Once, Sri Bhaguri Rsi was performing a sacrifice for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord. The cowherd boys and girls were bringing ingredients for the sacrifice from distant places. Srimati Radhika and Her sakhis were also bringing yoghurt, milk, butter and various kinds of milk-sweets, such as rabadi. Sri Krsna along with Subala, Madhumangala and other sakhas, obstructed their path and forcibly demanded toll-tax, and the sakhas and gopis began to taunt each other.
Standing in His enchanting threefold-bending form, Sri Krsna mischievously asked the gopis, "What are you carrying?"
"Milk, yogurt and butter for Bhaguri Rsi's sacrifice," they replied.
Madhumangala's mouth started to water upon the mere mention of butter. "Quickly pay the toll-tax and move on," he said.
"What toll-tax?", Lalita angrily asked. "We have never paid any toll-tax before."
"You can pass only after paying toll-tax," Krsna insisted.
"Since when have You become the toll collector here?" Srimatiji asked. "Did you inherit this place from your father?"
"Don't be so insolent," He replied. "I am Vrndavanesvara, the ruler of the kingdom of Vrndavana."
"How is that?"
"Vrnda is my wedded wife," Krsna asserted. "The property of the wife is also the property of the husband. Vrndavana is the kingdom of Vrnda-devi, and therefore it is My kingdom."
"Really?" Lalita answered haughtily. "We have never heard anything about this. Let us ask Vrnda right now." She turned to Vrnda. "Vrnda, is this 'black one' your husband?"
"Never!" Vrnda flared in disgust. "I have no relation with this lying debauchee. Previously this was my kingdom, but I have given it to Vrndavanesvari Srimati Radhika." All the sakhis burst into laughter, which slightly embarrassed Sri Krsna. Nonetheless, He was determined to collect the toll-tax. After this love-quarrel the gopis exchanged the toll-tax of prema.
Comments
Nice toll tax