The Tale of Kaliya Naga - Krishna’s Triumph and the Purification of Yamuna

In Indian scriptures, the story of Kaliya Naag is filled with courage, compassion and profound spiritual symbolism. It is one of Krishna’s most celebrated childhood episodes, symbolising the destruction of ego, poison and negativity.

Kaliya’s Residence in the Yamuna

Kaliya was a poisonous and powerful serpent. Due to enmity with Garuda, he left the ocean and came to a deep pool in the Yamuna near Vrindavan.
Because Sage Shaunak had cursed that Garuda could not enter that region, Kaliya found refuge there.

The Yamuna Becomes Poisonous

Kaliya’s venom polluted the Yamuna.
Animals, birds, fish and even nearby vegetation began to die after touching or drinking the water.
The sacred river became a danger to the people of Braj.

Krishna Enters the Yamuna

While playing with friends, Krishna’s ball fell into the river. Despite warnings, Krishna leapt into the Yamuna.
Kaliya wrapped Him in his coils, but Krishna freed Himself with divine power.

Krishna Dances on Kaliya’s Hoods

Krishna jumped onto Kaliya’s 101 hoods and danced gracefully.
The impact of His divine feet weakened Kaliya and blood flowed from his mouths.
Defeated and exhausted, Kaliya surrendered.

Prayer of the Serpent Wives

The serpent wives approached Krishna with their children and begged for mercy.
Their devotion softened Krishna’s heart.

Krishna’s Command and Compassion

Krishna spared Kaliya and ordered him to leave the Yamuna and return to the ocean.
He blessed Kaliya that His footprints on the serpent’s body would protect him from Garuda forever.

The Yamuna Becomes Pure Again

After Kaliya departed, the Yamuna regained its purity.
Life returned to normal and Braj was freed from danger.

Naga Panchami and Stories of Naga Worship - Origin, Milk Offering Tradition and the Secret of Protection

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Deeper Teachings

Victory over Ego and Negativity

Kaliya represents arrogance and inner poison. Krishna’s dance signifies the triumph of divine grace over negativity.

Value of Compassion

Even after punishment, Krishna forgave Kaliya, showing that compassion is greater than wrath.

Restoring Natural Balance

Purifying the Yamuna symbolises restoring purity, balance and harmony in life.

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Summary Table

Event	Description
Kaliya’s arrival	Took shelter in Yamuna due to fear of Garuda
Poisoning of the river	Death of creatures and destruction of vegetation
Krishna’s subduing act	Dance on hoods, defeat and mercy
Wives’ prayer	Requested Krishna to spare Kaliya
Krishna’s command	Ordered Kaliya to leave Yamuna
Purification of Yamuna	River became clear and safe again

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FAQs

1. Why did Kaliya live in the Yamuna?
He feared Garuda and sought refuge where Garuda was forbidden to enter.

2. How did Krishna defeat Kaliya?
By dancing on his multiple hoods and overpowering him.

3. Why did Krishna forgive Kaliya?
Because the serpent wives prayed sincerely and Kaliya surrendered.

4. What happened after Kaliya left the Yamuna?
The river became pure and life in Braj returned to normal.

5. What is the meaning of Krishna’s footprints on Kaliya?
It symbolises divine protection and transformation.