The nature of Sri Krishna’s associates during the lifting of Govardhan Hill is a captivating reflection of pure devotion. It reveals a fascinating harmony between seeking Sri Krishna’s desperate shelter and the earnest desire to relieve Him by taking the burden of lifting the mountain from His hands into their own.
People’s superficial understanding often swings to extremes. The so-called self-made individuals deny any involvement of God in their lives, while those who claim to be faithful assume that they need not take any action because God will do everything. After all they say nothing can move unless God sanctions. They seem to be using God, consciously or unconsciously in the name of faith and hardly taking any responsibility themselves.
This is unheard amongst the followers of Sri Krishna. They possess a unique ability in harmonizing the dependence and providing service to Him.
Sridama, one of the cowherd friends of Sri Krishna, was quite concerned about Sri Krishna carrying Govardhan for such a long time. Confidently, he spoke up, drawing from his previous experience of having defeated Sri Krishna in a wrestling match. Sridama thought, “ I defeated Sri Krishna, and therefore if He can lift Govardhan I can easily do it.” He therefore confidently asked Sri Krishna, “Please hand over the Govardhan to me, but if you don’t believe me, then at least change your hand so that I can massage your other hand.”
Some Vrajavasis were putting their walking sticks beneath Govardhan, thinking they could atleast minimise the burden of Sri Krishna. They were fully dependent on Sri Krishna but confidently assured that they can equally handle the burden.
Srimati Yashoda thought Sri Krishna is able to carry the mountain because He is nourished by her butter and food.
This demonstrated a practical application of dependence while also reflecting their confidence in their contributions.
The binding of Sri Krishna denotes endeavor and mercy. While one may try to tie Sri Krishna, which is beyond human ability, that act is an expression of love and care caused by Bhakti. Bhakti is nothing but loving reciprocation, which consists of doing something as reciprocation.
One who takes from God and begs from Him, and when He does not give, will either claim that God is non-existent or, if their understanding is superficial, might say that Krishna is testing them to keep them from becoming arrogant and proud.
However, the psychology of the followers of Sri Krishna is rooted in their taking shelter in Him, which consist of dependency on Him while remaining very conscious of not burdening Him. The Govardhan Leela illuminates this aspect more strikingly than any other story.
– Govinda Das (ISKCON Member)
