Shloka 32
Gokula’s Wonder, Kṛṣṇa’s Bhakta-vaśyatā, the Move to Vṛndāvana, and the Slaying of Vatsāsura and Bakāsura
वृद्धान्बालान्स्त्रियो राजन्सर्वोपकरणानि च । अन:स्वारोप्य गोपाला यत्ता आत्तशरासना: ॥ ३१ ॥ गोधनानि पुरस्कृत्य शृङ्गाण्यापूर्य सर्वत: । तूर्यघोषेण महता ययु: सहपुरोहिता: ॥ ३२ ॥
vṛddhān bālān striyo rājan sarvopakaraṇāni ca anaḥsv āropya gopālā yattā ātta-śarāsanāḥ
O King Parīkṣit, placing the old men, women, children, and all household goods upon the bullock carts, and keeping the herds of cows in front, the cowherd men carefully took up their bows and arrows. With the mighty blare of horn-bugles resounding on every side, and accompanied by their priests, they set out on their journey.
In this connection it is to be noted that although the inhabitants of Gokula were mostly cowherd men and cultivators, they knew how to defend themselves from danger and how to give protection to the women, the old men, the cows and the children, as well as to the brahminical purohitas.
FAQs
This verse shows the Vraja cowherds first safeguarding the vulnerable (elderly, children, women) and essentials, then standing ready to defend—responsibility aligned with dharma.
Śukadeva is narrating the Vraja events directly to Parīkṣit, maintaining the frame dialogue and emphasizing the kingly perspective on protection and duty.
Prioritize the safety of dependents and essentials in crises, and then act with preparedness and courage—calm, organized protection rather than panic.