Nestled in the heart of Vrindavan lies the legendary Kaliya Ghat, an enchanting site that bears witness to the extraordinary pastime of Lord Krishna known as Kaliya Daman. Here, amidst the spiritual ambiance, Krishna fearlessly subdued the envious serpent, Kaliya, captivating all with his divine prowess. A mere three minutes’ walk from the illustrious Madanmohan Temple, built by the revered Srila Sanatana Goswami, Kaliya Ghat exudes a mystical charm. It embraces the sacred bhajan kutir and samadhi of the esteemed Srila Prabhodananda Sarasvati, emanating an aura of transcendence. Nearby, one can also find the revered abode where Bilvamangal Thakur immersed himself in his bhajan.
Kaliya, a formidable serpent with a thousand hooded majestic form, resided within the treacherous depths of a poisonous lake known as Kaliya Daha, nestled within the flowing waters of the Yamuna River. Among his numerous hoods, 101 stood out prominently, reflecting his immense power and arrogance. However, time has shifted the course of the Yamuna, and Kaliya Ghat now rests at a distance from the river, once adorned with a series of steps leading down to its waters.
Legend speaks of another intriguing tale that unfolded at this very site. Shoubhri Muni, a devoted sage, immersed himself in deep meditation beneath the Yamuna’s tranquil surface. Driven by pride, he cursed Garuda, the mighty Bird Carrier of Lord Vishnu, decreeing that he would meet his demise should he ever venture here to prey on the abundant fishes. In order to escape Garuda’s wrath, Kaliya sought refuge in this very lake, the toxic venom within him poisoning all lifeforms and vegetation around, leaving a desolate landscape. Miraculously, a solitary Kadamba tree, blessed by Garuda’s nectar in the past, emerged as the lone survivor, symbolizing hope amidst the desolation.
Kaliya Ghat, with its ethereal tales and divine vibrations, beckons seekers of spirituality and lovers of Krishna’s divine pastimes to immerse themselves in its profound aura, and relish the mystical essence that resides within its sacred grounds.
Kaliya Daman Lila – Krishna subdues Kaliya
Once, during their cow herding adventures, Krishna and the Gopas found themselves incredibly thirsty. They stumbled upon a lake, its waters poisoned and deadly. Unaware of the danger, both the cows and the Gopas drank from it, immediately falling unconscious, their lifeless bodies sprawled across the ground. Witnessing the lifeless forms of his friends, Krishna bestowed upon them a compassionate gaze, and in an instant, they were revived. This miracle showcased the immense power contained within Lord Vishnu’s glance, for it is said that all living beings are conceived within the material world through this divine act.
Motivated by his love for the inhabitants of Vrindavan and the River Yamuna, Krishna resolved to liberate them from the burden of Kaliya. With playful intent, he ascended a majestic Kadamba tree on the banks of Kaliya Daha, performing seemingly mundane actions such as adjusting his hair, turban, and belt, as if preparing for a wrestling match, to assure the worried Gopas. Then, with remarkable grace, he leaped into the lake, causing a tumultuous torrent of black, scorching waves brimming with poison to surge forth, resembling a fierce tsunami. Fearlessly, Krishna immersed himself in the toxic waters, diving and swimming amid the noxious currents, creating resonating splashes. Enraged by the disturbance, Kaliya, the serpent king, emerged from the depths of the lake to confront the audacious intruder. Consumed by envy at the sight of Krishna’s divine beauty, Kaliya pounced upon him, ruthlessly striking Krishna’s chest before coiling his serpentine body around the delicate form of Shyamsundar.
Entwined within Kaliya’s powerful grip, Krishna remained serene and unaffected as Kaliya expanded his monstrous body, squeezing with all his strength, attempting to crush the small Gopal. Yet, Krishna continued to smile, motionless and unperturbed. Witnessing this heart-wrenching scene, the cowherd boys and cows of Vrindavan wept inconsolably, their anguish causing them to fall to the ground, rolling amidst the dust of their beloved land. Omens of ill fortune loomed over Vrajabhumi, enhancing the atmosphere of despair. For two to three long hours, Krishna endured the coils of Kaliya, until the distress of the Vrajvasis moved him to take action. Expanding his divine form, Krishna slipped free from the serpent’s grip. Angrier than ever, Kaliya spewed forth blazing flames from his many mouths, while sparks flew from his wrathful, red eyes. Raising all his hoods, Kaliya fixed his cruel, angry gaze upon Krishna. Yet, Krishna deftly evaded Kaliya’s attacks, swiftly dodging the strikes in a circular dance. As Kaliya grew increasingly dizzy, his strength waned. Krishna seized the opportunity, pushing down one of Kaliya’s hoods and leaping over it.
Perched atop the elevated hood of Kaliya, Krishna commenced a captivating dance, captivating the demigods who observed in awe. The celestial beings played melodious instruments, including kettle drums, mridangas, tablas, flutes, and veenas, accompanying Krishna’s mesmerizing movements. His entire being swayed with exquisite artistry, surpassing the capabilities of the celestial musicians, captivating the fourteen realms with his divine dance. This sacred dance unfolds eternally at Kaliya Ghat, where Krishna gracefully steps upon the serpent’s hoods. Krishna continued his enthralling performance until Kaliya’s thousand hoods crumbled, shattered into fragments. With each fallen hood, Krishna swiftly leapt onto the next, dancing upon all one thousand hoods of Kaliya, pushing him to the brink of death. To the Vraja Gopis, Krishna’s feet were softer than lotus petals, but to Kaliya, they felt like thunderbolts striking his head. Deadly black and red poison oozed from Kaliya’s mouth, and as he expelled his venom, blood began to pour from his mouth. Realizing his impending demise, Kaliya, in his final moments, surrendered to the lotus feet of Krishna, seeking forgiveness.
Moved by the repentance of Kaliya, the Nagapatnis, Kaliya’s devoted wives, approached Krishna with folded palms, imploring him to pardon their husband and release him from his suffering. Pleasingly, Krishna forgave Kaliya and instructed him to no longer trouble the inhabitants of Vrindavan. He directed Kaliya to return to his home, Ramanaka island in the ocean. Moreover, Krishna assured Kaliya that Garuda, the bird carrier of Lord Vishnu, would no longer harm him, as he would honor the imprints of Krishna’s feet on Kaliya’s hoods. As a result of Krishna’s divine intervention, the once poisonous waters of the Yamuna River were rendered pure and sweet once more, free from all traces of poison. Thus, the celebrated pastime of Kaliya Daman unfolded at this hallowed location, forever etching Krishna’s mercy and victory over evil into the hearts of devotees.
Today, Kaliya Ghat stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring pastimes of Krishna, the all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead. It serves as a reminder of the boundless love, compassion, and playfulness that Krishna embodies, captivating the hearts of devotees and inspiring them to seek his divine grace.
How to Reach
To reach Kaliya Ghat in Vrindavan, you can follow these directions:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Vrindavan is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to Vrindavan. The journey from Delhi to Vrindavan takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
- By Train: Vrindavan has its own railway station called “Vrindavan Road Railway Station” (BDB). It is well-connected to major cities in India. You can check for trains that go directly to Vrindavan or take a train to Mathura Junction, which is the nearest major railway station, and then hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Akrur Ghat in Vrindavan.
- By Road: Vrindavan has good road connectivity with nearby cities. You can reach Vrindavan by private car, taxi, or bus. The city is easily accessible from Delhi and other major cities in Uttar Pradesh. The journey time and route may vary depending on your starting location.
Once you reach Vrindavan, you can ask locals or use GPS navigation to find your way to Kaliya Ghat. Located along the Parikrama Marg, a gentle stroll from the Radha Madan Mohan temple, rests the enchanting Kaliya Ghat. It is a well-known and revered site in Vrindavan, so you can expect assistance and directions from the local residents or fellow devotees.