On other days of the rainy season, the cows grazed on Govardhan. The grass along its slopes was fragrant and fresh. Krishna sat on a stone seat beside the hill. His companions watched the low clouds with wonder. They approached as though they wished to catch them. Flashes of lightning and thunder sent them scattering again. Then they returned and playfully tried to approach once more. Sprays of water from the clouds met them.
The cowherd boys entertained Krishna in various ways. They decorated Him with colored minerals. Sometimes they danced before Him. They brought Him seasonal fruits, roots, and tubers. He accepted their offerings with a smile. His companions also prepared fragrant tambula. They used leaves and fragrant plant ingredients to prepare it. Thus their games were interwoven with care for Krishna.
When rain fell, they took shelter in a cave. Krishna sat within its interior. The boys began another noisy game before Him. They called to one another and heard the cave answer. The echo repeated their calls. They shouted again, still louder than before. Again the cave returned their voices. Their cheerful exchange of calls delighted Krishna.
Sometimes hailstones fell outside as well. The boys interrupted their play to look at them. Bending their heads, they searched the ground. They gathered hailstones in their hands. They brought them and placed them beside Krishna's feet. When the rain stopped, they came out of the cave. Krishna sat on a stone slab higher on the hill. From there He looked upon the forest and the green surroundings.
The cows continued to graze undisturbed. Krishna moved the end of His yellow cloth. In a deep and sweet voice He called them by name. Among their names were Shabali, Kali, and Dhavali. They immediately stopped grazing and answered Him with lowing. When they ran, He gently called to them not to run. Together with the herd, Krishna and His companions descended from Govardhan. With His flute sounding and the cows beside them, they returned toward home.