Krishna Janmashtami: The Makhan Chor Leela.

Krishna Janmashtami: The Makhan Chor Leela.

Dear Friends,

As Krishna Janmashtami dawns tomorrow, Friday, August 15, 2025, I am delighted to share the third of my cherished episodes from the Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavat Maha Puran).

After exploring the Damodara Leela’s boundless love and the Govardhan Leela’s unwavering trust, today we revel in the Makhan Chor Leela (Canto 10, Chapter 8)—Krishna as the “Butter Thief.” This joyful tale teaches us to perform our duties with devotion, surrendering the fruits of our labor to Krishna, who claims all as His own.

In Vrindavan’s tranquil lanes, the Gopis toiled daily, churning milk into butter and yogurt with care, their efforts sustaining their families. Yet, little Krishna, the mischievous Lord, had other plans. With His cowherd friends, He’d sneak into their homes, using tricks like untying calves to distract mothers or piling atop one another to reach high pots. Butter jars shattered, creamy treasures spilled, and Krishna feasted gleefully, His face smeared with delight. He’d even toss morsels to monkeys and birds, His laughter filling the air. The gopis, pretending to fume, rushed to Mother Yashoda: “Your Gopal steals our butter, breaks our pots, and teases us!” But their complaints hid secret joy, for they knew this was no ordinary child—it was Krishna, claiming what was rightfully His.

Yashoda, half-amused, would scold Krishna, only to be met with His innocent, butter-smeared grin. The gopis’ mock anger masked their devotion, as Krishna’s “thefts” were divine lessons. Their labor—churning butter—was their duty, but the results belonged to Krishna. By taking the butter, He taught them to focus on the act of service, not the outcome, freeing them from attachment. In this playful leela, Krishna reveals that all we create—wealth, time, or effort—belongs to Him. Our role is to act with love, offering the fruits to Him without clinging.

This truth shines in the Bhagavad Gita (2.47), where Krishna tells Arjuna:
“Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana

Ma Karma-Phala-Hetur Bhur Ma Te Sango ’Stv Akarmani”

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”

As we prepare for Janmashtami’s kirtans and midnight aarti, let the Makhan Chor Leela inspire us to work diligently yet surrender the results to Krishna. The gopis’ churned butter was their offering, and Krishna’s playful theft was His acceptance. Through love (Damodara), trust (Govardhan), and selfless action (Makhan Chor), may we dedicate our efforts to Him, finding joy in the process.

Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna! Krishna! Krishna! Hare Hare!

Sunesh Tota-Maharaj.