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Radha - V - Aiyyan's Revenge

© Harsh Nevatia

Aiyyan returned to Vrindavan, furious to learn that his fiancé was no longer his. Because of his employment in the army he could easily get a more suitable bride in Mathura. He anyway would be living there and would prefer a wife who was well versed in the ways of the city. But the insult had to be avenged.

It was the period before the monsoon months. At this time every year the people of Vrindavan celebrated the Indrotsava, the festival of Indra. Indra, the God of Rains was a vengeful God. If he was not worshipped he would either deprive the people of water by holding back the rains or flood their villages by providing too much of it. But Krishna with his newfound eloquence changed all that this year. He said that the motive for worship should not be fear but love. He suggested that the people worship the Govardhan hill because it gave them luxuriant grass for the cattle, shelter from cold winds, rivulets of clear water and a variety of flora and fauna. Most of the people immediately accepted this suggestion and preparations began for the worship of Govardhan. However Aiyyan was able to instigate a few villagers to stay away from the festivities.

On the appointed day the worshippers left for Govardhan dressed to the hilt. Radha was wearing the garments and ornaments given to her by Yashoda on her engagement. Krishna led the rituals with his beaming fiancé standing by his side. However Indra was not infamous for his anger without reason. He created such a downpour that the villagers began to run helter-skelter. Some admonished Krishna for the stupid idea. Others taunted him that Govardhan could not help them against Indra's fury.

But Krishna was unfazed. He folded his hands and requested Govardhan to show them a way out. There was a shaking of the earth and a crack appeared at the foot of the hill. Krishna forced his fingers into the crack and began to lift Govardhan. Soon he had it balanced on the little finger of his upraised right arm. The young lads lent support by taking some of the weight on their staffs. The women and children rushed into the shelter and so did the animals. The men came in last. Indra let lose the rains with all his fury but the villagers of Vrindavan were unaffected. Ultimately Indra had to relent. The rains stopped and the waters receded. The people went back to Vrindavan. Krishna, who was a hero, now became a God.