Naming Our Little Ones

In the last blog, we explored the fascinating story of how Yashoda’s son defeated powerful demons even as a baby. Now, as we move on to the next chapter, we look forward to the beloved tradition of the naming ceremony held at Nand’s house.

Vasudev’s Concern and the Arrival of Guru Garg

Vasudeva, who lived in Mathura under the tyranny of Kans, was concerned about his sons’ religious rites, particularly their namkaran (naming ceremony). He summoned the family priest, Guru Garg, and informed him that his children were growing up in Gokul. He requested him to go there, name them, and perform the other rites required for Kshatriya children.

Honouring the request of Vasudev, Guru Garg arrived in Gokul. Nand received him with great joy, excitement, and reverence. He prostrated before him: he honoured him duly and requested him to sit on an honourable seat. Nand said: 

"Oh my Lord, I can't fully express how delighted I am that you have come. When esteemed figures like you leave your ashrams to visit people like me, it shows your genuine wish to help us. Otherwise, how could someone like me, bound by family duties, too busy to travel to holy places, and less noble for not being able to pursue sacred journeys or rituals, be fortunate enough to meet a person of your stature? As Jyotishamayanam, the embodiment of all knowledge of the stars and celestial sciences, you offer insight beyond ordinary understanding. Please allow me to benefit from this rare opportunity. I have two sons, and if you would kindly bless them, I ask you to perform their naming ceremony and related rites."

Ensuring Safety: A Private Ceremony in Gokul

Guru Garg said, "Nand, as the family priest of the Yadus, my position is well-respected, and many people pay attention to what I do. If I perform the rituals you mentioned, Kans will likely hear about it and wonder why the Guru of the Yadav family is performing this ceremony. He might quickly suspect that your son is actually Devaki’s child. People know that when Devaki’s eighth baby was born, a girl, but the child escaped from the hands of Kans, rose into the sky, and announced that Devaki's real son, who would eventually kill Kans, was already born and being raised elsewhere. Kans also knows you are close friends with Vasudev. If he finds out that I led the ceremonies for your child, he could cause serious trouble for both you and your son."

Nand said, "We can avoid all that you fear. Here in Gokul, at my home, please conduct the rites in secret, without even my closest relatives knowing about it. I do not want any public celebrations or announcements. It is very important to me that you are the one who names the children."

Guru Garg consented to carry out the task that had brought him to Gokul—the very purpose of his journey.

The Divine Names

Guru Garg said, "This young child, the son of Rohini, captivates all with his appearance and will later win hearts through his remarkable qualities. I shall call him RAMA, because he will possess great strength, and he will also be known as BALA. Additionally, he will bear the name SANKARASHNA.

Your other son has a dark complexion, so I will name him KRISHNA.

In his previous life, Krishna was Vasudev’s child, which is why we might call him Vaasudev—but keep that name a secret. Wise people say your son has many names because of his different qualities. While I know these names, most people do not. This boy, who brings happiness to you and everyone in Gokul, will bring you great fortune. Thanks to him, your worries will vanish. In a past life, when the kingdom had no king, thieves and non-believers troubled the land. Your son was born as the king and rescued the country from hardship. (This refers to the avatar Prithu. King Vena mistreated his subjects and oppressed those who protected the Vedas and Vedangas, leading to the rise of atheism and lawlessness after Vena died. Lord Narayana was born as King Prithu to relieve the earth’s suffering.)

Please take special care of your son Krishna, as he will accomplish remarkable things that will benefit everyone."

Once he had blessed everyone, Guru Garg departed from Mathura to inform Vasudev and Devaki about the events that had taken place in Gokul and to update them on the well-being of their children.

Balram and Krishna blossomed like the waxing moon, their growth marked by a radiant and steady glow that filled the atmosphere around them with warmth and joy. As they matured, the two irresistible boys soon mastered the art of crawling on all fours, their playful spirits shining brightly. Adorned with delicate silver anklets, every movement they made produced a gentle, melodious chime that danced in the air, leaving traces of musical laughter wherever they roamed.

From Crawling to Toddling

In no time, Balram and Krishna graduated to toddling, their wobbly steps eliciting bursts of delighted laughter from their mothers and the women of Gokul. Each hesitant stride was accompanied by endearing tumbles and exaggerated cries of pretend hurt, transforming the scene into a canvas painted with boundless affection and mirth. The children's adventures led them down the bustling streets, their small bodies soon covered in splashes of mud and dirt, the carefree signs of their unrestrained exploration.

When they returned home, their wide, innocent eyes shone with a mix of fear and mischief as they stood before their mothers, who exchanged worried glances for tender smiles. The mothers welcomed them with open arms, cradling their muddy, giggling boys without a hint of reproach for the disarray they had created. Their embrace felt like a sanctuary, a haven amid the chaotic joy of childhood.

As they nestled into their mothers’ arms, the children’s innocent smiles sparkled with the glimmer of newly sprouted teeth, resembling delicate crescent moons.

Gopis and Playful Days in the Meadows

The gopis, were completely enchanted and captivated by the delightful antics of Balram and Krishna. The children's laughter would echo through the air, pulling the gopis into a world of pure joy, so much so that they would forget their daily chores, absorbed in the children’s playful behaviour.

As the seasons changed and the boys grew older, Balram and Krishna embraced their newfound freedom, dashing joyfully through the lush meadows of Gokul. Each day turned into an adventure as they played tag and raced through fields dotted with vibrant wildflowers. Yashoda and Rohini, the devoted mothers, often worried as they searched for their little ones, especially when they went missing for hours. These days were filled with the simple joys of early childhood.

Summary

This blog details the secret naming ceremony and early upbringing of the two divine brothers in Gokul. The narrative highlights the tension between religious duty and the need for safety under the reign of the tyrant Kans.