When peace returned to Mathura after the killing of Kansa, Vasudev and Devaki decided that the time had come for Krishna’s formal education. For this purpose, they send him to the Gurukul of the great sage Sandipani located in Avantika city (today’s Ujjain). There Krishna and Balram made amazing progress in a short time in Veda-Shastra, politics, warfare and various sciences.
Guru Sandipani was extremely happy to see this divine talent. On completion of his education, Krishna politely talked about Guru Dakshina. Rishi Sandipani simply said – “Vatsa, what should I ask from you? There is nothing that you cannot give.” But Krishna requested – “Gurudev, without Dakshina, knowledge remains incomplete. Please tell me anything.”
After remaining silent for a few moments, Rishi Sandipani said – “A demon named Shankhasura had taken away my son. If you want to give me Dakshina, then bring my son back.” Krishna immediately accepted it and set out on a search journey with Balarama.
Both brothers reached the ocean shore. On asking the sea, it told that Shankhasur of the Panchaja caste was hiding in the depths of the sea in the form of a conch. Probably he might have possessed the Guru-son. Krishna descended into the sea and killed Shankhasura after a fierce battle. They searched for the Guru’s son in his stomach, but did not find him there. Reached Yamlok in search of Krishna. Yamraj accepted God’s prayer and brought Sandipani’s son back to life and handed him over to Krishna. Krishna took it and returned to the Guru.
Seeing his son in Gurukul, Rishi Sandipani became emotional. He praised the glory of Krishna’s devotion and sense of responsibility and believed that there could be no Guru-dakshina greater than this. In this way, Krishna not only repaid the debt to his Guru, but also showed that education is not complete unless there is an element of Guru-service, dedication and devotion to duty in it.