Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 37
The Kātyāyanī-vrata, the Stealing of the Gopīs’ Garments, and Kṛṣṇa’s Teaching on Purified Desire
तत्र गा: पाययित्वाप: सुमृष्टा: शीतला: शिवा: । ततो नृप स्वयं गोपा: कामं स्वादु पपुर्जलम् ॥ ३७ ॥
tatra gāḥ pāyayitvāpaḥ su-mṛṣṭāḥ śītalāḥ śivāḥ tato nṛpa svayaṁ gopāḥ kāmaṁ svādu papur jalam
The cowherd boys let the cows drink the clear, cool and wholesome water of the Yamunā. O King Parīkṣit, the cowherd boys themselves also drank that sweet water to their full satisfaction.
FAQs
This verse shows the gopas’ natural, pastoral routine—caring for the cows first and then taking their own refreshment—portraying Vraja life as simple, pure, and centered on Krishna’s loving pastimes.
Śukadeva is narrating to King Parīkṣit, so he directly addresses him (“O King”) while describing the Vraja scene, keeping the listener anchored in the sacred dialogue.
It highlights responsibility and compassion—serving dependents first—encouraging devotees to practice care, stewardship, and humility as part of devotional living.