Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 38
Gopī-Vipralambha: The Search for Kṛṣṇa and the Revelation of Divine Footprints
एवमुक्त: प्रियामाह स्कन्ध आरुह्यतामिति । ततश्चान्तर्दधे कृष्ण: सा वधूरन्वतप्यत ॥ ३८ ॥
evam uktaḥ priyām āha skandha āruhyatām iti tataś cāntardadhe kṛṣṇaḥ sā vadhūr anvatapyata
Thus addressed, Lord Kṛṣṇa replied, “Just climb on My shoulder.” But as soon as He said this, He disappeared. His beloved consort then immediately felt great remorse.
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī was exhibiting the pride of a beautiful girl who has brought Her boyfriend under control. Thus She told Kṛṣṇa, “Please carry Me wherever You want to go. I can’t walk anymore.” Śrī Kṛṣṇa now disappears from Her sight, intensifying Her ecstatic love more and more.
FAQs
In this līlā, Kṛṣṇa withdraws His visible presence to intensify the gopī’s loving longing (viraha), revealing how pure devotion grows through separation and dependence on Him.
It means “Please climb upon (My) shoulders,” showing Kṛṣṇa’s intimate, playful dealings with His beloved devotee in Vraja.
When spiritual sweetness feels withdrawn, one can respond by increasing sincere remembrance, prayer, and steady practice—turning absence into deeper commitment rather than discouragement.