Garg Samhita-Damodar Leela

Chapter- 19

The Sweet Bond of Mother Yashoda and Little Krishna 

One early morning in Vraja, little Krishna was playing at home while Mother Yashoda was busy churning curd. His playful eyes fell upon her, and He sweetly asked for butter. Yashoda, smiling, told Him to wait — the butter was not ready yet. But mischievous Krishna could not wait. Out of His playful nature, He broke the pot of curd.

When Yashoda noticed this, she immediately ran after Him. But something strange happened — no matter how much she tried, she always remained just a hand’s length away. How can anyone catch the Almighty unless He Himself allows it?

At last, tired and breathless, Yashoda sat on the ground. Then, Krishna came close to her, and she decided to tie Him to a grinding mortar as punishment. But the rope was always two fingers short, no matter how many ropes she added! Finally, when Yashoda gave up in frustration, Krishna mercifully allowed Himself to be bound by her love.

When the gopis heard of this, they scolded Yashoda:

“How could you tie such an adorable child? Every day He breaks our pots and steals our butter, but we never punish Him. You tied Him just for breaking your pot once!”

But Yashoda, determined, ignored them and went inside, leaving Krishna tied to the mortar.

Bound by the belly, little Krishna smiled and began to drag the mortar across the courtyard. Slowly, He pulled it toward the Yamuna and between two tall arjuna trees. With a sudden tug, He uprooted both trees, and they fell with a thunderous crash that echoed through Vraja.

From the fallen trees emerged two radiant demigods, Nalakuvera and Maṇigreeva, sons of Kuvera. They bowed down to Krishna and prayed:

“O Lord, by Your grace, we are freed from the curse of the sage. We once lived in arrogance, but today, by Your mercy, we have regained our true selves. Please accept our obeisances.”

After glorifying Krishna, they departed to the north. Meanwhile, the crash had frightened the villagers. King Nanda and the cowherd men hurried to the spot and asked the children what had happened. The boys said, “Krishna pulled the trees down! Two shining men came out, bowed to Him, and then disappeared!”

The elders, however, did not believe the words of the children. Nanda untied Krishna, embraced Him with deep love, rebuked Yashoda for her strictness. 

Later, sage Narada revealed the truth: Nalakuvera and Maṇigreeva had once disrespected the sage Devala while intoxicated. Cursed to stand as trees for a hundred years, they were finally liberated by Krishna’s touch in Vraja.

Author's view

This sweet pastime, known as Damodara-leela shows that the Supreme Lord — who cannot be bound by the chains of the universe — allows Himself to be bound by the ropes of love. Krishna’s divine play teaches us that He is conquered not by strength, wealth, or knowledge, but only by the pure love of His devotees.

This episode also makes me feel that mischief is the natural right of little ones, while getting angry and scolding them is the loving duty of a mother. There is nothing unnatural in this — because the bond between mother and child is so divine and pure that even fights and anger only strengthen it. In the same way, Krishna’s relationship with mother Yashoda shows us that love is not always expressed through sweetness alone. Sometimes it comes in the form of anger, worry, or discipline, but behind it all lies only deep affection. 

What do you think? Does scolding a child turn them against the parent or negatively affect the child’s mind?

Or do you agree with the traditional understanding of the mother-child bond — where even scolding and anger are also expressions of love that strengthen their relationship? Tell me what do you think in the comment section..