268 Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

in the surrounding houses came to see Him, and some of the younger ones
almost fainted, being captivated by His beauty. Their hair and tight
dresses loosened, and they forgot where they were standing.

Krsna next inquired from the citizens as to the location of the place of
sacrifice. Kamsa had arranged for the sacrifice called Dhanur-yajiia, and to
designate this particular sacrifice he had placed a big bow near the sacrificial
altar. The bow was very big and wonderful and resembled the rainbow in
the sky. Within the sacrificial arena, this bow was protected by many
constables and watchmen engaged by King Kamsa. As Krsna and Balarama
approached the bow, they were warned not to go nearer, but Krsna
ignored this warning. He forcibly went up and immediately took the big
bow in His left hand. After stringing the bow in the presence of the crowd,
He drew it and brokeit at the middle into two parts, exactly as an elephant
breaks sugar cane in the field. Everyone present appreciated Krsna’s power.
The sound of the bow cracking filled both sky and land and was heard by
Kamsa. When Kamsa heard what had happened, he began to fear for his
life. The caretaker of the bow, who was standing by watching, became
very angry. He ordered his men to take up weapons, and he began to rush
towards Krsna, shouting, “Arrest Him! Kill Him! Kill Him!” Krsna and
Balarama were surrounded. When They saw the threatening motions of the
guards, they became angry, and taking up the two pieces of the broken
bow, They began to beat off all the caretaker’s men. While this turmoil
was going on, Kamsa sent a small group of troops to assist the caretakers,
but both Krsna and Balarama fought with them also and killed them.

After this, Krsna did not proceed further into the sacrificial arena but
went out the gate and proceeded towards Their resting camp. Along the
way, He visited various places in Mathura City with great delight. Seeing
the activities and wonderful prowess of Krsna, all the citizens of Mathura
began to consider the two brothers to be demigods who had come down
to Mathura, and they all looked upon Them with great astonishment. The
two brothers strolled carefree in the street, not caring for the law and order
of Kamsa.

When evening came, Krsna and Balarama, with Their cowherd boy
friends, went to the outskirts of the city where all their cars were as-
sembled. Thus Krsna and Balarama gave some preliminary hints of Their
arrival to Kamsa, and he could understand what severe type of danger was
awaiting him the next day in the sacrificial arena.

When Krsna and Balarama were going from Vrndavana to Mathura, the
inhabitants of Vrndavana had imagined the great fortune of the citizens of
Mathura in being able to see the wonderful beauty of Krsna, who is
