The Killing of Pralambasura

Dadi: "Beta, tonight's story is about Krishna and Balarama and a demon who made a very big mistake!"

Guddu: "A demon story! I love those!"

Dadi: "*laughing* This demon was named Pralambasura, and he thought he was very clever. You see, the evil King Kamsa kept sending demons to kill little Krishna and Balarama."

Guddu: "Why did Kamsa want to kill them?"

Dadi: "Because he was told that Krishna would one day defeat him. So he sent demon after demon. Most demons would come in scary forms - giant snakes, terrible storms. But Pralambasura had a different idea."

Guddu: "What did he do?"

Dadi: "He disguised himself as a cowherd boy! He changed his big demon body into that of a regular little boy and joined Krishna's group of friends in Vrindavan."

Guddu: "*surprised* He could do that? Change how he looked?"

Dadi: "Demons have many powers, beta. So there was Pralambasura, playing and laughing with all the cowherd boys, pretending to be one of them. Nobody suspected anything."

Guddu: "Not even Krishna? He knows everything!"

Dadi: "*winking* Krishna knew. But he was waiting for the right moment. That day, the boys decided to play a carrying game. Two teams - and the losing team would have to carry the winning team on their backs."

Guddu: "Like piggyback rides!"

Dadi: "Exactly! Krishna's team won, and Pralambasura quickly grabbed Balarama. "I'll carry you!" he said. But instead of a slow walk, he suddenly shot up into the sky, flying higher and higher!"

Guddu: "*gasping* He kidnapped Balarama!"

Dadi: "He tried to! As he flew, he dropped his disguise and showed his true demon form - huge and terrifying. He was carrying Balarama far away from Krishna, thinking he was safe."

Guddu: "But Dadi, wasn't Balarama scared?"

Dadi: "*laughing* Here's where Pralambasura made his biggest mistake. He thought Krishna was the only powerful one. He didn't know who Balarama really was!"

Guddu: "Who was Balarama really?"

Dadi: "Balarama was the incarnation of Shesha Naga - the divine serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests! He had the strength of a thousand elephants!"

Guddu: "Wow!"

Dadi: "As the demon flew higher, Balarama started growing heavier. Not a little heavier - a thousand times heavier! Pralambasura struggled to stay in the air."

Guddu: "*grinning* The demon couldn't carry him anymore!"

Dadi: "And then Balarama raised his fist and - WHAM! - struck the demon's head with the force of a mountain falling. Pralambasura crashed to the earth, dead before he hit the ground."

Guddu: "One punch! Just one punch!"

Dadi: "Just one punch, beta. The cowherd boys, who had been crying with fear, ran to hug Balarama as he floated gently down. And Krishna? He stood there smiling, proud of his older brother."

Guddu: "They were a team, weren't they, Dadi?"

Dadi: "The best team. Krishna could see through any disguise, and Balarama had the strength to end any threat. Together, no demon could defeat them."

Guddu: "Like me and my friend Rohan! He's good at maths, I'm good at drawing!"

Dadi: "*hugging him* Exactly like that! Everyone has different strengths. The demon was foolish to think only one brother mattered. When you and your friends work together, each bringing your own gifts, you become unstoppable."

Guddu: "Dadi, why do demons always think they're so smart?"

Dadi: "Pride, beta. They're so proud of their powers that they underestimate others. Remember this - never think you're the only one who matters. Everyone has hidden strengths. The person who seems quiet might be the strongest of all."

Guddu: "Like Balarama on the demon's back!"

Dadi: "*kissing his forehead* My smart boy understands perfectly. Now sleep, and dream of adventures with your friends!"