Shloka 13
The Vraja Elders Question Kṛṣṇa’s Identity; Nanda Recounts Garga’s Prophecy
दुस्त्यजश्चानुरागोऽस्मिन् सर्वेषां नो व्रजौकसाम् । नन्दते तनयेऽस्मासु तस्याप्यौत्पत्तिक: कथम् ॥ १३ ॥
dustyajaś cānurāgo ’smin sarveṣāṁ no vrajaukasām nanda te tanaye ’smāsu tasyāpy autpattikaḥ katham
Lieber Nanda, warum können wir und alle Bewohner Vrajas unsere beständige Zuneigung zu deinem Sohn nicht aufgeben? Und warum ist Er selbst so spontan und von Natur aus liebevoll zu uns hingezogen?
The very word kṛṣṇa means “the all-attractive one.” The residents of Vṛndāvana could not give up their constant love ( anurāga ) for Lord Kṛṣṇa. Their attitude toward Him was not particularly theistic, because they were unsure whether He was God or not. But He attracted all their love precisely because as God He is the all-attractive person, the supreme object of our love.
FAQs
This verse states that the Vraja residents—especially the gopīs—find their loving attachment to Kṛṣṇa impossible to abandon, indicating devotion that is spontaneous and all-consuming.
They feel their own love is natural and unavoidable, but they are astonished that Kṛṣṇa—Nanda’s son, seemingly self-satisfied—also shows an inborn, spontaneous affection toward them, as if bound by love in the same way.
It highlights that the deepest bhakti is not forced but cultivated until it becomes natural—through sincere remembrance, loving service, and choosing Kṛṣṇa-centered relationships over temporary attractions.