Shloka 12
Gokula’s Wonder, Kṛṣṇa’s Bhakta-vaśyatā, the Move to Vṛndāvana, and the Slaying of Vatsāsura and Bakāsura
सरित्तीरगतं कृष्णं भग्नार्जुनमथाह्वयत् । रामं च रोहिणी देवी क्रीडन्तं बालकैर्भृशम् ॥ १२ ॥
sarit-tīra-gataṁ kṛṣṇaṁ bhagnārjunam athāhvayat rāmaṁ ca rohiṇī devī krīḍantaṁ bālakair bhṛśam
After the yamala-arjuna trees were uprooted, Rohiṇīdevī went to the riverbank and called for Kṛṣṇa and Rāma, who were deeply absorbed in play with the other boys.
Mother Yaśodā was more attached to Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma than Rohiṇīdevī was, although Rohiṇīdevī was the mother of Balarāma. Mother Yaśodā sent Rohiṇīdevī to call Rāma and Kṛṣṇa from Their play, since it was the right time for lunch. Therefore Rohiṇīdevī went to call Them, breaking Their engagement in play.
FAQs
This verse refers to Kṛṣṇa as “bhagnārjuna,” indicating the pastime where He uproots and breaks the twin arjuna trees, after which He goes toward the riverbank in Vraja.
The verse shows the parallel household affection in Vraja—Yaśodā attends to Kṛṣṇa and Rohiṇī attends to Balarāma—calling them back from their playful activities with the boys.
It highlights loving, attentive relationships centered on the Lord—devotees can cultivate bhakti by remembering Kṛṣṇa’s intimate līlās and bringing devotion into daily family duties and care.