Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 9
Rāsa-līlā Begins; Divine Multiplication; Moral Doubt and Its Resolution
काचित् समं मुकुन्देन स्वरजातीरमिश्रिता: । उन्निन्ये पूजिता तेन प्रीयता साधु साध्विति । तदेव ध्रुवमुन्निन्ये तस्यै मानं च बह्वदात् ॥ ९ ॥
kācit samaṁ mukundena svara-jātīr amiśritāḥ unninye pūjitā tena prīyatā sādhu sādhv iti tad eva dhruvam unninye tasyai mānaṁ ca bahv adāt
One gopī, joining Lord Mukunda in His singing, sang pure melodious tones that rose harmoniously above His. Kṛṣṇa was pleased and showed great appreciation for her performance, saying “Excellent! Excellent!” Then another gopī repeated the same melody, but in a special metrical pattern, and Kṛṣṇa praised her also.
FAQs
This verse shows that even an exalted devotee (a gopī) can feel pride when perceiving special favor; the narrative uses this to teach that pure bhakti remains free from ego and possessiveness.
Śukadeva describes Kṛṣṇa praising her to delight her, but the moment she took it as proof of superior status, the pastime proceeds to correct that pride—highlighting humility as essential in divine love.
When appreciation or success comes in sādhana, treat it as Kṛṣṇa’s mercy—not personal superiority—and stay steady in humility, service, and respect for other devotees.