*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 15.*
On attaining the Pouganda age, Rama and Krishna were placed in charge of
cows. Vrindavana looked gay and Krishna amused himself with his
companions in the forests. One day Sridaman, Subala, Stoka and other
companions spoke to Rama and Krishna "Not far off is a forest of palm
trees (Tala). Tala fruits fall in abundance there, but one Asura
Dhenuka, with many of his kin obstruct all access to them. The Asura has
the form of an Ass. We smell the fragrance of the fruits even from here.
They are very tempting indeed." Rama boldly entered that forest and gave
a shake to the Tala trees, and Talas fell in abundance. Roused by the
noise, the Ass rushed forth and kicked Rama with its hind feet. The
Asura brayed and made a second rush, when Rama held it by the hind feet
and whirling it round in the skies threw It dead on the trees. The kith
and kin of the Asura then came rushing forth, but they were one and all
killed by Rama and Krishna. When they returned to Vrindavana the Gopis
who had been feeling the separation went out to receive them and, being
pleased to see them, cast bashful glances at them.