Krishna and the Govardhan Hill

In the sweet green fields of Vrindavan, the cows grazed happily near Govardhan Hill. The mountain gave them sweet grass to eat, cool water to drink, and shady trees to rest under. "Look how much the hill gives us every day," said little Krishna with a bright smile. "We should thank the hill that feeds our dear cows!" The villagers nodded in joy, singing songs of gratitude.

High up in the sky, King Indra looked down. He was very proud, and he thought only he should be thanked for the rain. "They are honoring the mountain instead of me!" Indra said with a frown. With a wave of his hand, dark grey clouds gathered across the sky. The wind began to blow, and heavy raindrops poured down upon the valley.

The rain fell harder and harder. The little calves shivered, and the villagers ran to Krishna. "Do not worry," Krishna said softly. "The mountain will protect us." He walked right up to the giant green hill, reached out his left hand, and lifted the entire mountain on the tip of his little finger! He held it high above the ground, just like a great green umbrella.

"Come under!" called Krishna, laughing. All the mothers, fathers, children, and gentle cows walked beneath the floating mountain. Inside, it was warm and dry. Krishna stood in the center, balancing the giant hill effortlessly on one tiny finger, smiling at everyone for seven whole days. Outside, the storm splashed against the mountain, but not a single drop touched the villagers.

At last, King Indra realized his mistake. He saw that pride had blinded him, while little Krishna's great strength came from pure love and care for everyone. The dark clouds parted, and warm golden sunshine filled the fields again. Indra stepped down and folded his hands in respect before smiling little Krishna. And from that day on, everyone knew that the greatest strength in the world is the strength that protects the small.