Story Summary
Experience the legend of Krishna and Bakasura, where the young divine hero defeats a giant crane demon sent by King Kamsa to protect his friends in Vrindavan.
One morning, young Krishna and his brother Balarama led the cowherd boys to a large pond in the forest of Vrindavan. There, they encountered a terrifying sight: a demon named Bakasura, who had taken the form of a gargantuan white crane with a beak as sharp as a mountain peak. Sent by the wicked King Kamsa, Bakasura lunged forward and swallowed Krishna whole in a single gulp. The cowherd boys froze in terror, but inside the demon's throat, Krishna became as hot as a burning coal. Unable to bear the searing heat, Bakasura quickly spat Krishna out. Enraged, the crane demon attempted to strike the child with his iron-like beak. Krishna calmly caught both halves of the demon's beak with his hands and pulled them apart with divine strength, splitting Bakasura in two like a blade of grass. Peace returned to the forest as flowers fell from the heavens to celebrate the victory.
The Moral
No matter how large or menacing evil may appear, it cannot withstand the power of divine truth and righteousness.
“No matter how wide the wings of evil spread, they are no match for the hands of the Divine.”
Fun Fact
In Sanskrit, 'Baka' means crane; this story is often used in Indian literature as a metaphor for hypocrisy, referring to a person who acts like a patient bird but hides a predatory nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Krishna and Bakasura?
The story teaches that arrogance and evil intentions lead to downfall. It emphasizes that divine power effortlessly overcomes even the most intimidating physical threats.
Who sent Bakasura to kill Krishna?
Bakasura was sent by the evil King Kamsa of Mathura. Kamsa was Krishna's uncle and lived in constant fear of the prophecy that his nephew would eventually kill him.
What form did the demon Bakasura take?
Bakasura appeared in the form of a giant, predatory crane. He used his massive size and sharp beak to intimidate and swallow his victims whole.
How did Krishna survive being swallowed?
Once inside Bakasura's throat, Krishna expanded his internal heat, becoming so hot that the demon was forced to spit him out to save himself from burning.
Where did the story of Bakasura take place?
The battle occurred in the forests of Vrindavan near a watering hole. This was the pastoral setting where Krishna and his friends grazed their cows daily.
Is Bakasura related to other demons in the Krishna tales?
Yes, Bakasura was the brother of Putana and Aghasura. All three siblings were powerful demons sent by Kamsa to eliminate Krishna, and all three were defeated by the young deity.