Here ends the Kumâra Lilâ of Krishna. The Pouganda Lilâ is now to commence. (Kumâra is a boy below five, Pouganda is boyhood from the 5th to the 16th year). *END OF KUMARA LILÂ* DHENUKA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 15.* On attaining the Pouganda age, Râma and Krishna were placed in charge of cows. Vrindâvana looked gay and Krishna amused himself with his companions in the forests. One day Sridâman, Subala, Stoka and other companions spoke to Râma and Krishna "Not far off is a forest of palm trees (Tâla). Tâla fruits fall in abundance there, but one Asura Dhenuka, with many of his kin obstruct all access to them. The Asura has the form of an Ass. We smell the fragrance of the fruits even from here. They are very tempting indeed." Râma boldly entered that forest and gave a shake to the Tâla trees, and Tâlas fell in abundance. Roused by the noise, the Ass rushed forth and kicked Râma with its hind feet. The Asura brayed and made a second rush, when Râma held it by the hind feet and whirling it round in the skies threw It dead on the trees. The kith and kin of the Asura then came rushing forth, but they were one and all killed by Râma and Krishna. When they returned to Vrindâvana the Gopis who had been feeling the separation went out to receive them and, being pleased to see them, cast bashful glances at them. THE KÂLIYA SERPENT AND THE FIRE. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 16-17.* The Nâgas or serpents made offerings to Garuda on appointed days. Kâliya, proud of his own valour, did not make any offering himself and snatched away the offerings made by others. Garuda attacked him and, being overpowered in the fight, Kâliya sought shelter in a deep pool of water in the Yamunâ. Of yore, Garuda had caught a fish in that pool of water and was about to eat it, when Rishi Soubhari asked him not to eat, but Garuda heeded not his words. The wailings of the fish moved the tender heart of the Rishi and for their future good he cursed Garuda with death, if he entered the pool any more. Kâliya knew about this and he therefore sought protection in that pool of water with his family. The water became deadly poison and even the adjoining air breathed poisonous death. One day Krishna went with all his companions, other than Râma, to the Yamunâ side. The Gopa boys and the cows being very thirsty drank the water of that pool and met with instant death. Krishna cast his amrita pouring looks at them and they got up, being restored to life. They looked at each other, very much surprised.