Re-Reading the Story of the Serpent

Kaliya and the Environmental Crisis

Abstract

This article offers a re-reading of the Kāliya serpent story from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam through the lens of contemporary environmental concerns. It argues that the narrative can be interpreted as a potent metaphor for ecological degradation, with Kāliya representing the forces that pollute and harm the natural world, exemplified by the current crisis facing the Yamunā River. Drawing upon the insights of Shrivatsa Goswami, the article explores how Krishna's actions of subduing Kāliya, rather than killing him, can be understood as a message about the containment of pollution rather than its complete destruction. Furthermore, it examines the role of Kāliya's wives (Nāgapatnīs) and employs theological ecofeminist perspectives to highlight the potential for women and the values they embody – such as compassion and interconnectedness – as crucial in environmental preservation within the Vaishnava tradition. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of sevā (selfless service) and karuṇā (compassion) as embodied bhakti in fostering environmental responsibility and action among devotees.