Seated regally on the chariot, Krishna and Balrama entered the gates of Mathura. Nanda and other gopas had already reached Mathura and were waiting for them. The people of Mathura rushed towards the chariot to catch a glimpse of Krishna. They cheered and clapped as Krishna and Balrama smilingly waved at them. Akrur left them in Mathura and went to inform Kans. The brothers then went on a tour of the city where they met several people. They met a washerman and asked him for some clothes. Unfortunately, the washerman was a servant of Kans. He became very angry and rudely said that the clothes were of Kans and could not be given to anyone. He warned the brothers that such impudent behaviour could get them into trouble in Kans’s city. To teach him a lesson Krishna lifted him and with a thrust of his hand severed his head, killing the washerman. The other washermen saw the power of Krishna. They understood that by killing the washerman God was trying to pass on the message that one should be generous, and that God showers His blessings on those who give generously. Each washerman then gave a garment to Krishna.
KRISHNA IN MATHURA
