When Lord Balarama visited Vrindavan for two months, He would enjoy at night with His cowherd girlfriends in a garden on the bank of the Yamuna. One night, intoxicated with joy, Lord Balarama looked especially beautiful. Sporting flower garlands, including the famous Vaijayanti, He wore a single earring, and beads of perspiration decorated His smiling lotus face like snowflakes. 

The Lord summoned the Yamuna River so that He could play in her waters, but she disregarded His command, thinking He was drunk. This angered Balarama, and He began dragging the river with the tip of His plow. Lord Balarama said, "O sinful one disrespecting Me, you do not come when I call you but rather move only by your own whim. Therefore, with the tip of My plow I shall bring you here in a hundred streams!" 

Thus scolded by the Lord, the frightened river-goddess Yamuna came and fell at His feet. Trembling, she said, "Rama, Rama, O mighty-armed one! I knew nothing of Your prowess. With a single portion of Yourself You hold up the earth, O Lord of the universe. My Lord, please release me. O soul of the universe, I did not understand Your position as the Supreme Godhead, but now I have surrendered unto You, and You are always kind to Your devotees." 

Thereupon, Lord Balarama released the Yamuna and, like the king of the elephants with his entourage of she-elephants, entered the river's waters with this female companions. 

The Lord played in the water to His full satisfaction, and when He came out, Goddess Kanti presented Him with blue garments, precious ornaments, and a brilliant necklace. Lord Balarama dressed Himself in the garments and put on the gold necklace. Anointed with fragrance and beautifully adorned, He appeared as resplendent as Indra's royal elephant.