Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 32
Brahmā’s Bewilderment and Kṛṣṇa Becoming the Calves and Cowherd Boys
Brahma-vimohana-līlā
गोपास्तद्रोधनायासमौघ्यलज्जोरुमन्युना । दुर्गाध्वकृच्छ्रतोऽभ्येत्य गोवत्सैर्ददृशु: सुतान् ॥ ३२ ॥
gopās tad-rodhanāyāsa- maughya-lajjoru-manyunā durgādhva-kṛcchrato ’bhyetya go-vatsair dadṛśuḥ sutān
The cowherd men, having been unable to check the cows from going to their calves, felt simultaneously ashamed and angry. They crossed the rough road with great difficulty, but when they came down and saw their own sons, they were overwhelmed by great affection.
Everyone was increasing in affection for Kṛṣṇa. When the cowherd men coming down from the hill saw their own sons, who were no one else than Kṛṣṇa, their affection increased.
FAQs
The cowherd men return exhausted and upset after struggling to control the cows, and they unexpectedly see their sons together with the calves—setting the stage for the revelation of Krishna’s divine arrangement during Brahmā’s test.
They felt frustrated and embarrassed because their efforts to restrain the cows were ineffective, and the difficulty of the forest path intensified their fatigue and irritation.
Even sincere effort may fail when a higher divine plan is at work; devotees can learn patience, humility, and trust that Krishna’s arrangement ultimately protects and reunites what is dear.