Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
Kṛṣṇa Swallows the Forest Fire (Dāvāgni-līlā) and Restores the Herd
तृणैस्तत्खुरदच्छिन्नैर्गोष्पदैरङ्कितैर्गवाम् । मार्गमन्वगमन् सर्वे नष्टाजीव्या विचेतस: ॥ ४ ॥
tṛṇais tat-khura-dac-chinnair goṣ-padair aṅkitair gavām mārgam anvagaman sarve naṣṭājīvyā vicetasaḥ
Then the boys began tracing out the cows’ path by noting their hoofprints and the blades of grass the cows had broken with their hooves and teeth. All the cowherd boys were in great anxiety because they had lost their source of livelihood.
FAQs
It describes the cowherd boys tracing the cows’ route by the bitten grass and hoofprints, while feeling deeply distressed and bewildered in separation.
Because the calves and boys had been taken (by Brahmā’s illusion in the chapter’s narrative), the gopas felt as if their very life had been taken away, revealing their intense attachment and love.
It teaches earnestness: a devotee should actively seek the Lord’s presence and guidance, following even small signs of His path with heartfelt longing rather than complacency.