A many-headed serpent named Kaliya had made his home in the river Yamuna, and his poison turned the water black. The cows and children who drank from it fell ill, and everyone was afraid to go near.
Young Krishna climbed a tree and leapt straight into the water. Kaliya coiled around him, but Krishna slipped free, sprang onto the serpent's hoods, and began to dance — light as a feather, his anklets ringing.
Each step pressed the proud snake down until Kaliya, exhausted, bowed his heads. “Go and live in the sea,” said Krishna gently, “and harm these people no more.” The serpent slithered away, and the Yamuna ran clear and sweet again.