Vishnu Purana (Taylor)

by McComas Taylor | 2021 | 157,710 words | ISBN-13: 9781760464400

The Vishnu Purana is an ancient Sanskrit text composed around 1500 years ago. The text details the universe's history, creation, and the essence of Hindu theology. It highlights the roles of gods, human origins, and ideals of Brahminical society. The Purana further narrates stories of devotion, cosmic battles, and Krishna’s famed romantic exploits....

Chapter 16 - Kṛṣṇa slays Keśin the Horse-Demon

Parāśara

At the urging of a messenger sent by Kaṃsa, mighty Keśin approached Vṛndāvana with the aim of killing Kṛṣṇa. 1

Rending the surface of the earth with his hooves, scattering the clouds with a flick of his mane, at each leap, he transcended the orbits of the sun and moon as he charged towards the herdsmen. 2

At the sound of the neighing of that horse-demon, the herders and their womenfolk, filled with terror, fled to Govinda for protection. 3

Hearing their cries for help, Govinda reassured them with a voice as deep as thunder from a rain-filled cloud. 4

The Lord:

‘Have no fear of Keśin, herdsmen. Have you cattle-folk, overcome with terror, lost your valour? 5

Enough of this weakling who relies on whinnies, a steed with a Daitya’s strength, a wicked prancing pony! 6

Come here, you wretch. I’m Kṛṣṇa and I’ll knock the teeth right out of your jaw, just as Pināka-wielding Śiva did to Pūṣan.’ 7

So saying, Govinda clapped his hands and advanced on Keśin. The horse-demon charged at him, his mouth agape. 8

Janārdana bent his arm and thrust it down the throat of Keśin, that evil steed. 9

Kṛṣṇa’s arm, now deep inside the horse’s mouth, smashed his teeth, which tumbled out like wisps of snowy cloud. 10

Inside Keśin’s body, Kṛṣṇa’s arm began to grow, brahmin, like a plague that’s in its early stages, in order to destroy the demon. 11

Keśin’s lips were split in two, foaming blood gushed from his mouth, his eyes rolled back and both popped out, and then his ligaments gave way. 12

Shitting and pissing, he pawed at the earth with his hooves. His limbs were drenched with sweat and, at last, when quite exhausted, he gave up the fight. 13

That terrible demon, his mouth rent open by Kṛṣṇa’s arm, fell to the ground like a tree that’s struck by lightning. 14

Each half of Keśin’s body, torn in two, had one pair of legs, half a back, half a tail, one ear, one eye and a single nostril. 15

After Kṛṣṇa killed the demon, the delighted herdsmen gathered round him as he stood there smiling, unwearied and unscathed. 16

The herding men and women, amazed at Keśin’s death, praised lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa, whose affection brought them pleasure. 17

Then spoke the brahmin Nārada, unseen while riding on a cloud. Having seen the death of Keśin, his heart was filled with pleasure. 18

‘It’s excellent, excellent indeed, that you, eternal lord of all, slew this Keśin so easily. He brought such woe to denizens of the threefold heavens. 19

I always love a spectacle, especially a contest between man and horse. Such a match has never taken place before, so I came from heaven just to see it. 20

I’m amazed by the feats that you’ve performed since coming down to earth, Madhu’s slayer, but this one gave me greatest satisfaction. 21

Even Indra and the other gods all feared this beast, Kṛṣṇa, when he shook his mane, neighed and looked down from the clouds. 22

Because you slew this wicked Keśin, Janārdana, you’ll be called by the name of Keśava throughout the world. 23

May all be well with you. I’ll be on my way, but we’ll meet again when you battle Kaṃsa in two days’ time, Keśin’s slayer! 24

When Kaṃsa son of Ugrasena and his ilk have all been killed, you, foundation of the universe, will ease the burden of the earth. 25

I’ll witness many varied contests, Janārdana, between you and other kings. 26

I’ll be going, Govinda. Your great deeds befit the gods, and I am pleased with you. All the best. I really must be off.’ 27

After Nārada had departed, Kṛṣṇa, unsurprised, returned to camp with the other herders—sole object of the cowgirls’ gaze. 28

So ends Chapter Sixteen in Book Five of the glorious Viṣṇu Purāṇa.

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