One summer day, Krishna, along with the cows and the cowherd boys, was wandering through the forest of Vṛndāvana, searching for fresh grasses, when they came across an orchard, now known as Badali.
Seeking Shelter from the Heat
It was the middle of the day, and the heat was unbearable. All the boys and cows immediately sought refuge under some trees, waiting for the heat to subside. To the boys, it felt as though the heat would last forever.
Krishna’s Rest and Devotees’ Plea
Krishna lay down and rested his head on the lap of one of his cowherd friends, while two other boys fanned him with leafy tree branches, and another two boys massaged his hands and feet. One of the boys then said, “Gopal, you have shown us your mystic powers in the past. Can’t you do something about this heat? It’s so hot we can hardly breathe. A refreshing rain or a cooling breeze would be just the remedy for this distressing situation. Just look at your friends and the cows, and see how much they are suffering.”
The Summoning of the Clouds
Krishna, always caring for his devotees, immediately took his flute and played a special melody, calling the clouds to come down. No sooner had he done this than a cloud appeared above him, gradually expanding in the sky to form a huge umbrella that blocked out the powerful glare of the sun. Krishna was very pleased.
Relief and Gratitude
As a cooling breeze began to blow from the north, tiny droplets of water showered down upon the area where Krishna and his friends were sitting. In a matter of moments, the atmosphere felt just like spring. The cowherd boys’ fatigue and discomfort disappeared, and the cows rose to their feet to graze again, enjoying the refreshing rain. The cowherd boys then happily praised the clouds as Krishna’s “true friends.”
A Lesson in Devotion and Compassion
Although this is a simple pastime—Krishna plays his flute, and some clouds appear—one acharya writes that Krishna’s astonishing deeds increase his loved ones’ affection for him, which in turn inspires greater admiration for even his small acts of wonder, let alone the true miracles he performs.
The lesson to be learned here is that true devotion is met with care and compassion from the divine. Krishna’s act of summoning the clouds not only alleviates the discomfort of his friends but also strengthens the bond of love and admiration between them. This story reminds us that in times of distress, turning to the divine with sincerity and faith can bring relief, and even the smallest acts of kindness can have profound impacts on our relationships.
Because a cloud appeared at Krishna’s request and a pleasant, cooling rainfall followed, the event is referred to as badala in Sanskrit, meaning a pleasant and cooling rainfall. As a result, the cowherd boys named that place Badali, and they always remember it with great affection.
Despite its simplicity, the Badali pastime is rich with rasa, just as all the other badalas are.
A Prayer for Divine Protection and Relief
O dear Krishna, beloved Gopal, just as you lovingly sheltered your friends and cows from the scorching heat, so too, we seek your protection in our times of distress. Please play your divine flute and summon the cool breeze of your mercy upon us, relieving us of our burdens and bringing peace to our hearts. May we always remember your kindness and feel your comforting presence in our lives. Guide us with your love, and let us forever sing your praises, just as your cowherd friends did in the joyful fields of Vṛndāvana.
This Lila is narrated originally based on lecture of Indradyumna Swami
