Vrindavan · Yamuna, Vrindavan
Courage · 5 min read
Krishna dances on Kaliya
Kaliya-damanaKrishna enters poisoned waters, subdues the serpent Kaliya and restores the Yamuna to the people and animals of Vrindavan.
A section of the Yamuna had become deadly because the many-hooded serpent Kaliya lived there. Birds fell near its fumes, and the cowherd community feared the water.
Krishna leapt into the river. After a fierce struggle, he rose above Kaliya and danced upon his hoods. Kaliya’s wives appealed for mercy, and Krishna spared him on the condition that he leave.
The story ends not in destruction but restoration: the serpent departs and the river becomes safe again.