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God’s accessibility religion

CHENNAI: The Supreme Being who is difficult to envision even by the sages with intense penance deigns to make Himself accessible (Saulabhya) to His devotees. This aspect of His nature was revealed during His incarnation as Krishna when He chose to live amidst the cowherd community of Gokul. The fun and frolics of His childhood are replete with instances of grace and many were fortunate to witness and experience His accessible and amiable nature.

In his Harikatha, Kalyanapuram Sri R.Aravamudachariar said Sage Suka exulted in narrating the exploits of Lord Krishna to Pareekshit as the king’s rapt attention inspired him to relive His divine deeds. While describing everyday events in the lives of the cowherd boys, the sage noted how the camaraderie they enjoyed with Krishna made even the denizens of heaven look on with awe at their sports. On the occasion He saved His companions from Aghasura, Krishna made them retire to a charming spot on the riverbank to have their midday meal. Sitting in the middle with the boys surrounding Him in a circle so that they could all face Him, it was a sight most alluring when they shared the repast.

The Bhagavata Purana describes that the Lord, who is the enjoyer of the sacrifices, sat “bearing His flute between His belly and loin-cloth (on the right side), and His horn and cane under the left armpit, holding a buttered morsel (of cooked rice and curd) in His left hand and preserved fruit stuck in between the fingers, inducing laughter in His friends by His jokes,” and dined with them.

It was no wonder that the creator, Brahma, was astounded by what he beheld. While they ate the calves wandered away from them and Krishna allaying the boys’ fear went in search of them with a morsel of food still in His hand. Brahma who wanted to witness His divine sport at first hand hid the calves and also the boys. Krishna at once perceived it was Brahma’s doing and in order to afford delight to their mothers He assumed the forms of the calves and the boys, and returned to their respective homes. The sport went on for a year (a day according to Brahma) until Brahma overcame his delusion and surrendered to Krishna.

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