Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 29
Kṛṣṇa’s Arrival at Dvārakā
Dvārakā-praveśa and Bhakta-vātsalya
ता: पुत्रमङ्कमारोप्य स्नेहस्नुतपयोधरा: । हर्षविह्वलितात्मान: सिषिचुर्नेत्रजैर्जलै: ॥ २९ ॥
tāḥ putram aṅkam āropya sneha-snuta-payodharāḥ harṣa-vihvalitātmānaḥ siṣicur netrajair jalaiḥ
The mothers, after embracing their son, sat Him on their laps. Due to pure affection, milk sprang from their breasts. They were overwhelmed with delight, and the tears from their eyes wetted the Lord.
When Lord Kṛṣṇa was at Vṛndāvana even the cows would become moistened by affection towards Him, and He would draw milk from the nipples of every affectionate living being, so what to speak of the stepmothers who were already as good as His own mother.
FAQs
This verse depicts tears as a natural outpouring of prema-bhakti—devotees, overwhelmed by joy and affection, “bathe” Krishna with tears born from their eyes.
They are the elder women of Dvārakā—maternal figures who relate to Krishna in vātsalya (parental affection), receiving Him like a beloved son returning home.
It teaches that genuine devotion is heartfelt and personal—rather than forced or showy—encouraging sincere emotional connection, gratitude, and loving remembrance of the Lord.