11 Facts About Kaliya

Kaliya, in Hindu traditions, was a venomous Naga living in the Yamuna river, in Vrndavana.

The story of Krishna and Kaliya is told in the sixteenth chapter of the Tenth Canto of the Bhagavata Purana.

The proper home of Kaliya was the island of Ramanaka, but he had been driven away from there in fear of Garuda, the foe of all serpents.

Therefore, Kaliya chose Vrindavan as his residence, knowing it was the only place where Garuda could not come.

Kaliya fled to Vrindavan where she informed the people that she had seen a giant serpent in a river.

Kaliya went to the river Yamuna searching for Kaliya, who upon seeing Krishna, coiled around Krishna's legs and constricted him.

Meanwhile, Kaliya attempted to escape, but Krishna stomped on his tail and warned him to not trouble anyone again before returning to the people.

When he went into the Yamuna, Kaliya constricted him and pulled him into the Yamuna.

At the bottom of the river, Kaliya had ensnared Krishna in his coils.

Kaliya recognized the greatness of Krishna and surrendered, promising he would not harass anybody again.

At last, Kaliya was pushed into Patala where he is said to reside to this day.