Shloka 31
The Kātyāyanī-vrata, the Stealing of the Gopīs’ Garments, and Kṛṣṇa’s Teaching on Purified Desire
हे स्तोककृष्ण हे अंशो श्रीदामन् सुबलार्जुन । विशाल वृषभौजस्विन् देवप्रस्थ वरूथप ॥ ३१ ॥ पश्यतैतान् महाभागान् परार्थैकान्तजीवितान् । वातवर्षातपहिमान् सहन्तो वारयन्ति न: ॥ ३२ ॥
he stoka-kṛṣṇa he aṁśo śrīdāman subalārjuna viśāla vṛṣabhaujasvin devaprastha varūthapa
The Bhagavān said: “O Stoka Kṛṣṇa and Aṁśu; O Śrīdāma, Subala and Arjuna; O Viśāla, Vṛṣabha, Ojasvī, Devaprastha and Varūthapa—just see these most fortunate trees, whose lives are wholly dedicated to the good of others. Though enduring wind, rain, heat and cold, they still protect us from these elements.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa was preparing to bestow His mercy on the wives of the hard-hearted ritualistic brāhmaṇas, and in these verses the Lord indicates that even trees who are dedicated to the welfare of others are superior to brāhmaṇas who are not. Certainly the members of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement should soberly study this point.
FAQs
They appeal to Krishna’s close companions in Vraja, hoping the boys will help them reach Krishna and relieve their distress in the unfolding pastime.
They are Krishna’s intimate cowherd-boy friends (gopas) in Vṛndāvana, frequently mentioned as companions in Krishna’s childhood and youth pastimes.
It highlights approaching the Lord through loving relationships and sincere appeals—seeking help from devotees and communities close to Krishna rather than relying only on one’s own strength.