KRSNA SWALLOWS A FOREST FIRE
Suddenly a great forest fire appeared on all sides, threatening to destroy all the forest creatures.
Like a chariot driver, the wind swept the fire onward, and terrible sparks shot in all directions.
Indeed, the great fire extended its tongues of flame toward all moving and non moving creatures.
As the cows and cowherd boys stared at the forest fire attacking them on all sides, they became fearful. The boys then approached Krsna and Balarama for shelter and said, “O Krsna! Krsna! Most powerful one! O Rama! You whose prowess never fails! Please save Your devotees, who are about to be burned by this forest fire and have come to take shelter of You!’ Hearing these pitiable words from His friends, Lord Krsna told theme “Just close your eyes and do not be afraid.” The boys immediately closed their eyes. Then the Supreme Lord, the master of all mystic power, opened His mouth and swallowed the terrible fire, saving His friends from danger. The cowherd boys opened their eyes and were amazed to find not only that they and the cows had been saved from the terrible fire, but that they had all been brought back to the Bhandira tree. When the cowherd boys saw that they had been saved from the forest fire by the Lord’s mystic power, which is manifested by His internal potency, they began to think that Krsba must be a demigod.
PAINTING BY JADURANI – DEVI DASI (1984)