Krishna’s Quest to Retrieve a Soul

In ancient times, Vasudeva sent his sons, Krishna and Balarama, to study under the wise sage, Sandipani Muni. Under his guidance, they mastered the arts and scriptures. When their training was complete, it was time to offer a *gurudakshina*—a gift to honor the teacher.

Sandipani Muni thought deeply about what he should ask. After consulting his wife, he made a request that touched his heart the most: he asked Krishna and Balarama to bring back his drowned son, who had been lost to the ocean years ago.

Without hesitation, Krishna and Balarama set off toward the sea. Upon reaching the shore, they called upon the sea god and asked about the boy. The sea god emerged from the depths and explained, “A fearsome demon named Panchajana, who resides in the ocean, devoured the boy.”

Hearing this, Krishna dove into the ocean, bravely seeking out Panchajana. In the depths, he confronted the monstrous demon and, after a fierce battle, killed him. However, upon searching Panchajana’s body, Krishna could not find the child’s soul.

Krishna then carried Panchajana’s remains to the realm of Yama, the god of death, in Samyamani. Yama greeted Krishna with respect and, understanding his purpose, restored the soul of Sandipani’s son. With the child’s spirit in his care, Krishna returned to his teacher’s home and reunited the boy with his grateful parents.

Sandipani Muni was overwhelmed with gratitude and blessed Krishna and Balarama, recognizing the divine power and compassion within Krishna’s heart.

**Moral of the Story:** True devotion and respect for one’s teacher transcend all boundaries. This tale of Krishna’s bravery and loyalty reminds us of the virtues of dedication, fearlessness, and the deep bond between a teacher and a student.