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smaranam
03 February 2010, 06:06 PM
Namaste

In the Lunar Month of KArtik, (roughly late October to mid-November) , devotees of Lord Sri KRshna worship Him in the form of DAmodar. DAmodar = one who was tied around the stomach (udar) by a rope (by mother Yashoda) , to keep Him from doing more mischief. He was a toddler then (barely two).
DAmodar stage is considered as Krshna of age 2 or 3 , but I may be wrong.

Memories of KArtik

His Little Lotus Feet took quick steps
He took His Mother by surprise
by putting a big piece of Mitthai (milk sweet) in her mouth

It was simply delicious .... but where did He get it from ?
Yashoda mused....

DAmodara pulled His mother up on her feet by her hands
Holding just a finger, He pulled her along the muddy pathway in the forest

"Where are You taking me , KAnhu Sweetheart ?" she asked
No answer, just giggles

The beautiful anklets on His Little Lotus Feet went "chhum chhum chhum"
Through the silence on the dark night forest , showing His sense of urgency

Yashoda was worried, it was past KAnhu's bedtime

While she was still wondering,
Yashoda noticed that her son had brought her to a beautiful place in the forest

It was chilly and misty, on that KArtik night
The fog surrounded.... what was it ? A Lake !

An astonishingly beautiful lake it was,
surrounded by delicate fragrant flower shrubs
Bushes, Kadamba Trees and creepers

Little Kanhu was watching her with a grin
With His big Lotus Eyes saying "I told you, Maiya !"

Then something caught her eye -
It was a boat , an aristrocratic one , with oars,
Floating in the Lake alone , silently, but no boatsman !

Kanhu pulled His mother further,
The boat drifted ashore as if seeing the two
They stepped into it and Maiya held little DAmodar in her lap
She covered Him with her shawl
And the boat began to float again by itself

What is this ? A Sentient Boat ?
Yashoda sang 'loris' (lullubys) to her Lalla
The boat went around the Lake twice
And her baby was fast asleep

Yashoda gave the boat a mere glance and it brought them back to the shore
Stepped out onto the path
Yashoda hurried back home
SacchidAnand-a-bundle-of-joy in her arms
Cover His Feet quick, or else they will be cold

Finally reached home
Not a cuckoo was singing , not a tree was swaying
The wind was silent, the parrots were asleep
The Gate of Nanda's Palace creeked as she opened it
Oh No! Did KAnhu wake up ?
No he didn't. She gazed at that bundle breathing in and out
A single dim light was shining in her house
She crept in with her baby
Smiling to herself , she said .....
Thank You my Little One, for moments so extraordinary and sweet

Stories From the Garden , KArtik 2009