Krishna and Balarama had completed Their studies. They honored Sandipani as Their teacher. He had shared his knowledge with great care. His wife had also welcomed Them into the home. The brothers wished to express Their gratitude. They asked what gift They could offer. They did not ask for anything in return. They wanted to fulfill the family's true wish. The teacher and his wife considered it together. There was an old sorrow in their hearts.
Their son had disappeared beside the sea. His parents grieved deeply for him. When the brothers offered a gift, the family expressed its dearest wish. Sandipani asked to see his son again. This was no ordinary request for wealth. It was a plea for a beloved family member to return. Krishna and Balarama listened attentively. They accepted the task with determination. Then They set out for the seashore.
The road took Them far from the ashram. The two brothers stayed together. The vast ocean opened before Them. There They sought the ruler of the sea. They told him why They had come. They wished to learn what had happened to the boy. The ruler of the ocean answered Them. He told Them about the being Panchajana. Krishna went into the deep water. Balarama waited for His brother.
Krishna faced Panchajana. He overcame him in the depths of the sea. But He did not find the teacher's son there. He brought a conch shell from the ocean. It became His well-known trumpet. Then He returned to Balarama. He told Him that the search must continue. Their decision remained unchanged. They would not return empty-handed to the parents. They continued searching for the lost child.
The brothers traveled to Yamaraja's abode. That place was called Samyamani. Krishna sounded His conch shell. Its sound announced Their arrival. Yamaraja approached Them with respect. He welcomed Them and asked Their wish. Krishna spoke of His teacher's son. He had come to restore him to his parents. Yamaraja accepted His request. He brought the boy before the two brothers.
Sandipani's son was with Them again. Krishna and Balarama led him toward home. The boy looked at those who had rescued him. Traveling with Them filled him with joy. All three traveled toward the ashram. His parents did not yet know they were coming. But the hope they had expressed was not forgotten. The brothers carried the family's request with Them. Their gift was not gold or a precious jewel. Their gift was reunion with the beloved son.
As They drew near, the conch resounded. The people heard its sound. News of Their return excited the residents. Sandipani and his wife looked toward the road. They saw Krishna and Balarama. Their son was with Them. The parents hurried toward him. Joy overcame their old sorrow. They embraced the child they had lost. Their family was together again.
Krishna and Balarama bowed before them. They stood before Their teacher with respect. Sandipani and his wife embraced the brothers too. Tears and smiles mingled. The boy was surrounded with love. The long-awaited reunion became a celebration. Those present shared the family's joy. All entered the teacher's home. A meal was prepared there for everyone. Gratitude could be heard in every greeting.
Sandipani blessed his students. Their dedication was dear to him. They had fulfilled his family's request. Their studies ended with an act of love. The brothers continued to honor Their teacher. The parents could speak with their son again. The family received what it had wished for most. The people of the town rejoiced with them. The memory of separation remained. But now it was accompanied by hope.
Gopala-campu tells this unusual journey. It begins with gratitude toward a teacher. It takes the brothers across the sea and beyond. Yamaraja gives them the lost son. Krishna and Balarama carry him home. Parental love welcomes Their chariot. The teacher blesses his students. The boy is with his family again. The gift of knowledge receives a gift of gratitude. Thus ends this story of Sandipani.