Morning in Nanda's home was full of life. Krishna was surrounded by those close to Him. His friends were preparing for a new day. Yashoda cared for the family and guests. But Radha was also in Krishna's thoughts. He longed to see Her again. A young parrot was nearby. The bird knew how to recite verses. It sensed His mood. It wished to bring Him some joy.
The parrot began to recite a prayer. It hid Radha's name within the words. It repeated syllables in the word dharadhara. They could also be heard as Her name. To others it sounded like an ordinary prayer. Krishna recognized the tender hint. The bird continued its song. It did not need to reveal the secret aloud. A few syllables were enough to awaken remembrance. Krishna delighted in its cleverness.
He gently stroked the parrot. He gave it pomegranate seeds. The little bird accepted its reward. Its words had completed their service. Radha's name remained in His thoughts. The scene was full of warmth. A small friend had helped in its own way. Krishna appreciated its care. Other voices could be heard in the courtyard. Madhumangala was among His friends.
Krishna addressed Madhumangala. He asked why He had not seen him that morning. His friend had missed their wrestling games. Krishna spoke of the boys' skills. Laughing, He mentioned His own skill too. Madhumangala did not wish to remain without an answer. He said that he himself was an exceptional wrestler. If he trained, everyone would be astonished. His confidence amused those nearby. The conversation took a playful turn.
Krishna asked him what he had studied. Madhumangala answered that he had studied astrology. He boasted about his knowledge. Krishna challenged him to demonstrate it. He asked what was hidden in His mind. Madhumangala requested a moment to think. He said that he needed to make a chart. With his fingers he began drawing in the sand. He looked up toward the sky. His serious expression made the joke still funnier.
Madhumangala described a hill and two ponds. A golden swan, he said, was swimming there. The swan was surrounded by her companions. Krishna longed to approach her. But her friends were watching over her carefully. Madhumangala spoke in images. Krishna understood the hint about Radha. He praised His witty friend. Then He asked whether the meeting would be possible. Madhumangala looked at his chart again.
He considered his answer before giving advice. He suggested that Krishna play His flute. Let its sound attract the golden swan. Thus he continued his playful metaphor. Then he asked for a reward for reading the stars. Krishna placed pomegranate seeds in his hands. Madhumangala ate them with pleasure. But at once he found another reason to joke. He asked whether his friend took him for a bird. Was that why He gave him only little seeds?
Krishna answered with a witty remark. He compared birds and learned brahmanas. Both, He said, are called twice-born. The friends listened to their play on words. Krishna then gave him a whole pomegranate. Madhumangala happily accepted the gift. He responded with cheerful blessings. He wished Him joy in meeting His beloved. His joke became an expression of friendship. Krishna delighted in his words.
Meanwhile Yashoda called Krishna. She told Him that the meal was ready. She did not want the food to grow cold. The attendants helped Him prepare. Yashoda paid attention to every detail. Her care was full of motherly love. Krishna and Madhumangala rose for breakfast. The friends gathered around Him again. They shared food and conversation. The cheerful mood continued at the meal.
This retelling comes from Krishna-bhavanamrita. The parrot hides Radha's name in a prayer. Krishna responds with affection and pomegranate seeds. Madhumangala presents himself as a skilled astrologer. He draws a chart of the stars in the sand. Through the swan he speaks of Krishna's longing. A whole pomegranate becomes the reward for his joke. Yashoda gathers everyone for the morning meal. Love and laughter meet in their companionship. Thus ends this morning pastime.