[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.780 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.780 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.780 - **Language:** English ### [c5.780](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.780) KĀLIYA. A serpent king who had five heads, and dwelt in a deep pool of the Yamunā, with numerous attendant serpents. His mouths vomited fire and smoke, and he laid waste all the country round. Krishna, while yet a child, jumped into his pool, when he was quickly laced and entwined in the coils of the snakes. His companions and friends were horrified, but Bala-rāma called upon him to exercise his divine power. He did so, and the serpents were soon overcome. Placing his foot on the middle head of Kāliya, he compelled him and his followers to implore mercy. He spared them, but bade Kāliya and his followers to free the earth from their presence, and to remove to the ocean. The Asura Kāla-nemi is said to have been animate in him. - [Previous: c5.779](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.779) - [Next: c5.781](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.781) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.780](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.780) · Pramāṇa