A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.904.3

c5.904.3

He persuaded Nanda and the cowherds to give up the worship of Indra, and to worship the mountain Govardhana, which sheltered them and their cattle. Incensed at the loss of his offerings, Indra poured down a heavy rain, which would have deluged them, but Krishna lifted up the mountain Govardhana, and held it upon his finger as a shelter for seven days and nights, till Indra felt that he was foiled. From this feat he obtained the name of Govardhana-dhara and Tungīsa. As he had protected the kine, Indra expressed his satisfaction, and gave him the title of Upendra. He was now approaching manhood, and was very handsome. The gopīs were all enamoured of him, and he dispensed his favours very freely. He married seven or eight of them, but his first and favourite wife was Rādhā. At this period of his life he is represented with flowing hair and with a flute in his hand. One of his favourite pastimes was a round dance, called Mandala-nritya or Rāsa-mandala, in which he and Rādhā formed the centre whilst the gopīs danced round them. But his happiness was interrupted by the machinations of Kansa, who sent formidable demons to destroy him—Arishta in the form of a bull, and Kesin in the form of a horse. These attempts having failed, Kansa sent his messenger, Akrūra, to invite Krishna and Balarāma to Mathurā to attend some games, and he formed several plans for their destruction. They accepted the invitation, and went to Mathurā.