(Garg Samhita- section 2)Chapter 4- Liberation of Vatsasura

The Liberation of Vatsasura in Vrindavana 🌿✨

After hearing the wise counsel of Sunnanda, King Nanda decided to move the entire community of Vraja to the sacred land of Vrindavana. Obeying his order, all the Vrajavasis packed their belongings and joyfully followed their beloved king to their new home. There, amidst the serene forests and blooming pastures of Vrindavana, they built beautiful homes.

King Vrishbhanu and his family also settled there, constructing a splendid palace. Soon after, little Krishna and Balarama, along with their friends, began their new duties—tending to the young calves in the forests of Vrindavana.

One day, while joyfully herding the calves, Krishna and Balarama wandered through the lush woods, dressed in yellow and blue garments, adorned with peacock feathers and golden ornaments. Their divine beauty enchanted all who beheld them.

Suddenly, Krishna noticed a strange calf among the herd—it was actually the demon Vatsasura, disguised to harm the Lord. Smiling gently, little Krishna approached him as if to play. As the demon lunged to attack, Krishna swiftly seized his hind legs, whirled him around, and threw him into a wood-apple tree, ending his life instantly.

A radiant light emerged from the demon’s body and merged into Sri Krishna, signifying the demon’s liberation. The young cowherd boys cheered in amazement and danced around their beloved friend, singing His glories.

Later, when King Bahulashva inquired about Vatsasura’s previous birth, Sage Narada revealed the story:

In his former life, Vatsasura was a mighty demon named Pramila, the son of Muru. Once, he entered Sage Vashishtha’s hermitage and, seeing the divine cow Nandini, desired to possess her. Disguising himself as a brahmana, he deceitfully asked for the sacred cow as dakshina. Recognizing the demon’s trick, Sage Vashishtha remained silent, but Nandini, enraged by the deceit, cursed him to become a calf.

When the demon begged for forgiveness, Nandini, out of compassion, declared:

 “At the end of Dvapara-yuga, when you dwell among many calves, you shall be liberated by Lord Krishna Himself.”

And so, the prophecy came true in the blessed forests of Vrindavana. 🌸

There is a very fine line between free will and destiny. I think our free will paths the way to our destiny. What do you think? Which one is stronger - destiny or free will? Share your views in comment section. Would love to see your opinions.