Krishna avatar is to rid the earth of the evil forces that had begun to dominate dharma. The Lord engages in His mission right from birth, starting with Putana and other demon emissaries of Kamsa who are dealt with suitably. His childhood leelas make explicit the truth that the Lord is accessible to all His bhaktas in spite of His Absolute Supreme status, pointed out Sri Sriram in a discourse.
The experience of the closeness and proximity with the Lord of the Vraja folk continues to inspire devotion till date. The Kaliya episode is one such unique situation that reveals His compassion towards evil doers and that His punishment turns into a blessing. Krishna jumps into the Kalindi river where the poisonous Kaliya holds sway. Kaliya soon encloses Krishna in his coils. Knowing the extent of Kaliya’s venom, the Gopas first and very soon the entire Vraja folk are in an agitated state of mind, anxious for Krishna’s safety. Balarama, who had not accompanied Krishna that day, reassures the people. He recalls the words of Garga who had stated that Krishna is equal to Narayana in prowess. Such is the extreme love of the people to Him, that they feel helpless at that point. For is He not the sole refuge of all beings? Now what is to be done when He is caught in danger? He appears to be bound by Kaliya even as He had allowed Yasodha to bind Him. In both instances, it is the Lord’s will that matters. Seeing the helpless Vraja people in distress, Krishna now desires to reveal His divine nature. He increases His frame and causes the serpent to loosen the hold. He then deprives Kaliya of his strength and vigour. The master of all fine arts that He is, He now begins to dance on the hoods of the serpent. Kaliya is rid of his ego and is pardoned.