Krishna’s Butter Stealing Adventures
When Krsna became old enough, he started leaving his home in the adventure of stealing butter from the gopis’ houses. Complaints were continually coming to Mother Yasoda.
The Gopis’ Plan
One time, the gopis had an istaghosti (meeting) to discuss how to catch Krsna in the act of stealing their butter. The gopis decided to place bells over the pots so that when He tried to steal the butter, the bells would ring and they would hear Him, and thus catch Him.
Krishna’s Discovery
So, Krsna went on with the business of stealing butter from the gopis’ houses as usual. But then He noticed that all the doors to the houses of the gopis were open. Usually, they were locked. Krsna could smell something was going on.
Entering the Trap
He entered a house very carefully, and climbing on the shoulders of a friend, He saw the bell hanging over the pot and knew it was a trap. Krsna told the bell not to ring.
The Butter Feast
So the Lord took the butter and started to distribute it to His friends. When He was about to eat the butter, the bell sounded.
The Bell’s Justification
“What about our deal?” said Krsna. The bell replied, “Offerings to You cannot be made without the ringing of a bell.”
Moral of the Story
The story of Krishna and the butter bells highlights the playful and divine nature of Krishna, showing that even in his mischievous acts, there is a deeper spiritual significance. The bell’s response to Krishna emphasizes the importance of ritual and devotion in offerings to the divine. Even the simplest act, like the ringing of a bell, holds spiritual value when done in the service of the Lord.
Note: The story has a profound underlying message that aligns with the principles of devotion and the rituals associated with worship. The playful narrative makes it accessible and memorable, teaching that the divine is present in every aspect of life, even in the simplest and most playful moments.
