Kṛṣṇa Enters Mathurā: City Splendor, Devotees’ Reception, and the Washerman’s Fate
ईदृशान्येव वासांसि नित्यं गिरिवनेचर: । परिधत्त किमुद्वृत्ता राजद्रव्याण्यभीप्सथ ॥ ३५ ॥
īdṛśāny eva vāsāṁsī nityaṁ giri-vane-caraḥ paridhatta kim udvṛttā rāja-dravyāṇy abhīpsatha
قال الغسّال: «يا أولادًا وقحين! أنتم معتادون على التجوال في الجبال والغابات، ومع ذلك تجرؤون أن تلبسوا مثل هذه الثياب؟ إنها من ممتلكات الملك التي تطلبونها!»
This verse shows how those attached to royal power can become rude and contemptuous, mistaking social position for virtue—an attitude that invites downfall when directed against the Lord and His devotees.
Because the garments belonged to the royal storehouse, Kaṁsa’s attendants saw the brothers as mere village/forest youths and spoke with pride and possessiveness, not recognizing Kṛṣṇa’s divine position.
Do not let status, job title, or access to resources create contempt for others; humility and respect are dharmic, while arrogance blinds one to truth and leads to conflict.