BECAUSE HE WAS THE SLAVE OF HIS LOVERS

 
Krishna was the first Avatar to institute the custom of prasad. Once he was in the company of four companions or lovers and a Rishi who lived in the mountain fastnesses came for Krishna's prasad. He had lived so long in meditation that his eyelashes grew downwards and ants made their home on his body.

Krishna replied that prasad was for his lovers and none else. This consisted of laddu or Indian sweetmeat balls.

At last the Rishi, who was very intelligent, begged Krishna's favourite disciple, Pendya, who was a cripple, to ask Krishna for him. This Krishna permitted (because he was the slave of his lovers) and as a result the Rishi gained illumination.