Govardhan Puja and the Humbling of Indra

Among the many divine episodes of Krishna’s childhood, the story of Govardhan Puja and Indra’s humiliation stands out as a powerful lesson in humility, devotion, and the protection offered by the Lord to His devotees. This event is celebrated to this day as Govardhan Puja, reminding us of the eternal bond between Krishna and the people of Vrindavan.

In the village of Vrindavan, the cowherd community traditionally performed an annual grand puja to Indra, the king of heaven and god of rain. They believed that by offering worship and sacrifices to Indra, their cows would have enough grass, their fields would yield crops, and rains would remain favorable. Preparations were made each year with great pomp, offerings of food, and rituals to please the rain god.

However, young Krishna questioned this practice. He explained to His father Nanda Baba and the elders that true prosperity does not come from Indra’s favor alone, but from the blessings of nature, the cows, and the sacred Govardhan Hill that nourished and protected them. Krishna urged the villagers to redirect their worship from Indra to Govardhan Hill, honoring the earth, the cows, and the natural order that sustained their lives.

Persuaded by Krishna’s wisdom, the villagers agreed. They prepared an enormous variety of offerings—mountains of food, sweets, fruits, and grains—and performed a grand Govardhan Puja, circumambulating the hill and expressing their gratitude. To everyone’s amazement, Krishna Himself assumed a colossal form as Govardhan and accepted the offerings, blessing the people of Vrindavan.

When Indra heard of this, he was furious. Enraged by the villagers’ refusal to honor him, he summoned the Samhvartaka clouds, the most destructive storm clouds, and ordered them to flood Vrindavan. Soon, torrents of rain, thunder, and fierce winds struck the land. The people, cows, and children ran to Krishna, terrified and seeking His protection.

Krishna, with a gentle smile, lifted the mighty Govardhan Hill effortlessly on the little finger of His left hand, holding it aloft like an umbrella. He invited the entire village—cows, calves, gopas, gopis, and elders—to take shelter beneath it. For seven days and nights, Krishna stood firm, holding the hill without strain, while the people sang His praises and rejoiced in His protection.

Finally, Indra realized his folly. His pride was crushed when he saw the divine power of Krishna, who was no ordinary child but the Supreme Lord Himself. Ashamed, Indra withdrew the storm and descended before Krishna, folding his hands in humility. Krishna forgave him, teaching him the value of surrender and the limits of pride.

The symbolism of this episode is timeless. Govardhan Puja is not only about worshiping a hill—it is about recognizing the divine presence in nature, in cows, and in the simple gifts of the earth. Krishna lifting Govardhan reminds us that the Lord always protects His devotees, shielding them from the storms of life, whether external or internal. Indra’s defeat teaches us that arrogance, no matter how great, must bow before divine love and humility.

In this episode, we bring alive the story of Govardhan Puja and the humbling of Indra, a tale of divine protection, the importance of gratitude, and the eternal assurance that Krishna always shelters His devotees under the umbrella of His grace.

Kaliya Mardana Leela – The Subduing of Kaliya Naag

One of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring episodes from Krishna’s childhood in Vrindavan is the Kaliya Mardana Leela, the subduing of the venomous serpent Kaliya. This story not only demonstrates Krishna’s divine power but also conveys deep spiritual truths about overcoming toxicity, pride, and the forces that poison our lives.

In the sacred waters of the Yamuna River, a dangerous serpent named Kaliya Naag had made his home. His many hoods spewed deadly venom, polluting the river and killing fish, plants, and even animals who came near. The waters turned black and the air was filled with poison. The people of Vrindavan lived in fear, as even a sip of this water could be fatal.

One day, Krishna and His friends were playing by the riverbank. As children often do, the cowherd boys chased a ball, and it accidentally rolled into the waters of Yamuna. Without hesitation, Krishna leapt into the river to retrieve it. The moment He entered the water, Kaliya sensed the intrusion and rose up with his massive, dark coils and wide hoods. With fiery eyes and poisonous fumes, Kaliya wrapped Krishna in his coils, attempting to crush Him.

The cowherd boys, along with the gopis and gopas of Vrindavan, watched in horror from the shore. They feared for Krishna’s life and cried out in despair. But Krishna, the Supreme Lord, was not troubled. With playful ease, He expanded His divine strength, breaking free from Kaliya’s grip.

Then, in a stunning display, Krishna leapt onto the serpent’s heads. With graceful dance-like movements, He jumped from hood to hood, pressing them down under His lotus feet. Each step weakened Kaliya, and the weight of Krishna’s divine power crushed the serpent’s pride. The sight was mesmerizing: the boy Krishna, adorned with a peacock feather, dancing effortlessly on the mighty serpent in the middle of the poisoned river.

At last, Kaliya, battered and defeated, surrendered. His wives, the Nagapatnis, appeared and prayed to Krishna with folded hands. They begged Him to forgive their husband and spare his life. Out of His infinite compassion, Krishna agreed. He ordered Kaliya to leave the Yamuna and never return. The serpent, humbled and grateful, obeyed, leaving the waters of Vrindavan pure and clear once again.

The symbolism of this Leela is profound. Kaliya represents the poison of envy, anger, arrogance, and malice that often pollutes our hearts and minds. Just as the Yamuna was restored to purity only after Krishna subdued Kaliya, so too is our inner being cleansed when we allow Krishna’s divine presence to dance upon our hearts, removing the toxins of ego and negativity.

This episode assures devotees that Krishna is always ready to rescue them from the poisonous influences of the world. His dance on Kaliya’s hoods is a timeless reminder that divine love and grace can conquer the most dangerous forces, turning even venom into surrender and humility.

In this episode, we explore the breathtaking story of Kaliya Mardana, the symbolism behind it, and the message it carries for all seekers of truth and devotion.

The Slaying of Dhenukasura

Among Lord Krishna’s many childhood adventures in Vrindavan, the story of Dhenukasura’s slaying is both thrilling and symbolic. It not only reveals Krishna and Balarama’s unmatched valor but also teaches us profound lessons about liberation and the removal of ignorance.

One day, Krishna’s cowherd friends came across the lush Taalavana forest, which was filled with tall palm trees heavy with delicious fruits. The boys were eager to enjoy the fruits but were too afraid to enter. The forest was guarded by the demon Dhenukasura, who had taken the form of a monstrous donkey. This terrifying demon, along with his companions, prevented anyone from entering the forest and enjoying its bounty.

When the boys told Krishna and Balarama about the situation, the brothers smiled. They assured their friends that no demon could stop them. With courage and playfulness, Balarama entered the forest first, shaking the trees and scattering the sweet fruits on the ground. As soon as Dhenukasura heard this, he rushed in with furious roars, ready to destroy the intruders.

The demon charged violently at Balarama, kicking with his powerful legs. But Balarama, calm and strong, caught hold of the donkey demon by his legs. With effortless might, he whirled him around and threw him against a tree. Dhenukasura’s body struck with such force that he was killed instantly, and the forest trembled.

Seeing their leader destroyed, the other demons in donkey forms rushed to attack. But Krishna and Balarama together defeated them all, cleansing the Taalavana forest of fear and terror. After the battle, the cowherd boys joyfully ate the sweet palm fruits that had long been denied to them. The forest, once ruled by demons, became a place of peace and nourishment again.

The deeper meaning of this story is striking. Dhenukasura, in the form of a donkey, represents ignorance, arrogance, and the burden of material desires. Just as a donkey carries heavy loads without understanding their value, we too often carry the weight of unnecessary attachments and pride. This ignorance prevents us from tasting the true sweetness of spiritual life, just as Dhenukasura stopped the boys from enjoying the fruits of the palm trees.

When Krishna and Balarama destroyed Dhenukasura, it symbolized the removal of this inner ignorance, making way for the joy of divine wisdom. Only when arrogance and illusion are destroyed can the soul truly relish the fruits of devotion and spiritual freedom.

This thrilling episode is more than a battle – it is a reminder that Krishna and Balarama are always with their devotees, ready to protect them and remove the obstacles that stand in their way. It also teaches us that courage and faith, combined with divine grace, can overcome even the fiercest demons within and around us.

In this episode, we will dive deep into the story of Dhenukasura’s defeat, explore its hidden symbolism, and reflect on how this ancient tale still holds meaning in our daily lives.

The Story of Sukhiya the Gardener and the Vrindavan Journey

In the timeless spiritual land of Vrindavan, every corner echoes with the sweetness of devotion to Lord Krishna. Among the many stories that highlight the power of simple faith and selfless love is the touching tale of Sukhiya, the humble gardener, and the glory of visiting Vrindavan itself.

Sukhiya was not a wealthy man, nor a great scholar, nor a powerful yogi. He was a simple gardener who lived by tending to his plants and offering flowers at the temple of Lord Krishna. While others often sought recognition or material gain, Sukhiya’s heart was filled with only one desire: to serve his beloved Lord with whatever little he had. Every day, he would lovingly weave garlands and offer them to Krishna’s deity, pouring all his devotion into each flower.

The scriptures and saints tell us that the Lord does not measure devotion by wealth, knowledge, or grand offerings, but by the sincerity of the heart. Sukhiya’s garlands, though humble, carried the fragrance of his selfless love, and Krishna accepted them with great delight. In contrast, the opulent offerings of kings and nobles, made with pride or show, never touched the Lord’s heart the way Sukhiya’s simple flowers did. This story beautifully illustrates that true bhakti lies not in what we give, but how we give it.

Connected to this tale is the sacred importance of Vrindavan Yatra (the pilgrimage to Vrindavan). Vrindavan is not just a place on the map – it is the eternal abode of Lord Krishna, where His divine pastimes with the gopis, cowherd boys, and Mother Yashoda took place. Saints describe that every tree, every riverbank, and every path in Vrindavan still vibrates with Krishna’s presence. For a devotee, to step into Vrindavan is to step into the living heart of devotion.

Pilgrims who visit Vrindavan often share that even the simplest act – chanting Krishna’s name, offering a flower, or just walking barefoot on its holy dust – brings a deep sense of peace and divine connection. Just as Sukhiya found fulfillment in his simple offerings, devotees in Vrindavan discover that the Lord values their pure intentions more than grandeur.

The story of Sukhiya the gardener and the glory of Vrindavan remind us of two eternal truths:

1. Devotion is the greatest offering. Whether it is a flower, a leaf, or even a drop of water, if given with love, it reaches Krishna’s heart.

2. Vrindavan is the eternal land of bhakti. To visit it with humility and faith is to experience the living presence of the Lord in our lives.

In this episode, we will journey through the heart of Vrindavan, relive the story of Sukhiya’s devotion, and reflect on why Krishna is bound not by wealth or power, but only by the ropes of love.

Damodar Leela

Among the countless enchanting childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna, one of the most celebrated and deeply moving stories is the Damodar Leela. This is not just a tale of a mischievous child and his loving mother, but a timeless lesson on the intimate bond between devotee and the Divine.

One day in Gokul, little Krishna, known for his playful mischief, was caught stealing butter and sharing it with his friends and neighbors. When Mother Yashoda saw this, she became upset and determined to discipline her beloved child. She picked up a rope to tie him to a wooden mortar so he would stay still. But to her surprise, no matter how many ropes she tied together, they always fell short by just two fingers’ length.

This mystery reveals a profound truth: the Supreme Lord cannot be bound by material means. He is infinite, beyond the grasp of human effort. And yet, when Yashoda’s anger dissolved into pure motherly love, Krishna, by His own will, allowed Himself to be tied. From that moment, He became known as “Damodar” – the One whose belly was bound with a rope.

While tied to the mortar, Krishna crawled across the courtyard and passed between two enormous Arjuna trees. With a strong pull, the trees came crashing down, revealing two radiant celestial beings – Nalakuvara and Manigriva. Once cursed to live as trees due to their arrogance, they were liberated by Krishna’s grace and regained their divine forms.

The Damodar Leela carries a universal message. The Lord is never bound by force, wealth, or knowledge. He is bound only by the ropes of love and devotion. Yashoda’s tender affection and surrender became stronger than any worldly rope, and Krishna joyfully accepted it.

On a deeper level, the two fallen trees symbolize the pride, anger, and material attachments that keep us bound in this world. When we allow Krishna into our hearts with sincere devotion, He uproots these obstacles and grants us true freedom.

This episode captures the perfect blend of Krishna’s divine playfulness, the sweetness of motherly love, and the profound philosophy of bhakti (devotion). It reminds us that God does not demand grand rituals or elaborate offerings – only genuine love.

In this episode, we will explore every layer of the Damodar Leela – from the childlike charm of Krishna’s mischief to the spiritual significance that has inspired saints and devotees for centuries. It is a story that makes us smile, melts our hearts, and strengthens our faith that the Infinite Himself is ready to be bound – not by ropes, but by love.

Baal Krishna’s Leelaas (Childhood Pastimes of Krishna)

The life of Lord Krishna is not just a collection of epic battles and divine teachings—it is also filled with countless enchanting and heartwarming pastimes. Among these, the most delightful and soul-stirring are His childhood leelaas, which bring joy, devotion, and wonder to all who hear them.

In the sacred land of Gokul and Vrindavan, little Krishna roamed freely, filling every corner with divine play. Though He appeared as a small, mischievous child, His actions carried profound spiritual meaning. At times He would eat handfuls of mud, only to reveal the entire cosmic universe inside His tiny mouth to mother Yashoda. At other times, He would steal butter from the homes of the gopis, leaving them both laughing and complaining. This butter stealing was not mere mischief—it symbolized Krishna accepting the purest offering of love from the hearts of His devotees.

Even as a child, Krishna protected the world from dark forces. Demons like Putana, who tried to poison Him, or Shaktasura and Trinavarta, who sought to destroy Him, were all effortlessly defeated by the divine child. These episodes remind us that no matter how great the weight of ignorance or evil, it cannot withstand the touch of divine grace.

Krishna’s childhood was also filled with the tender role of a cowherd boy. Running after calves with His friends, playing the flute that enchanted humans, animals, and even nature itself, He created a world of joy and devotion. The famous Damodar Leela, where mother Yashoda tried to bind Him to a mortar, revealed a deep truth—that the Supreme Lord cannot be bound by ropes, but only by the strings of pure devotion.

Each of these leelaas carries a timeless message. The act of eating mud shows that the entire cosmos resides within Him. The butter theft reveals that He values love above rituals or grandeur. The slaying of demons symbolizes the destruction of our inner negativity, fears, and karmic burdens. His playful acts with the gopis and cowherd boys remind us that divine love is not distant or formal—it is intimate, joyous, and filled with sweetness.

For devotees, listening to Baal Krishna’s leelaas is more than entertainment—it is a spiritual practice, a way to fill the heart with peace, love, and divine remembrance. These stories continue to be sung, narrated, and celebrated generation after generation, because within them lies the eternal nectar of bhakti.

In this episode, we dive into the mesmerizing world of Krishna’s childhood—those sacred moments when the Supreme Being appeared as a playful child, stealing hearts and spreading divine bliss with every step He took.

Shaktasura Vadha (शकटासुर वध)

In the sacred land of Gokul, where little Krishna spent his childhood days, divine pastimes often carried deep spiritual meanings. One such episode is the slaying of Shaktasura, a demon sent by the tyrant King Kansa to destroy the child Krishna. This story, known as Shaktasura Vadha, is filled with symbolic depth and showcases the divine power of Shri Krishna even in his tender years.

Kansa, constantly haunted by the prophecy that the eighth son of Devaki would be his destroyer, left no stone unturned in sending asuras to eliminate baby Krishna. Among them was Shaktasura, a demon who assumed the form of a huge cart. In the courtyard of Nanda Maharaj’s house, where the people of Gokul were celebrating and rejoicing, a grand cart (shakata) was placed, carrying milk, curd, and other household goods. Nobody knew that this cart had been possessed by the demon Shaktasura, who planned to crush Krishna under its heavy weight.

At that time, little Krishna, just a small infant lying beneath the cart, appeared to the common eye as an innocent child. But when the demon attempted his cruel plan, Krishna merely lifted his tiny lotus-like feet and kicked the cart. With that one effortless strike, the entire cart overturned and shattered into pieces. Pots, wheels, and wooden planks scattered everywhere. From the broken form emerged the demon Shaktasura, who screamed in agony and fell lifeless, vanquished by the divine touch of Krishna.

To the villagers, it seemed like a miracle. They wondered how a child so young could break a heavy cart into fragments. Yashoda and Nanda, out of love and maternal concern, thought perhaps their child had some supernatural energy, but in their affection they could never fully realize that Krishna was none other than the Supreme Lord Himself.

Symbolically, the story of Shaktasura holds great meaning. The demon in the form of a cart represents the burden of lifeless materialism, old habits, and the weight of past karmas that tie down the soul. Just as the cart was loaded with useless goods, in our own lives we often carry unnecessary baggage—attachments, desires, and fears—that prevent us from experiencing divine joy. Krishna’s effortless kick shows how the Supreme can instantly liberate us from this heavy load if we surrender with faith.

Shaktasura Vadha teaches us that devotion to the Lord frees us from the crushing weight of worldly entanglements. Even when He appears as a small child, Krishna demonstrates that His divine power is unlimited, and no force of negativity can stand before Him.

For devotees, remembering this pastime is not only about marveling at Krishna’s childhood miracles, but also about reflecting on the inner obstacles we must let go of. Just as the residents of Gokul were astonished and protected, we too can feel protected and uplifted when we invite Krishna into our hearts.

Thus, the slaying of Shaktasura is not just a tale from mythology—it is a timeless reminder that divine grace can shatter the heaviest burdens, leading the soul toward freedom, light, and eternal bliss.

Hari’s Divine Encounter

Among the countless stories of devotion and divine grace in our scriptures, the tale of Hari’s Divine Encounter stands out as a timeless reminder of how faith, surrender, and purity of heart bring one closer to God. This story carries within it the essence of bhakti – the meeting of the finite soul with the infinite Lord.

The story begins with a seeker, who through trials and suffering, dedicates himself to intense prayer and austerities, longing for nothing but the vision of Lord Hari, the sustainer of the universe. Day after day, he pours his heart into chants and meditations, ignoring worldly distractions and comforts. His life becomes a single-pointed journey towards God.

The gods and sages observe this determination with wonder. Yet, as is often the way of divine play, Lord Hari chooses to test His devotee before granting His darshan. The seeker faces obstacles – doubts from within, temptations from the outside, and ridicule from those who cannot understand his path. But with unshaken faith, he continues.

Finally, after much penance and surrender, the moment arrives. Lord Vishnu, Hari Himself, appears before the devotee in radiant form. Adorned with the conch, discus, mace, and lotus, His eyes full of compassion, His presence brighter than a thousand suns yet soothing like the moon – Hari blesses His devotee with the gift he had longed for: divine union.

The devotee falls at His feet, tears streaming, overwhelmed by joy beyond words. In that sacred meeting, the Lord speaks gently, “You have called Me with such sincerity that I could not remain distant. Know that wherever true devotion resides, there I dwell.” This assurance becomes the eternal message of the story: God is never far from the heart that seeks Him with purity and perseverance.

This divine encounter is not just the reward of one devotee’s penance; it is a lesson for every seeker. It teaches us that no prayer goes unheard, no act of faith is wasted, and no effort in devotion is ever lost. The meeting with the Lord may seem distant, but the journey itself transforms the soul, preparing it for grace.

In this episode, we will explore the spiritual depth of Hari’s Divine Encounter—a story that assures us of the living presence of God in our lives. It reminds us that the Lord is both beyond the cosmos and within the heart, waiting for the moment when we call upon Him with love and surrender.

Whether you are a believer seeking faith, a devotee longing for closeness with God, or a listener curious about the treasures of India’s spiritual heritage, this story will uplift and inspire. The encounter with Hari is not just the tale of one devotee—it is the promise of divine love available to all.

The Birth of Shri Krishna: Beginning with the Marriage of Vasudeva and Devaki

Among the countless stories in Indian tradition, none shines brighter than the tale of the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, the divine child of Mathura whose life and teachings continue to inspire the world. His story begins not with His birth, but earlier—with the marriage of Vasudeva and Devaki, an event that set the stage for one of the most miraculous births in history.

Devaki was the daughter of King Devaka, a princess of rare beauty and virtue. She was married to Vasudeva, a noble and righteous Yadava prince known for his wisdom and devotion to dharma. Their marriage was celebrated with grandeur, attended by the royal families and people of Mathura. Yet, what began as a joyous occasion soon turned into a moment of terror.

Devaki’s cousin, Kamsa, the powerful and ambitious ruler of Mathura, personally drove the chariot of the newlyweds. But as he escorted them, a divine prophecy thundered forth from the skies: “O Kamsa, beware! The eighth son of Devaki will be the cause of your death.”

Shaken and enraged, Kamsa seized Devaki by her hair, ready to kill her on the spot. Vasudeva, calm and composed, intervened. With wisdom and diplomacy, he pleaded with Kamsa, reminding him that killing his own sister on her wedding day would bring shame and sin. He offered a promise: every child born to Devaki would be handed over to Kamsa. Convinced, though still wary, Kamsa spared Devaki’s life but imprisoned both her and Vasudeva in his palace dungeons.

From that day forward, the couple lived under constant surveillance, locked away as prisoners of fate. True to his word, Vasudeva delivered each child to Kamsa, and with cruel heartlessness, Kamsa killed the newborns one after another. For years, sorrow hung heavy in the prison, yet Vasudeva and Devaki bore their suffering with patience and faith in the divine plan.

Finally, when Devaki conceived her eighth child, the atmosphere changed. The gods and sages rejoiced, for they knew that the Supreme Being Himself would descend to earth. At midnight, in the stillness of the prison cell, Lord Krishna was born—shining with a divine aura, holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus in His four-armed form before transforming into a beautiful human child.

Vasudeva, guided by divine command, carried the infant across the flooded Yamuna River to the safety of Gokul, where baby Krishna was exchanged with the newborn daughter of Nanda and Yashoda. When Kamsa tried to kill this child, she slipped from his grasp and revealed herself as Yogamaya, declaring that Krishna, the destroyer of his tyranny, was already safe elsewhere.

The birth of Shri Krishna was not merely the arrival of a child but the dawn of hope, joy, and righteousness in a world darkened by oppression. It signified the promise that whenever evil rises, the Divine will descend to restore balance and protect the devoted.

This episode invites listeners to relive the early chapters of Krishna’s story—of courage, prophecy, divine intervention, and the unshakable faith of Vasudeva and Devaki. It is the beginning of a saga that continues to inspire love, devotion, and the eternal triumph of good over evil.

Vamana Avatar: The Devotion of King Bali and the Grace of the Lord

The story of the Vamana Avatar, one of Lord Vishnu’s ten principal incarnations, is a timeless tale that beautifully combines themes of devotion, humility, pride, and divine grace. It tells us that even the mightiest kings and rulers are but instruments of destiny, and that the Lord’s compassion extends even to those who oppose the gods.

The story begins with King Bali, the grandson of the great devotee Prahlada. Like his grandfather, Bali was generous, courageous, and devoted to dharma. Yet, unlike Prahlada, he sought power and control over the three worlds. Through his strength and devotion to his guru Shukracharya, Bali conquered the heavens and dethroned Indra and the Devas. For a time, he ruled as the undisputed sovereign of the cosmos, admired for his charity but feared for his growing pride.

The Devas, weakened and desperate, turned to Lord Vishnu for help. The Lord responded not with weapons or armies, but by taking on the most unexpected form: that of a dwarf Brahmachari boy, known as Vamana. With a small parasol in hand and clad in the attire of a humble ascetic, Vamana appeared before King Bali during a great sacrificial ritual.

Following the tradition of generosity, Bali welcomed the boy and asked what gift he desired. To everyone’s surprise, Vamana asked for something very simple—three paces of land, measured by His tiny feet. The court burst into laughter at the boy’s modest request, but Bali, true to his nature, agreed. Despite warnings from his guru that this was no ordinary child, Bali gave his word of honor, binding himself to his promise.

In that moment, the dwarf began to grow. Vamana’s form expanded, filling the heavens. In a single stride, He covered the entire earth; in the second, He spanned the heavens. With no space left for the third step, Bali realized that the boy before him was none other than the Supreme Lord Vishnu.

In humility and surrender, Bali bowed his head and offered himself as the place for the Lord’s final step. Vamana placed His foot upon Bali’s head, pushing him down to the netherworld, but in doing so, granted him eternal protection and honor. Far from being punished, Bali was blessed, for his devotion and integrity had shone even in the face of loss. The Lord Himself became Bali’s guardian, promising to stand watch at his gates.

The Vamana Avatar thus demonstrates a profound truth: that real greatness lies not in power or conquest, but in surrender and devotion. Bali lost the three worlds, but he won the eternal grace of the Lord.

This episode will take listeners into the heart of this extraordinary tale—of a king whose pride was tempered by humility, and of a God who came not to destroy but to uplift. It is a story of divine play (leela) that reminds us that surrendering to the Lord’s will is the greatest victory of all.