And this is exactly how Krishna also presents Himself in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet by performing His sweet, innocent, childhood pastimes, He completely captivated the hearts of the residents of Vrindavan.
Although He killed ferocious demons effortlessly, still the Vrajwasis could not fathom that their little darling, Krishna is none other than the Supreme Lord. Krishna didn’t allow His Godhood to interfere in His human like, loving exchanges with His beloved devotees.
Although Srila Prabhupada single handedly established the Krishna consciousness movement, he often gave credit to his disciples. He even depended on them and said they had been sent by his spiritual master to help him. He even begged for forgiveness; asked for advice; and during the last days allowed his disciples to offer intimate, loving service. This attracted more love of Srila Prabhupada’s followers- they were irresistibly drawn to him.
Of course, Srila Prabhupada commanded respect and awe- devotees were ever cognizant of his position as their spiritual master, and they didn’t break the etiquette. However, Krishna in Vrindavan was different. He covered the intelligence of His beloved devotees so much that they simply loved Krishna and refused to believe He is the Lord of all the demi-gods. When Garga muni visited Nanda Maharaj and performed the name giving ceremony for Krishna and Balarama, he hinted at how these two boys were special. He even said Lord Narayana resides in Krishna and the child will bring all auspiciousness to everyone and reduce the burden of earth. Still, immediately after Gargamuni left, the little babies Krishna and Balarama crawled in the cow shed of Nanda Maharaj as if they don’t know anything. They would get excited by the sound of their own ankle bells and when they heard other women’s ankle bell sounds, they’d rush to them, as if they were going to their mothers. But on discovering that these women were somebody else, then both Krishna and Balarama would run back fearfully to their own mothers, Yashoda and Rohini. The residents of Vrindavan would laugh at this incident, seeing the fearful faces of baby Krishna and Balarama.
To be continued…
