Vision of the Univeral Form 59
Visnu, so the devotees of your child will always be protected by Narayana,
the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This child will grow in power,
beauty, opulence—in everything—on the level of Narayana, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. Therefore I would advise that you protect Him
very carefully so that He may grow without disturbance.”

Gargamuni further informed Nanda Maharaja that because he was a
great devotee of Narayana, Lord Narayana gave a son who is equal to Him.
At the same time he indicated, “Your son will be disturbed by so many
demons, so be careful and protect Him.” In this way, Gargamuni convinced
Nanda Maharaja that Narayana Himself had become his son. In various
ways he described the transcendental qualities of his son. After giving this
information, Gargamuni returned to his home. Nanda Maharaja began to
think of himself as the most fortunate person, and he was very satisfied to
be benedicted in this way.

A short time after this incident, both Balarama and Krsna began to
crawl on Their hands and knees. When They were crawling like that, They
pleased Their mothers. The bells tied to Their waist and ankles sounded
fascinating, and They would move around very pleasingly. Sometimes,
just like ordinary children, They would be frightened by others and would
immediately hurry to Their mothers for protection. Sometimes They
would fall into the clay and mud of Vrndavana and would approach Their
mothers smeared with clay and saffron. They were actually smeared with
saffron and sandalwood pulp by Their mothers, but due to crawling over
muddy clay, They would simultaneously smear Their bodies with clay. As
soon as They would come crawling to their mothers, Yasoda and Rohini
would take Them on their laps and, covering the lower portion of their
saris, allow Them to suck their breasts. When the babies were sucking their
breasts, the mothers would see small teeth coming in. Thus their joy would
be intensified to see their children grow. Sometimes the naughty babies
would crawl up to the cowshed, catch the tail of a calf and stand up. The
calves, being disturbed, would immediately begin running here and there,
and the children would be dragged over clay and cow dung. To see this
fun, Yasoda and Rohini would call all their neighboring friends, the gopis.
Upon seeing these childhood pastimes of Lord Krsna, the gopis would be
merged in transcendental bliss. In their enjoyment they would laugh very
loudly.

Both Krsna and Balarama were so restless that Their mothers Yasoda
and Rohini would try to protect Them from cows, bulls, monkeys, water,
fire and birds while they were executing their household duties. Always
being anxious to protect the children and to execute their duties, they
