Beside the Yamuna lay a lake poisoned by the serpent Kāliya. Its waters had become dangerous even for the creatures along the shore. Krishna saw what had happened. He climbed a kadamba tree by the river and leapt into the water. The lake surged at His entrance, and Kāliya rushed forward to attack Him.
The serpent wrapped Krishna in his coils. His friends were frightened, and the people of Vraja followed His footprints to the river. Seeing Him held by Kāliya, they were overcome with fear and grief. Balarama held them back, knowing the power of His brother.
Krishna broke free and danced on the serpent’s hoods. Kāliya lost his strength. His wives then bowed to Krishna and asked Him to forgive their husband. Krishna accepted their plea; Kāliya acknowledged his wrongdoing and left the river with his family.
The Yamuna story thus ends with both protection and mercy. The water is freed from poison, while even the one who polluted it is allowed to leave and live differently. The people of Vraja are not distant spectators in this account: their love and concern for Krishna are at the heart of the scene.