The Mardana Pastime: Krishna and Kaliya’s Hoods
According to Bhagavatam, the Mardana pastime, where Lord Krishna danced on the hoods of the serpent Kaliya, is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic episodes in the divine life of Krishna. This story combines multiple layers of spiritual and emotional significance. While Balarama, the incarnation of Adi Shesha, could have easily commanded Kaliya to leave, it was Krishna's purposeful and multifaceted plan that led to this culmination of divine love and mercy.
Background: The Arrival of Vrajavasis
On the day Lord Krishna performed the Mardana pastime, He went into the forest with His cowherd friends without the company of His elder brother, Balarama. The townspeople, called Vrajavasis, were fearful for their beloved Krishna, who wandered alone into a densely infested forest. In a fitting response, some learned among the Vrajavasis chanted the name of Siva to invoke good fortune, highlighting their deep devotion and concern.
When they arrived at the Yamuna river and saw the still form of Krishna trapped by Kaliya, the scene was filled with despair and grief. Even Balarama, who knew Krishna's transcendental prowess, did not intervene but instead provided comfort and assurance to the worried townspeople. Krishna’s decision to perform this act was part of His divine plan, rooted in love, mercy, and the need to please His devotees.
Three Reasons for Krishna's Dance
The dance of Krishna on Kaliya's hoods had multiple purposes, each significant in its own right.
1. Bestowing Mercy
One of the key reasons was to give the serpent Kaliya a chance to receive the touch of Krishna’s lotus feet, an honor that even great devatas and Lakshmi Devi themselves could not achieve through severe austerities. This act signifies Krishna’s immense transcendental qualities and His willingness to bestow them upon even those who may not have directly served Him.
"kasyānubhāvo 'sya na deva vidmahe tavāghri-
reva-spara-ādhikāranyad-vāchayā rīr lalanācarat tapo vihāya kāmān su-cira dhta-vratā
O Lord, we do not know how the serpent Kāliya has attained this great opportunity of being touched by the dust of Your lotus feet. For this end, the goddess of fortune performed austerities for centuries giving up all other desires and observing austere vows."
2. Marking Footprints for Garuda
A second reason was more practical. The divine dance was also a way for Krishna to mark his footprints on Kaliya's hoods so that Garuda, a mighty eagle, would not attack Kaliya, since the latter would bear the imprints of his lord. Thus, Kaliya could safely return to Ramaaka Island.
"dvīpa ramaaka hitvā hradam etam upāritanyad-bhayāt sa suparas tvā nādyān mat-pāda-lāchitam
Out of fear of Garula you left Ramaaka Island and came to take shelter of this lake. But because you are now marked with My footprints Garula will no longer try to eat you."
3. Invoking the Love of Gopis
The most poignant reason was to satisfy the hearts of young gopis, who were deeply in love with Krishna. By remaining motionless in the coils of Kaliya and then dancing, Krishna's display of divine beauty and prowess would intensify their longing for Him. This act was a divine maneuver to attract the hearts of His devotees closer to Him.
"sva-kalābhijatva-daraneya vraja-sundarī-bhāgavatī u-pūra-rāga-vatī-jeyā
Ka's remarkable display of dancing skill was meant to please the young damsels of Vraja who at this stage of their relationship were seriously falling in love with Him."
Conclusion: The Purpose of Krishna's Divine Pastimes
The Mardana pastime is a profound example of how Krishna's actions are not governed by logic alone but by love and mercy for His devotees. Krishna’s decision to remain silent, allowing the situation to evolve, was part of a larger plan to engage His devotees deeply. This act was not just a demonstration of power but a transformative process, aimed at elevating the souls of His devotees to a higher state of consciousness.
As the Bhagavatam encapsulates:
"anugrahāya bhaktānā mānua deham āsthitan bhajate tādī krīa yā rutvā tat-paro bhavet
When the Lord assumes a humanlike body to show mercy to His devotees, He engages in such pastimes as will attract those who hear about them to become dedicated to Him."
Thus, the Mardana pastime serves as a reminder of Krishna’s omnipotence and His desire to attract the hearts of His devotees, guiding them towards pure love for Him.