One day, when the gopis were bathing in the river, Lord Krishna crept up quietly on the banks of the river and stole their clothes. He then climbed up a nearby tree and placed the heap of clothes on a high branch. The gopis had been too busy to notice Krishna, so they did not suspect anything. They prepared to come out, though they were shocked to see their clothes missing. It was only when they heard Krishna laughing that they realised what had actually happened. “Please give our clothes back, Krishna,” they pleaded from inside the water. “I will return your clothes if you all fold your hands and raise them above your heads in total surrender,” Krishna said. Though very reluctant and highly embarrassed, the gopis finally agreed and did as they were told. They immediately got their clothes back. In reality, Krishna was freeing the gopis of their ego and teaching them to surrender themselves in front of the Supreme.
Lord Krishna Tricks the Gopis
