The Butter Thief and His Friends – Kṛṣṇa and Monkeys
Vṛndāvana is a land where even the animals participate in the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Among the many creatures of the forest, the monkeys hold a special place as Kṛṣṇa's playmates and beneficiaries. Śrīla Prabhupāda vividly describes the "mischief-making" of the Lord, who would steal butter suspended from the ceilings and distribute it freely to the waiting monkeys. These interactions reveal the Lord's equal affection for all His parts and parcels, whether they are humans, demigods, or animals. This article explores Kṛṣṇa's butter-stealing pastimes, His imitation of Lord Rāma, and the philosophical distinction between "monkey renunciation" and true surrender.
The Butter Charity
One of the most celebrated pastimes in Vṛndāvana is Kṛṣṇa's stealing of butter. However, Kṛṣṇa did not steal because He was hungry—His belly was always full. He stole to create enjoyment and to feed His friends, the monkeys. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa would sit on an upside-down wooden mortar and distribute yogurt and butter to the monkeys. When their bellies were full and they refused to take more, He would break the pots, much to the feigned annoyance of Mother Yaśodā.
- He was taking butter from a pot which was hanging from the ceiling on a swing, and He was feeding it to the monkeys. She saw Krsna looking this way and that way in fear of her because He was conscious of His naughty behavior.
- Krsna was sitting on an upside-down wooden mortar for grinding spices and was distributing milk preparations such as yogurt and butter to the monkeys as He liked - SB 10.9.8.
- The Lord, in His naturally childish playful activities, used to spoil the stocked butter of mother Yasoda by breaking the pots and distributing the contents to His friends and playmates, including the celebrated monkeys of Vrndavana.
- When the monkeys assemble, He (Krsna) divides it (the stolen palatable curd, butter and milk) with them, and when the monkeys have their bellies so full that they won't take more, He breaks the pots - SB 10.8.29.
Imitating Lord Rāma
Kṛṣṇa is the source of all incarnations, including Lord Rāmacandra. In His childhood play, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma would often imitate the activities of Lord Rāma. Along with their cowherd friends, they would jump around like monkeys and construct make-believe bridges over small bodies of water, reenacting the building of the bridge to Laṅkā. This playful imitation highlights the non-difference between the incarnations of the Lord while maintaining the sweet mood of Vṛndāvana.
- Balarama and Krsna enjoyed Their childhood pastimes, imitating Lord Ramacandra's monkeys, who constructed the bridge over the ocean, and Hanuman, who jumped over the water to Ceylon. They used to imitate such pastimes among Their friends.
- Krsna and Balarama passed Their childhood age in Vrajabhumi by engaging in activities of childish play, such as playing hide-and-seek, constructing a make-believe bridge on the ocean, and jumping here and there like monkeys - SB 10.11.59.
- Vrndavana is full of peacocks. The Vrndavana forest is always full of cuckoos, ducks, swans, peacocks, cranes and also monkeys, bulls and cows. So Krsna and Balarama used to imitate the sounds of these animals and enjoy sporting.
Deliverance and Service
The monkeys of Vṛndāvana are not ordinary animals; they are fortunate souls who have the opportunity to see and serve the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that Kṛṣṇa delivered all the trees, plants, and monkeys who happened to see Him. This mercy extends even to our own gardens; if a monkey comes to eat, it should be allowed, as it is Kṛṣṇa's part and parcel. Furthermore, great devotees like Jāmbavān, the king of the monkeys who served Lord Rāma, received the special mercy of Kṛṣṇa by having his daughter married to the Lord.
- Cara means the moving animals, especially the cows. When Krsna was present, He delivered all the trees, monkeys and other plants and animals who happened to see Him and serve Him, both in Vrndavana and in Dvaraka.
- If the animals like monkeys, they come to your garden to eat, don't prohibit. Let him. He's also Krsna's part and parcel.
- When the Lord was present as Lord Rama, Jambavan, the great king of the monkeys, rendered very faithful service to Him. When the Lord again appeared as Krsna, He married Jambavan's daughter and paid him all the respect that is usually given to superiors.
Monkey Renunciation vs. Real Renunciation
While the monkeys of Vṛndāvana are glorious, the behavior of a monkey is also used as a metaphor for false renunciation. "Monkey renunciation," or markaṭa-vairāgya, refers to those who appear renounced—naked and living in the forest like a monkey—but are internally attached to sense gratification. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that Kṛṣṇa consciousness does not demand such artificial austerity. Real renunciation means utilizing everything for Kṛṣṇa's service, rather than making a show of poverty while maintaining material desires.
- We don't want monkey renouncement; we want real renouncement. We don't use anything for my personal comfort; everything for Krsna. That is called renouncement.
- Krsna once addressed Jarati thus: "My dear good woman, the skin of your face is now slackened, and so your face exactly resembles a monkey's. As such, the King of the monkeys, Balimukha, has selected you as his worthy wife."
Conclusion
The relationship between Kṛṣṇa and the monkeys exemplifies the sweetness of the Lord's dealings. He is not a distant, awe-inspiring judge, but a loving child who engages in pranks with the creatures of the forest. Through these pastimes, Kṛṣṇa shows that He belongs to everyone. Whether feeding them butter, imitating their jumps, or marrying the daughter of their king, the Lord reciprocates the affection of all living entities. For the devotee, the lesson is clear: simple, practical service—like that of the monkeys—attracts the Lord, while artificial renunciation holds no value in His eyes.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Krsna and Monkeys. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.