Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 7
Brahmā’s Bewilderment and Kṛṣṇa Becoming the Calves and Cowherd Boys
Brahma-vimohana-līlā
तथेति पाययित्वार्भा वत्सानारुध्य शाद्वले । मुक्त्वा शिक्यानि बुभुजु: समं भगवता मुदा ॥ ७ ॥
tatheti pāyayitvārbhā vatsān ārudhya śādvale muktvā śikyāni bubhujuḥ samaṁ bhagavatā mudā
Accepting Lord Kṛṣṇa’s proposal, the cowherd boys allowed the calves to drink water from the river and then tied them to trees where there was green, tender grass. Then the boys opened their baskets of food and began eating with Kṛṣṇa in great transcendental pleasure.
FAQs
This verse shows Kṛṣṇa sharing a simple meal with the cowherd boys as an equal companion, revealing His intimate, approachable nature in Vraja and the sweetness of sakhya-bhakti.
They first ensured the calves were fed and safely kept on the pasture, then set aside their lunch bundles and ate peacefully with Kṛṣṇa—showing the natural rhythm of Vraja life and their carefree trust in Him.
Serve your responsibilities first, then offer your meals and time to God with gratitude; cultivate friendship-like closeness with the Lord through simple, heartfelt devotion.