IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 2 : BAKASURA -THE TERRIFYING CRANE

 

One day, Kamsa sent Bakasura, the brother of Putana, to kill Krishna. Bakasura took the form of a giant bird and lay on the road with his mouth wide open, looking like a cave. The cowherd boys were scared, but Krishna bravely entered the bird’s mouth.

Bakasura quickly closed his mouth, and the boys cried in fear. However, Krishna moved around inside the demon’s throat, causing him great pain. Unable to bear it, Bakasura vomited Krishna out along with blood and then died.

Krishna and his brother Balarama were playing near the Yamuna River when Bakasura, sent by Kamsa, came in the form of a huge stork. The demon tried to swallow Krishna, but Krishna’s touch burned his throat, leading to his defeat.

Sanskrit Verse & Explanation:

Sa vai Bako nama mahanasuro bakarupadnrk

• "There was a great demon named Baka who took the form of a stork (crane)."
  This line introduces Bakasura as a powerful demon who disguised himself as a large bird.

Agatya sahasa Krsnam tiksnatundo 'grasadbah

• "He suddenly rushed at Krishna and swallowed Him with his sharp beak."
  This describes how Bakasura quickly attacked and tried to swallow Krishna.

Krsnam mahabakagrastarh drstva Ramadayo 'rb

• "Seeing that great stork swallow Krishna, Balarama and the other boys were shocked."
  This line shows the fear and concern of Krishna's companions, especially his brother Balarama, when they saw him inside the demon’s mouth.

Context & Meaning

This verse from an ancient text (likely from the Bhagavata Purana) narrates the moment when Bakasura, sent by Kamsa, tried to kill Krishna by swallowing him. However, Krishna’s divine power was too much for the demon, causing him pain and ultimately leading to his death. The story highlights Krishna’s supernatural strength and his role as a protector of the innocent.

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