Shloka 12
The Kātyāyanī-vrata, the Stealing of the Gopīs’ Garments, and Kṛṣṇa’s Teaching on Purified Desire
तस्य तत् क्ष्वेलितं दृष्ट्वा गोप्य: प्रेमपरिप्लुता: । व्रीडिता: प्रेक्ष्य चान्योन्यं जातहासा न निर्ययु: ॥ १२ ॥
tasya tat kṣvelitaṁ dṛṣṭvā gopyaḥ prema-pariplutāḥ vrīḍitāḥ prekṣya cānyonyaṁ jāta-hāsā na niryayuḥ
Seeing Kṛṣṇa’s playful teasing, the gopīs were flooded with love for Him. Though embarrassed, they glanced at one another and burst into laughter, joking among themselves—yet they still did not come out of the water.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura explains this verse as follows:
FAQs
This verse describes the gopīs becoming shy and laughing among themselves when they witness Kṛṣṇa’s playful teasing, showing their love-filled, intimate devotion in Vraja.
Although their hearts were immersed in love, they felt vrīḍā (modest embarrassment). That shyness made them hesitate, even as they exchanged glances and laughter.
It highlights that genuine love for God can be deeply personal and humble—devotion grows through sincerity and inner purity rather than external display.