When Lord Shiva Traveled to Gokul to See Baby Krishna

Once, while immersed in deep meditation, Lord Shiva received a divine revelation that all the gods had gathered in Gokul, at the house of Nanda Maharaja. Intrigued, Lord Shiva decided to visit Gokul to catch a glimpse of the newly born Lord Krishna. Parvati, his consort, expressed her desire to accompany him, but Lord Shiva, considering the journey too arduous, suggested she remain behind.

Parvati, understanding the situation, politely requested that Lord Shiva bring back some of the renowned butter from Gokul. Agreeing to her request, Lord Shiva set off on his journey.

As he neared the outskirts of the village, Lord Shiva realized that there was no need to disguise himself. He knew that Lord Krishna, in his divine wisdom, would already recognize him. This realization was a reflection of the sacred dust of Braj, which bestowed profound insights upon true devotees.

In his natural form, Lord Shiva appeared fearsome, with three eyes, matted hair, a tiger skin, a garland of snakes, and ashes adorning his body. Despite his formidable appearance, he boldly entered Gokul and made his way to Mata Yashoda’s house. With eager anticipation, he knocked on the door and humbly requested alms.

Mata Yashoda, overwhelmed with love for her beloved Krishna, opened the door but did not recognize Lord Shiva. Mistaking him for an ordinary mendicant, she offered him food and clothing as an act of hospitality. However, Lord Shiva declined her offer, stating that he only wished to see her divine child.

To his dismay, Mata Yashoda firmly refused, explaining that it was impossible for him to see Krishna. She feared that Krishna, being just a small child, might be frightened by Lord Shiva’s awe-inspiring appearance. Despite her refusal, Lord Shiva persisted, unwilling to leave without seeing Krishna.

A gentle yet firm standoff ensued. Mata Yashoda was resolute, warning Lord Shiva that she would close the gate for twice as long if he continued to insist. But Lord Shiva, undeterred, resolved to wait indefinitely, believing that one day he would witness Krishna’s divine form when he grew up and wandered freely.

Krishna, observing the exchange from inside, delighted in the devotion of his two followers. He intended to show that the love of a devotee in the mood of parental affection surpassed that of servitude. Lord Shiva embodied the pinnacle of servitorship, while Mata Yashoda represented pure parental love. Both were deeply devoted, but the bond of parental affection carried a unique depth.

Acknowledging Mata Yashoda’s superior love, Lord Shiva gracefully conceded. He left the house, feeling a sense of defeat, and retreated to the banks of the Yamuna River, where he sat in meditation, contemplating Krishna’s divine will.

Meanwhile, Krishna, sensing Lord Shiva’s disappointment, began to cry inconsolably. Despite the efforts of the cowherd boys and girls, Krishna’s tears would not cease. A perceptive gopi named Lalita, noticing the situation, asked Mata Yashoda if anyone had left the house unsatisfied. Yashoda recalled the saint with snakes around his neck who had departed without seeing Krishna. Lalita, wise and compassionate, urged that they should bring him back, as no saint should leave unfulfilled.

Mata Yashoda described the saint’s appearance, and Lalita set out to find him. She soon located Lord Shiva and brought him back to the house. Overwhelmed with emotion, Yashoda handed the crying Krishna to Lord Shiva.

The moment Krishna was placed in Lord Shiva’s arms, he stopped crying and gazed lovingly at his devotee. Lord Shiva, cradling Krishna, was overcome with transcendental ecstasy. He honored Krishna, acknowledging the Lord’s unfathomable ways, and touched his tiny feet to his head while reciting the Gopala Sahasra Nama Stotra, a hymn glorifying Krishna with a thousand names.

Upon returning home, Lord Shiva shared this divine experience with Parvati. He remembered her request for butter, but in his deep contemplation of Krishna, he had unwittingly consumed all of it on the way back. When Parvati pointed out the empty container, Lord Shiva realized his mistake. Parvati playfully remarked that since he had not brought any prasadam (sacred food) for her, no one would partake in his offerings either. Since that day, any offering made to Lord Shiva is known as ‘Shiva-Naivedya’ or ‘Shiva-Nirmaalya,’ considered sacred and not to be consumed once presented to him.