Krishna- The Universe Itself

The Divine Companions of Little Krishna

In the blissful land of Vraja, nine Nanda-gopas joyfully cared for little Krishna—playing with Him, protecting Him, and singing His glories so deeply that they forgot the rest of the world. These nine, along with the six Vrishbhanus, were great souls who descended from Goloka by Krishna’s own wish to serve Him during His earthly pastimes.

Scriptures describe the nine Nandas as protectors of cows, adorned with flutes and peacock feathers, while the six Vrishbhanus guarded Krishna’s forest groves like vigilant sentinels. Their fortune was so great that even Lord Brahmā cannot fully describe their glories.

Among Krishna’s childhood leelas, one stands out vividly. On the banks of Yamuna, the boys complained to Mother Yashoda that Krishna had eaten clay. Even Balarama confirmed it. When confronted, Krishna denied the charge and asked His mother to look into His mouth. To her astonishment, Yashoda saw the entire cosmos—oceans, continents, mountains, planetary systems, and even herself—inside her child’s mouth.

In that instant, she realized He was none other than the Supreme Lord. But immediately, by the power of Yogamaya, she forgot the vision and continued to love Him simply as her darling little Krishna. 

Author’s View

There are countless enchanting leelas of little Krishna in Vraja. Each one fills me with joy and also gives a glimpse of the divine’s limitless powers. Yet I often wonder—why did Krishna show the entire universe in His mouth to Mother Yashoda? Was it just a childish happening, or a deliberate act? But I believe the divine never does anything without purpose.

To me, this leela reveals something deeper. The divine sometimes reminds us of His true nature. Just as a child cannot fully hide his real self from his parents, Krishna too could not conceal His supreme identity from Yashoda forever. Her love was so pure, so blind in affection, that perhaps He had to give her a glimpse of His cosmic form—subtly preparing her heart for the future separation. She had to realize, at least unconsciously, that her little Krishna belonged not only to her, but to the whole universe.

Yet by Yogamaya’s grace, she forgot the vision and her motherly love remained unchanged. That is the sweetness of Vraja-bhakti—where even the highest truths bow down before the power of love.

✨ But these are just my reflections. What do you think? Why do you feel Krishna revealed the universe in this way? I would love to hear your thoughts.