Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
Uddhava Sent to Vraja: Consolation to Nanda-Yaśodā and the Gopīs’ Separation
ता मन्मनस्का मत्प्राणा मतर्थे त्यक्तदैहिका: । मामेव दयितं प्रेष्ठमात्मानं मनसा गता: । ये त्यक्तलोकधर्माश्च मदर्थे तान्बिभर्म्यहम् ॥ ४ ॥
tā man-manaskā mat-prāṇā mat-arthe tyakta-daihikāḥ mām eva dayitaṁ preṣṭham ātmānaṁ manasā gatāḥ ye tyakta-loka-dharmāś ca mad-arthe tān bibharmy aham
The minds of those gopīs are always absorbed in Me, and their very lives are ever devoted to Me. For My sake they have abandoned everything related to their bodies, renouncing ordinary happiness in this life, as well as religious duties necessary for such happiness in the next life. I alone am their dearmost beloved and, indeed, their very Self. I personally sustain such devotees, who for My sake give up all worldly duties.
Here the Lord explains why He wants to send a special message to the gopīs. According to the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, the word daihikāḥ, “related to the body,” refers to husbands, children, homes and so on. The gopīs loved Kṛṣṇa so intensely that they could think of nothing else. Since Śrī Kṛṣṇa maintains ordinary devotees engaged in sādhana-bhakti, devotional service in practice, He will certainly maintain the gopīs, His most exalted devotees.
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa says that devotees who give up worldly obligations for His sake and fix their mind and life in Him are personally maintained by Him—He “carries” their welfare.
Kṛṣṇa was sending Uddhava to Vraja to console the gopīs; He explains their unmatched, exclusive love and assures that He Himself supports such surrendered devotees.
Keep the mind anchored in Kṛṣṇa through daily japa, kīrtana, and remembrance, and prioritize dharma that nourishes devotion—trusting that sincere surrender brings inner guidance and support.