Explore the story of Nalakuvara and Manigriva from the Srimad Bhagavatam, where the mercy of a pure devotee of Lord Krishna leads them from a life of sin to the pinnacle of spiritual perfection. 

Srimad Bhagavatam, revered as the spotless Purana, is filled with many instructive historical incidents offering profound spiritual teachings.  

One such account is the deliverance of the demigods Nalakuvara and Manigriva, which occurred around 5000 years ago during Lord Krishna’s Damodara-lila. 

Mother Yashoda Binds Lord Krishna 

Once, mischievous Krishna broke a pot of butter and began eating the butter in a secluded place. Mother Yashoda searched for her son and eventually found Him seated on an overturned wooden grinding mortar, feeding butter to the monkeys.  

Upon seeing His mother approaching, Krishna fled in fear. Yashoda chased Him through the courtyard until she finally captured Him and bound Him to a wooden grinding mortar with ropes as punishment. 

Afterwards, Yashoda returned to her household duties, leaving Krishna tied to the mortar. In this position, Krishna saw two tall trees, known as Arjuna trees, standing in the courtyard and decided to perform another act of mischief by pulling them down.

The History of the Arjuna Trees 

In their previous lives, these two trees were Nalakuvara and Manigriva, the sons of Kuvera, the treasurer of the devatas. As sons of a wealthy father, they had become addicted to indulgence, particularly wine and women. 

On one occasion, they, along with several beautiful women, entered the garden of Lord Shiva in Kailasa on the banks of the Mandakini Ganges. Intoxicated, they entered the water with the women and began to enjoy their company. 

It was at this moment that the great sage Narada happened to pass by. While the women hurriedly covered themselves in Narada’s presence, the sons of Kuvera, intoxicated and blinded by pride, made no effort to do so. 

Out of compassion, Narada decided to correct their behaviour by cursing them, with the intent of ultimately leading them to liberation by blessing them with an opportunity to see Lord Krishna face to face. 

Narada Curses the Sons of Kuvera 

Narada recognised that the sons of Kuvera had become so absorbed in false pride that they could no longer discern right from wrong. He decided that the best course of action was to deprive them of their material opulence, which had led to their degradation. 

Considering that animals have no awareness of their nakedness, Narada saw that Nalakuvara and Manigriva had become similarly ignorant. To remedy this, he thought that the best punishment for them was to make them trees and let them remember their past. 

Narada cursed Nalakuvara and Manigriva to stand as trees for 100 celestial years in the courtyard of Nanda Maharaja, after which they would be fortunate enough to witness Lord Krishna and receive His mercy. Following this, they would regain their celestial life and become great devotees of the Lord. 

Narada then returned to his abode, Narayanashrama, and the two demigods were transformed into twin Arjuna trees. 

Lord Krishna Delivers Nalakuvara and Manigriva 

Though bound to the wooden mortar, Krishna proceeded towards the two Arjuna trees, determined to fulfil the prophecy of His great devotee Narada. As He passed between the trees, the large mortar became stuck, allowing Krishna to pull on the ropes with great strength. Immediately, the trees fell to the ground with a tremendous crash. 

From the fallen trees emerged two radiant figures, Nalakuvara and Manigriva, now liberated from their curse. They immediately bowed before Krishna, offering their respects and prayers, and sought His blessings to remain eternally engaged in His service. 

Lord Krishna, still bound to the mortar, smiled at the sons of Kuvera and acknowledged that Narada’s causeless mercy had saved them from a further decline into hellish life. Krishna assured them that their lives were now successful, as they had developed ecstatic love for Him. He further promised that this would be their final birth within the material world, and they would attain liberation through their devotion. 

With Krishna’s blessings, the demigods circumambulated Him and returned to their heavenly abode. 

The sound of the falling trees alarmed the residents of Gokula, including Nanda Maharaja, who rushed to the scene. Puzzled by the sudden collapse of the trees, they suspected it to be the work of some demon. The children who had witnessed the event recounted how Krishna had caused the trees to fall. 

Nanda Maharaja was overjoyed to hear of his son’s extraordinary abilities, and the elder gopis took Krishna away, showering Him with praise. 

The story of Nalakuvara and Manigriva illustrates how material wealth often leads to pride and sinful behaviour, which ultimately results in one’s downfall, both materially and spiritually. However, it also shows how even the most sinful individual can be saved through the association of a saintly devotee.  

The scriptures teach us that even a moment’s association with a pure devotee can lead to the highest spiritual success. By Narada’s mercy, Nalakuvara and Manigriva were blessed with the vision of Lord Krishna and developed pure devotion towards Him. 

During this month-long celebration of Kartika Deepotsava, which commemorates Krishna’s Damodara-lila, visit ISKCON Bangalore and partake in the joyful festival. May the Lord graciously bless us with the association of His pure devotees so that our hearts may be purified and we may remain eternally devoted to His service. 

 Related Links: Deepotsava | Damodara Lila | Damodara Vrata | Damodarashtaka | Govardhana Puja