174 Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

they cannot cross over the impediments of the ocean of material misery.”
Indra further declared, ““These cowherd men in Vrndavana have neglected
my authority on the advice of this talkative boy who is known as Krsna.
He is nothing but a child, and by believing this child, they have enraged
me.” Thus he ordered the sarhvartaka cloud to go and destroy the
prosperity of Vrndavana. “The men of Vrndavana,” said Indra, “have
become too puffed up over their material opulence and their confidence
in the presence of their tiny friend, Krsna. He is simply talkative, childish,
and unaware of the complete cosmic situation, although He is thinking
Himself very advanced in knowledge. Because they have taken Krsna so
seriously, they must be punished, and so I have ordered the sadmvartaka
cloud to go there and inundate the place. They should be destroyed with
their cows.”

It is indicated here that in the villages or outside the towns, the
inhabitants must depend on the cows for their prosperity. When the cows
are destroyed, the people are destitute of all kinds of opulences. When
King Indra ordered the sdrivartaka and companion clouds to go to
Vrndavana, the clouds were afraid of the assignment. But King Indra
assured them, “You go ahead, and I will also go, riding on my elephant,
accompanied by great storms. And I shall apply all my strength to punish
the inhabitants of Vrndavana.”

Ordered by King Indra, all the dangerous clouds appeared above Vrnda-
vana and began to pour water incessantly, with all their strength and
power. There was constant lightning and thunder, blowing of severe wind
and incessant falling of rain. The rainfall seemed to fall like piercing sharp
arrows. By pouring water as thick as pillars, without cessation, the clouds
gradually filled all the lands in Vrndavana with water, and there was no
visible distinction between higher and lower land. The situation was very
dangerous, especially for the animals. The rainfall was accompanied by
sreat winds, and every living creature in Vrndavana began to tremble from
the severe cold. Unable to find any other source of deliverance, they all
approached Govinda to take shelter at His lotus feet. The cows especially,
being much aggrieved from the heavy rain, bowed down their heads, and
taking their calves underneath their bodies, they approached the Supreme
Personality of Godhead to take shelter of His lotus feet. At that time all the
inhabitants of Vrndavana began to pray to Lord Krsna. “Dear Krsna,” they
prayed, “You are all-powerful, and You are very affectionate to Your devo-
tees. Now please protect us who have been much harrassed by angry Indra.”

Upon hearing their prayer, Krsna could also understand that Indra,
being bereft of his sacrificial honor, was pouring down rain that was
