Krishna dances on the hoods of Kaliya — Skandha 10, adhyayas 16-17 — When the Yamuna turns to venom, Krishna leaps from a kadamba tree and dances on the hundred hoods of Kaliya until his wives intercede.
The song of the flute and the wives of the ritualists — Skandha 10, adhyayas 21-23 — While the gopis sing how rivers freeze at Krishna's flute, learned brahmanas refuse hungry boys food — and their wives run out to give it.
Akrura's chariot to Vraja and his vision in the Yamuna — Skandha 10, adhyayas 38-40 — Sent by Kamsa to bring the boys to their death, Akrura rolls in the dust of Krishna's footprints and sees Vaikuntha beneath the Yamuna.
Entering Mathura, the bow broken, and Kamsa's fall — Skandha 10, adhyayas 41-44 — Blessing the flower-seller, weaver, and hunchbacked Trivakra in the streets, Krishna snaps Shiva's bow, fells the elephant, and slays Kamsa.
Rukmini's seven-verse letter and abduction from Kundina — Skandha 10, adhyayas 52-54 — Promised by her brother to Shishupala, Princess Rukmini sends a brahmana overnight with a letter to Dvaraka, and Krishna carries her away.
Embodies
The descents of the Lord — Boar, man-lion, dwarf and fish: the Lord comes down in whatever form the age needs, and Krishna is the Lord himself (1.3.28).
Divine play — A god who steals butter, hides from his mother and dances in the moonlight — the text insists the play is the revelation.
Questions to explore
Why is Balarama called both Sankarshana ("drawn from the womb") and Rama ("one who gives delight") by Garga Muni?
How did Balarama calm the people of Vraja when Krishna jumped into Kaliya's poisoned pool?
What role did Balarama play in Mathura's wrestling arena and at Rukmini's wedding?
