Krishna and Balarama’s Departure to Mathura

The divine childhood of Krishna and Balarama in Gokul and Vrindavan was filled with countless leelas—vanquishing demons, protecting the people, and showering their love upon the cowherds and gopis. Yet, destiny had greater tasks awaiting them beyond Vrindavan. One of the most important turning points in their lives was their departure to Mathura, a journey that would change the course of history and fulfill ancient prophecies.

The story begins in Vrindavan, where Krishna had grown up adored by everyone. His enchanting flute, his playful pranks, and his miraculous deeds had made him the very heart of the village. But far away in Mathura, the tyrant king Kansa—Krishna’s uncle—was restless. For years, he had lived in fear because a divine prophecy had declared that the child of his sister Devaki would be his slayer. Despite all his attempts to kill Krishna when He was a baby, every effort had failed. Kansa’s fear only grew stronger with time.

When reports reached him about the young boy in Vrindavan who had killed powerful demons like Putana, Shakatasura, Trinavarta, and even subdued the mighty serpent Kaliya, Kansa realized that this could only be Devaki’s child. Determined to put an end to the prophecy once and for all, he devised a cunning plan. Kansa sent the royal charioteer Akrura to Vrindavan, under the pretense of inviting Krishna and Balarama to attend a grand wrestling festival in Mathura.

The people of Vrindavan were heartbroken when they heard that Krishna and Balarama would leave. The gopis, who shared the deepest bond of love with Krishna, wept inconsolably, begging him not to go. Nanda Baba and Yashoda Maiya too were overcome with sorrow, for they had raised Krishna as their own son and could not bear the thought of being separated from him. Yet, Krishna, with his divine smile, comforted them all. He assured the gopis, his parents, and the villagers that though he was leaving in body, he would remain forever in their hearts.

As the sun rose, Akrura’s chariot set forth, carrying Krishna and Balarama towards Mathura. On the way, Akrura witnessed visions of the divine form of Krishna, reaffirming his faith that the Lord himself had descended to rid the world of evil. For Krishna, this journey was not just a physical departure from Vrindavan—it was a step into his greater mission: to free the people from the tyranny of Kansa and restore dharma.

The episode of Krishna and Balarama’s departure to Mathura is filled with deep emotion. It is the story of separation—of the gopis’ endless devotion, of the villagers’ unconditional love, and of the bittersweet truth that sometimes, even divine love must accept separation for a higher purpose. Yet, it is also the beginning of a new chapter, where Krishna would reveal his strength as a warrior and protector of dharma.

In this episode, we relive the poignant farewell at Vrindavan and the anticipation of the destiny that awaited in Mathura. A story of love, sacrifice, and divine purpose—this is a turning point in the journey of Krishna.