The inhabitants of Vraja were astonished at this and began to discuss among themselves. "Can this boy whom we fondle with affection, who is not peaceful for a moment without us, be the supreme lord? If that is so, then all of us, mothers and fathers, are also great personalities. Blessing to Garga muni, who from the first told us that Krsna is just like Narayana. And we have heard this from the mouth of Varuna and the Vidyadhara."

Now Śukadeva narrates in order another story which he wanted to relate earlier, similar to the previous pastimes in that it involves giving someone a devatā form and saving dear devotees. The story continues till the end of the chapter. This pastime happened after Śiva-rātri, on the full moon day of Phālguna, called Horikā. Govinda is the prince of Gokula and Rāma is one who enjoys pastimes. At this time their friendly relationship as equals became manifest since from birth they had played together and a tinge of their bālya sentiments remained. This portion of their friendship is prominent in Vraja. In Mathurā and Dvārakā, Balarāma shows friendship as an elder brother. Thus his name is mentioned after Kṛṣṇa’s to indicate that in this pastime Balarāma played a secondary role and acted as a friend. The Horikā festival is held in the middle provinces and is mentioned in Bhaviṣyottara Purānā. A similar pastime was described after the avabhṛthya bath at the rājasūya sacrifice. They performed this pastime in a forest near Vraja. Both of the boys had uncommon strength.

Having showed affection for Nanda his father, now Kṛṣṇa shows affection for Vraja. This story continues till the end of the chapter. Some time after freeing Nanda, in the spring, the supreme rasika as a cowherd (govindaḥ) and Balarāma played. Rāma means he who gives happiness to Kṛṣṇa by having a friendly relation with Kṛṣṇa gopīs. In Vraja he is mainly friendly with Kṛṣṇa, not acting as an elder brother. Kṛṣṇa brought him there for a special purpose and for special happiness. That is made clear later. Because Balarāma is secondary he is mentioned last. This is indicated by the word ca. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma perform extraordinary actions (adbhūt-vikramaḥ). Or the phrase modified only Balarāma since he protected the gopīs while Kṛṣṇa far away and killed Śaṅkhacūḍa. “Why did the gopīs assemble there?” The two were suddenly in the midst of the gopīs who had assembled and come to Vṛndāvan to pick flowers in the spring night bright with moonlight. “Why did they stay there?” They were women of Vraja, having special prema for Kṛṣṇa.