On the occasion of a sacred festival the Gopas went to the banks of the Sarasvati. (Students will mark the significance of the Sarasvati, which corresponds to Sushumnâ in the human system at this stage of spiritual development). They adored Pasupati (Śiva) and Ambikâ (Durgâ). They passed the night on the river bank. A huge serpent swallowed Nanda. The Gopas burnt the animal but it would not let go its hold; Krishna then touched it with his feet and out came a Vidyadhara from the serpent body. This Vidyadhara, by name Sudarsana, had been cursed by Rishi Angiras for having slighted him and became a serpent. SANKHA CHÛDA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 34.* One day Râma and Krishna came to the forest to have company with the Gopis. It was the first part of the night. They played upon the flute and the Gopis listened to the music with rapt attention. At this time Sankha Chûda, the well-known attendant of Kuvera, drove the Gopis away northward. The girls wept and called out to Krishna and Râma for help. They ran after the Yaksha who in terror left the Gopis and fled away. Râma remained in charge of the Gopa girls. Krishna overtook Sankha Chûda and severed his head with its jewel and presented the crest jewel to Balarâma. THE SEPARATION SONG OF THE GOPIS. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 35.* At night the Gopis enjoyed the company of Krishna. But the day was their time of separation and, when Krishna went to the forest, they passed the time any how in singing about him. For the separation song, please refer to the original. ARISHTA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 36.* Arishta, an Asura in the form of a bull, attacked the quarters of the cows. The cows fled away and the Gopas cried out "Krishna, O Krishna save us," Krishna killed the Asura. NÂRADA AND KANSA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 36.* Nârada told Kansa: — "The female child was the daughter of Yasodâ; Krishna and Râma are sons of Devaki. Vâsudeva kept them with his friend Nanda out of fear. Those two brothers have killed your spies." In rage the king of Bhoja took his sword to kill Vâsudeva. Nârada prevented him. But the King put Yasudeva and his wife in iron fetters. He then ordered Kesi to kill Râma and Krishna. He called his ministers together in council. Addressing Chânur and Mushtika he said: — "Râma and Krishna are to kill us. So Nârada told me." Those two Asuras came ready for Vraja. But Kansa said: "No, you need not go. I shall send for the two brothers and kill them in a wrestling match. So prepare the playground. Place the elephant Kubalayâpida at the entrance and let him kill my enemies. On the fourteenth day of the Moon, let us commence Dhanus Yajna, and let animals be killed in honor of Śiva."