Shloka 6
The Brāhmaṇas’ Wives Blessed (Brāhmaṇa-patnī-prasāda) — Ritualism Humbled by Bhakti
हे भूमिदेवा: शृणुत कृष्णस्यादेशकारिण: । प्राप्ताञ्जानीत भद्रं वो गोपान्नो रामचोदितान् ॥ ६ ॥
he bhūmi-devāḥ śṛṇuta kṛṣṇasyādeśa-kāriṇaḥ prāptāñ jānīta bhadraṁ vo gopān no rāma-coditān
O Brāhmaṇas, ihr Götter auf Erden, hört uns an. Wir Kuhhirtenjungen führen Kṛṣṇas Auftrag aus und sind von Balarāma hierher gesandt. Heil sei euch; erkennt bitte unser Kommen an.
The term bhūmi-devāḥ, “gods on earth,” refers here to the brāhmaṇas, who are supposed to closely represent the will of the Supreme Lord. The philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not a primitive polytheistic doctrine holding that human beings on the earth are gods. Rather, it is a science that traces the descent of authority from the Absolute Truth Himself, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. The authority and power of God naturally extend along with the extension of His creation, and on the earth the Lord’s will and authority are represented by purified, enlightened men called brāhmaṇas.
FAQs
This verse shows the gopas identifying themselves as “carrying out Krishna’s command,” highlighting bhakti expressed through humble, faithful service to the Lord’s instruction.
They approached respectfully, calling the brahmanas “bhūmidevāḥ,” and explained they had come on Krishna’s behalf (and sent by Balarama) to request help—setting the stage for the contrast between ritual pride and true devotion.
Approach learned or religious authorities with humility, but prioritize sincere devotion and compassionate action over mere formality—service to God should translate into kindness and responsiveness.