SRI KRISHNA LEELAMRUTHAM (THE NECTARINE STORIES OF THE DEEDS OF LORD KRISHNA)

 34. THE STORY OF SUDARSHANA AND SHANKASURA

One day, Nanda Maharaja, Lord Krishna and the cowherd men wanted to worship Lord Pashupathi and Goddess Ambika in Ambikavana, Gujarat. Since it was an auspicious day, Shivratri, they desired to worship these Demigods. They took bath in the river Sarasvati and arrived the temple. They offered decorated cows, gold, clothes and grain as a charity to brahmanas as they performed the respective puja. They stayed for three days in the pilgrimage. They spent the first day in fasting. Likewise, they fasted on the other two days by drinking water at the night. At the night time, while they were taking rest, a gigantic serpent near the forest entered the place where Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men were present. As the serpent was very hungry, it began to swallow up Nanda Maharaja. Nanda Maharaja cried out of fear, "O Krishna! This serpent will certainly swallow it seems. Please come and help me!". When Nanda Maharaja cried, the cowherd men swiftly took big wooden logs and began to beat the snake. Eventhough they beaten the snake continuously, it was not ready to give up its swallowing of Nanda Maharaja. Lord Krishna appeared there and touched the body of the serpent with His lotus feet. As soon as the Lord touched the serpent's feet, it became freed from sinful activities and regained its original form. The gigantic serpent turned into a beautiful Demigod with garlands, golden necklace and was a glowing effulgence from his sides. He offered his prayers to Lord Krishna. On seeing the beautiful features of the Demigod, He asked, "O God! Who are you? You are appeared to be very beautiful and worshipable. What made you to become a sinful serpent?". The Demigod replied, "O Madhava! My name is Vidyadhara. People used to call me 'Sudarshana'. I have the power to travel in my airplane anywhere i wish to. As i was very beautiful, i had a pride on me. While i was travelling one day, i saw an ugly Rishi named Angira. I ridiculed His appearance. He cursed me to become a serpent. And now, I'm very lucky to see You face to face. Just by Your little touch, my sins got destroyed! So, I'm surrendering unto Your lotus feet, O Achyuta!". Sudarshana then asked permission to go to the heaven. As His devotee asked, Lord Krishna permitted him to go to heaven. Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men after worshiping Lord Pashupathi and Goddess Ambika, they became more and more attached to Sri Krishna and began to praise His beautiful activities. 

                                                                                                         One pleasant night, Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram traveled to the Vrindavan forest. There were some magnificent Gopis near by them. Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram began to sing on seeing the pleasant environment. The Gopis were stuck and were happily listening to the melodious singing of Them. Suddenly a demon named Shankasura appeared there and saw Krishna and Balaram. The demon thought that They were enjoying with the beautiful ladies. The envy demon began to lead the ladies to the north away from Krishna and Balaram. The Gopis began to call the names of Krishna and Balaram out of fear. Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram began to chase the demon. The Lords replied, "Need not to be scared! We are coming!". When Shankasura saw Them chasing him as death, he ran out of fear. The Gopis were protected by Lord Balaram while Lord Krishna swiftly chased towards the demon to kill him. Lord Krishna beaten the demon's head with His fist and removed the valuable jewel. Then He returned the place and gave it to Lord Balaram.

TO BE CONTINUED.....