All Gopikas complain to Yashoda that Krishna steals butter from all their houses. Yashoda does not believe this as Krishna is with her all through the day. One Gopika is determined to prove that Krishna is a thief. She ties a bell to the butter pot before hanging it in the ceiling. She also keeps her doors open for Krishna to come and steal.
After a few rounds in the other houses in Gokulam, Krishna and his gang come to this Gopika’s house. Surprised to see the doors open, Krishna enters quietly and his friends promptly bend to stand one on top of other to enable Krishna to climb above them to reach the pot. Krishna notices the bell hanging. He promptly holds the bell’s clapper (tongue), takes the butter out and distributes it to his friends. After they have their fill, Krishna releases the bell clapper. He goes on to tell the bell, “I am going to use both my hands to take out the butter and eat my fill. You must be still and not make noise” The bell nods its agreement.When Krishna puts both his hands inside the pot, takes out the butter and puts in his mouth, the bell rings loudly. Krishna scolds the bell and it replies meekly, “But Krishna, I am used to ringing when offerings are made to God and hence could not help myself.”
Alerted by the bell, the Gopika catches Krishna and takes him to Yashoda. She is holding Krishna’s hand in one of her own and the butter pot in the other. Being dragged at a speed, Krishna asks her to slow down as he is not able to keep up with her pace. As she is in a hurry to complain to Yashoda, the Gopika carries Krishna on her hip and makes him hold the pot. Krishna finds this position very convenient to finish off the balance butter in the pot!
The Gopika reaches Krishna’s house and calls for Yashoda asking her to come and see what she has brought! Yashoda comes out followed by a very cute looking Krishna. Shocked to see Krishna with Yashoda, the Gopika checks her hip to find her own son sitting there! Such was maya Krishna’s presence all over Gokulam!
