Dhenuka

In Hindu mythology, a fierce demon
(supernatural being) who appears in the
form of a cow (dhenu). Dhenuka is only
one of the demons slain by the god
Krishna—this time in concert with his
brother Balarama—during Krishna’s
childhood in the village of Brindavan. In
these episodes, Krishna dispatches the
most ferocious demons as if it were
child’s play, which in one sense it is.
Krishna’s presence in the world, and his
interaction with his devotees (bhakta),
is considered to be a lila (“play”), and
the ease with which he handles these
demons attests to this playful revelation
of his divine nature. For further consideration of this theme, see David R.
Kinsley, The Sword and the Flute, 1975.