Srimad Bhagavatam 10.15.19-24
Note: Today's class is on Saturday due to Srila Dhanurdhara Swami's travel schedule.
Text 19
gopatmajatvam caritair vidambayan
reme rama-lalita-pada-pallavo
gramyaih samam gramya-vad isa-ceshtitah
TRANSLATION
In this way the Supreme Lord, whose soft lotus feet are personally attended by the goddess of fortune, concealed His transcendental opulences by His internal potency and acted like the son of a cowherd. Yet even while enjoying like a village boy in the company of other village residents, He often exhibited feats only God could perform.
Text 20
rama-kesavayoh sakha
subala-stokakrishnadya
gopah premnedam abruvan
TRANSLATION
Once, some of the cowherd boys -- Sridama, the very close friend of Rama and Krishna, along with Subala, Stokakrishna and others -- lovingly spoke the following words.
Text 21
krishna dushta-nibarhana
ito 'vidure su-mahad
vanam talali-sankulam
TRANSLATION
[The cowherd boys said:] O Rama, Rama, mighty-armed one! O Krishna, destroyer of the miscreants! Not far from here is a very great forest filled with rows of palm trees.
Text 22
patanti patitani ca
santi kintv avaruddhani
dhenukena duratmana
TRANSLATION
In that Talavana forest many fruits are falling from the trees, and many are already lying on the ground. But all the fruits are being guarded by the evil Dhenuka.
Text 23
he krishna khara-rupa-dhrik
atma-tulya-balair anyair
jnatibhir bahubhir vritah
TRANSLATION
O Rama, O Krishna! Dhenuka is a most powerful demon and has assumed the form of an ass. He is surrounded by many friends who have assumed a similar shape and who are just as powerful as he.
Text 24
bhitair nribhir amitra-han
na sevyate pasu-ganaih
pakshi-sanghair vivarjitam
TRANSLATION
The demon Dhenuka has eaten men alive, and therefore all people and animals are terrified of going to the Tala forest. O killer of the enemy, even the birds are afraid to fly there.