While people in this world are preoccupied with their endless activities—intoxicated by desires and greedily chasing after sense pleasures—you, O Lord, ever watchful, seize them in an instant, just as a snake swiftly swallows a mouse. O Death, none can escape your grasp, even as they remain distracted by worldly pursuits. Who, then, among the wise would ever abandon your lotus feet, which are the true refuge of honor and humility? Out of fear, even the fourteen Manus—those great progenitors and revered teachers—worship you, lest they fall from their exalted positions. Therefore, O Brahman, Supreme Self, you are the shelter of the wise. When the universe trembles in fear before Rudra’s destructive power, you alone remain the haven free from all fear. So, noble sons of kings, let these teachings be recited by you. Remain pure, perform your own prescribed duties, and offer your intentions to the Lord—may all be well for you. Worship that very Self who dwells within your own heart and within all beings, praising and meditating constantly on Hari. Having received this instruction in yoga, uphold the vows of the sages, and with steady, concentrated minds, practice these teachings with reverence. Long ago, the Lord, the master of creation, spoke these words to us, wishing to bring forth the sons of Bhṛgu and others, and to those desiring to create. We, all the lords of progeny, were not moved to create beings on our own, but by the power of this knowledge, our ignorance was dispelled, and we became eager to create the various creatures of the world. Now, whoever always recites these teachings with attention will soon attain the highest good, being devoted to Vāsudeva. Here is supreme knowledge, the highest welfare for all. With this boat of wisdom, one can easily cross the difficult ocean of misfortune. Whoever, with faith, recites this praise of the Lord that I have sung, indeed worships Hari, who is otherwise so difficult to approach. Whatever a person desires, he swiftly attains through this song, for it is dear to the highest welfare. Whoever, rising early with joined palms and full of faith, hears or recites this, becomes free from the bonds of karma. O sons of the gods among men, this song—this praise of the Supreme Person, the Paramātmā—has been sung by me. Recite it with a focused mind as a great austerity; practice it, and in the end, you will surely reach your desired goal. Now, hear of another wondrous event. Out of anger, Indra, the king of the gods, unleashed a torrential, club-like rain, threatening the inhabitants of Vraja, and thus began the lifting of Govardhana. Enraged, Indra summoned the destructive clouds known as Sāṃvartaka and commanded them with great authority. He said, “Ah! See the arrogance and pride of these cowherds, dwellers of the forest. Relying on Krishna, a mere mortal, they have dared to show disrespect to the gods. Just as some, abandoning true inquiry, foolishly hope to cross the ocean of existence with rituals and strong actions alone, so too these cowherds, trusting in Krishna—a talkative, childish, arrogant, and ignorant one who fancies himself wise—have wronged me. Blinded by their own wealth and puffed up by Krishna’s presence, they have become proud and reckless, driving their cattle to ruin. I will now mount Airāvata, my elephant, and go to Vraja, accompanied by the fierce wind-gods, intent on destroying Nanda’s settlement.” Śuka continued: Thus commanded by Maghavan, the clouds, now unrestrained, began to lash Nanda’s cowherd village with torrents of rain. The sky flashed with lightning, thunder roared, and fierce winds drove down hail and water. The rain poured in thick and thin streams, filling every chasm; the earth was submerged beneath the flood, so that neither low ground nor high could be seen. The violent wind and relentless rain made the animals tremble with fear. The cowherds and their wives, shivering and distressed by the cold, sought shelter with Govinda. Covering their heads and children with their own bodies, they approached the Blessed Lord, their hearts full of distress. They cried out, “Krishna, Krishna, most fortunate one, O Lord! Gokula is under your protection. You must save us from the wrath of the gods, O beloved of your devotees!” Seeing the people and animals struck down by the hailstones, Lord Hari understood that this calamity was born of Indra’s anger. He said, “Because we interrupted our sacrifice, Indra, seeking our destruction, has sent this extraordinary, fierce, stone-filled rain and violent wind. I shall counteract this with my own power of yoga. Out of the arrogance of those who believe themselves lords of the world, their pride must be brought low. For the virtuous gods, there is no astonishment at the Lord’s actions, but for the unworthy, the breaking of their pride brings them peace. Therefore, I will protect this cowherd community, which has taken refuge in me, regards me as its Lord, and whom I have accepted as my own. By my own power of yoga, I shall keep my vow.” Having spoken thus, Krishna, with effortless grace, lifted Govardhana Mountain with one hand, just as a child might hold up an umbrella. He said to the cowherds, “O mother, O father, O residents of Vraja, bring your cattle and enter the hollow of the mountain, as you find suitable. You need not fear the mountain falling from my hand, nor the wind and rain. Protection has indeed been arranged for you.” Reassured by Krishna’s words, the people of Vraja, along with their families, wealth, and dependents, entered the shelter of the mountain as space allowed. Forgetting hunger, thirst, pain, and even the desire for comfort, they watched in amazement as Krishna stood unmoving, holding up the mountain for seven days and nights. When Indra heard of Krishna’s wondrous power of yoga, he was utterly astonished. His pride shattered, he withdrew his clouds and called off the storm. As the sky cleared, the sun shone forth, and the terrible wind and rain ceased, Govardhana’s lifter spoke gently to the cowherds: “Go out now, abandon your fear, O cowherds with your wives, wealth, and children. The wind and rain have stopped, and the rivers have receded.” Then the people of Vraja emerged, each gathering their cattle, carts, and belongings, along with their women, children, and elders. Slowly and peacefully, they returned to their homes, their hearts filled with wonder and gratitude for Krishna’s protection.