Brahma Vaivarta Purana Chapter 22:1-10

Brahma Vaivarta Purana

Dhenuka-vadha

The Killing of Dhenuka

Chapter 22: Verse 1-10

ENGLISH TRANSLATION 1.Çri Näräyaëa Åñi said: One day, accompanied by Lord Balaräma and the boys, Lord Kåñëa, the master of Rädhä, went to Tälavana forest, which was filled with ripe fruits. 2.A demon named Dhenuka, who had the form of an ass, stood watch over the trees there. Strong as a hundred thousand lions, he destroyed the demigods' pride. 3.His body was like a mountain, his eyes like wells, his teeth like poles, and his belly like a mountain cave. 4.His fearful moving tongue was a hundred hastas long, his navel was like a great palace, and his roar was frightening. 5.Gazing at Tälavana, the glorious gopa boys became happy. Their lotus faces smiling, they happily spoke to Lord Kåñëa. 6.The boys said: O Kåñëa, O ocean of mercy, O brother of Balaräma, O strongest of the strong, . . . 7. . . . please hear us. We are perfectly able to shake these trees and make these fruits fall down. 8.-9.However, this place is guarded by a powerful demon named Dhenuka, who has the form of an ass, who cannot be defeated by anyone, even the assembled demigods, who is violent and dangerous to all living entities, and who is a friend and ally of Kaàsa. 10.O dearest friend in the world, O most eloquent of speakers, is it good to take these fruits or not? Should we take them or not?