Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 8
Gokula’s Wonder, Kṛṣṇa’s Bhakta-vaśyatā, the Move to Vṛndāvana, and the Slaying of Vatsāsura and Bakāsura
बिभर्ति क्वचिदाज्ञप्त: पीठकोन्मानपादुकम् । बाहुक्षेपं च कुरुते स्वानां च प्रीतिमावहन् ॥ ८ ॥
bibharti kvacid ājñaptaḥ pīṭhakonmāna-pādukam bāhu-kṣepaṁ ca kurute svānāṁ ca prītim āvahan
Sometimes mother Yaśodā and her gopī friends would tell Kṛṣṇa, “Bring this article” or “Bring that article.” Sometimes they would order Him to bring a wooden plank, wooden shoes or a wooden measuring pot, and Kṛṣṇa, when thus ordered by the mothers, would try to bring them. Sometimes, however, as if unable to raise these things, He would touch them and stand there. Just to invite the pleasure of His relatives, He would strike His body with His arms to show that He had sufficient strength.
FAQs
This verse describes how child Kṛṣṇa would sometimes follow instructions—carrying small household items like a seat, measuring rod, or sandals—charming His family and the Vraja residents and increasing their affection.
To highlight Kṛṣṇa’s bāla-līlā: the Supreme Lord voluntarily acts like a simple village child, delighting His devotees through intimate, humanlike pastimes that deepen their parental and familial love.
Serve cheerfully even in small tasks, and cultivate loving relationships through simple, sincere acts—seeing devotion not only in grand rituals but also in everyday service done with affection.