Shloka 12
Uddhava Sent to Vraja: Consolation to Nanda-Yaśodā and the Gopīs’ Separation
वासितार्थेऽभियुध्यद्भिर्नादितं शुश्मिभिर्वृषै: । धावन्तीभिश्च वास्राभिरुधोभारै: स्ववत्सकान् ॥ ९ ॥ इतस्ततो विलङ्घद्भिर्गोवत्सैर्मण्डितं सितै: । गोदोहशब्दाभिरवं वेणूनां नि:स्वनेन च ॥ १० ॥ गायन्तीभिश्च कर्माणि शुभानि बलकृष्णयो: । स्वलङ्कृताभिर्गोपीभिर्गोपैश्च सुविराजितम् ॥ ११ ॥ अग्न्यर्कातिथिगोविप्रपितृदेवार्चनान्वितै: । धूपदीपैश्च माल्यैश्च गोपावासैर्मनोरमम् ॥ १२ ॥ सर्वत: पुष्पितवनं द्विजालिकुलनादितम् । हंसकारण्डवाकीर्णै: पद्मषण्डैश्च मण्डितम् ॥ १३ ॥
vāsitārthe ’bhiyudhyadbhir nāditaṁ śuśmibhir vṛṣaiḥ dhāvantībhiś ca vāsrābhir udho-bhāraiḥ sva-vatsakān
Die Häuser der Hirten in Gokula waren überaus anmutig, reich an Utensilien zur Verehrung des Opferfeuers, der Sonne, des unerwarteten Gastes, der Kühe, der Brāhmaṇas, der Ahnen und der Devas, und geschmückt mit Räucherwerk, Lampen und Girlanden.
Although Gokula was merged in grief because of separation from Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Lord expanded His internal potency to cover that particular manifestation of Vraja and allow Uddhava to see the normal bustle and joy of Vraja at sunset.
FAQs
This verse presents atithi-sevā as a hallmark of Vraja’s dharma—Uddhava sees the cowherd homes beautified by proper reception of guests along with worship and sacred observances.
The verse highlights Vraja’s God-centered culture: reverence for cows and brāhmaṇas supports yajña, purity, and devotion—values that naturally flourish in Kṛṣṇa’s own abode.
Keep a devotional home atmosphere—offer respectful hospitality, maintain simple worship (lamp/incense/prayer), and cultivate reverence for sacred learning and compassionate care for living beings.