incident had a profound impact on Indra as well. It taught him the importance of humility, making him a more considerate king. It led him to understand that power comes with responsibility, not ego.

    Today, the lifting of Govardhana Hill is commemorated as a festival called Govardhan Puja in India. It is a reminder of the time when a young boy named Krishna saved his village from the wrath of a king.

    The story of Krishna and Indra also teaches us the immense power of faith and respect for nature. It shows that humility and understanding are pivotal in maintaining peace and harmony.

    So, when faced with a difficult decision, remember the wisdom of Krishna and the humility of Indra. Remember the power of nature and the unity of a community in adversity.

    Above all, remember that even the mightiest of gods can make mistakes, and even a simple village boy can teach the most potent lessons. Let Krishna's story inspire you to make wise decisions and be humble in your actions.

    As you navigate through life, carry Krishna's strength, courage, wisdom, and humility with you. These qualities will guide you and help you face any challenge with dignity and respect.

    This tale from ancient times continues to guide us in the modern world. The teachings of Lord Krishna, the bravery, and wisdom he displayed, still remain relevant, urging us to live respectfully with nature and stand up against the wrong.

    So, whenever you see a hill, remember the story of Krishna and the Govardhana Hill. Let it remind you of the intricate balance of nature and humanity, and of the humility and wisdom that reside in each one of us.

    Lastly, remember that no matter how dark the storm gets, there is always a shelter, a Govardhana Hill, waiting to keep you safe. All you need to do is seek it, just like the villagers of Vrindavan did.

    The tale of Krishna reminds us that courage does not always come from physical strength. It comes from the heart, from the willingness to protect those in need and stand up for what is right.

    Let this tale inspire you, guide you, and fill you with wisdom. Always remember, each one of us has a Krishna within us, waiting to lift our own Govardhana Hill when needed.

    Keeping this story in mind, go forth and live your life with courage, wisdom, and humility. Grow into the person that Krishna would be proud of, one who values nature and honors their responsibilities.

    In life, you may come across many Indras, but always remember the life lessons from Krishna. After all, even the most potent storm can't shake the one who stands firmly grounded in their values and beliefs.

    Hence, this tale of Krishna, the humble villagers, the angry Indra, and the sheltering Govardhana Hill, has more than just a historical significance. It has a moral, a lesson, that carries importance in our day-to-day life as well.

    Let's hope and strive to imbibe these lessons into our life, to live in harmony with nature, to be humble and kind, to stand firmly against adversities, and to remember the power of unity.

    Let's aspire to live a life worthy of being a tale told to future generations, just like the one of Krishna and Govardhana Hill. A tale that inspires, teaches and guides them towards the path of righteousness and harmony.

    So, that's the tale of Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill to save his village from Indra's wrath. A story that transcends time, carrying its wisdom from one generation to the next, reminding us all of the importance of humility, respect for nature, and unity.

    Krishna and the Furious Indra