KALI (KALIYA) (My Lord) gave new life to Kali. (Gond Namdev, p. 874) The Lord who has created the beings and controls their movements. It cannot be a great feat for Him, if as Krishna He subdued and surmounted Kali. (Asa M. l, p. 350) Kali or Kaliya was a serpent king. He had five heads and lived in a pool of the river Yamuna. Numerous serpents attended him. He emitted fire and smoke.
When Krishna was yet a child, while playinj with Balarama and other friends, he jumped into the poul.Kaliya immediately entwined him in his coils. Hii friends were terrified, but Balarama asked him te exercise his divine powers. When Krishna did so, the venomous Kaliya was soon overcome. It implore< Krishna for mercy, -who spared him and asked him to leave the place at once.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
In Hindu mythology, Kaliya is a venomous serpent (naga) who plays a significant role in the tales of Lord Krishna. The story of Kaliya is recounted in the Bhagavata Purana and highlights themes of divine intervention, justice, and transformation.
The Legend of Kaliya:
- The Poisoned Yamuna:
- Kaliya dwelled in the Yamuna River, where his venom turned the water toxic, killing fish, plants, and animals nearby. His presence caused immense suffering to the residents of Vrindavan, who depended on the river for survival.
- Krishna’s Intervention:
- To save his people and purify the river, the young Krishna bravely confronted Kaliya. He leaped into the Yamuna and battled the serpent. After subduing Kaliya, Krishna performed a miraculous dance on the serpent’s heads, which became a celebrated depiction of his divine power.
- Transformation of Kaliya:
- Stricken by Krishna’s divine energy, Kaliya realized his wrongdoing and surrendered. Krishna spared his life on the condition that he leave the Yamuna and never return to torment others. Kaliya agreed and departed with his family. Symbolism of the Tale:
- Victory of Good Over Evil: Krishna’s triumph over Kaliya symbolizes the divine ability to rid the world of darkness and restore balance.
- Environmental Renewal: The story underscores the importance of preserving nature and cleansing corruption.
- Divine Compassion: Krishna sparing Kaliya’s life emphasizes forgiveness and transformation.
Kaliya’s encounter with Krishna is immortalized in art, dance, and devotional practices, serving as a reminder of the power of divinity and redemption.
