Nag Nathaiya Leela Mesmerizes Devotees at Varanasi's Tulsi Ghat

Varanasi: Lakkha Mela provided the backdrop for the enchanting Nag Nathaiya Leela, a time honoured enactment held at Tulsi Ghat on Friday. Devotees gathered on the ghat steps from noon, eager to witness the sacred childhood Leela of Lord Shri Krishna. The Varanasi Commissionerate Police enacted stringent security measures for the event, prioritizing the safety of all participants. The Nag Nathaiya Leela unfolded at 4 PM, initiating with the recitation of verses at the strategically placed Vyasa Chowki on the ghat.

Lord Krishna, accompanied by his childhood companion Sudama and other friends, engaged in a game of ball along the Yamuna's banks. During the play, the ball rolled into the Yamuna River. Expressing his determination to retrieve the ball, Krishna informed his friends of his intention to enter the Yamuna. Sudama then briefed Krishna about Kaliya Naag, a formidable serpent inhabiting the Yamuna, whose menacing presence deterred aquatic creatures and residents of Mathura from approaching the river. Despite his friends' caution, Lord Krishna leaped into the Yamuna to recover the ball. As Krishna took the plunge, devotees on the ghat raised their hands, offering chants in praise of Lord Shiva.

The divine Leela filled all the devotees with elation

A confrontation unfolded between Lord Krishna and Kaliya Naag in the water. After emerging victorious, Lord Shri Krishna stood on Kaliya Naag's hoods, playing his flute, and gracefully rose from the water. Witnessing this miraculous Leela, joy resonated among all the devotees present on the ghat.

Prince Anant Narayan Singh cherished the Leela experience

Participating in the traditional Nag Nathaiya Leela of Kashi, Prince Anant Narayan Singh arrived at Tulsi Ghat on his boat at 4:30 PM, immersing himself in the Nag Nathaiya Leela. Following the captivating performance, the ruler of Kashi presented a golden coin as a symbolic gift, symbolizing Lord Krishna's treasured childhood form.