Shloka 4
The Brāhmaṇas’ Wives Blessed (Brāhmaṇa-patnī-prasāda) — Ritualism Humbled by Bhakti
तत्र गत्वौदनं गोपा याचतास्मद्विसर्जिता: । कीर्तयन्तो भगवत आर्यस्य मम चाभिधाम् ॥ ४ ॥
tatra gatvaudanaṁ gopā yācatāsmad-visarjitāḥ kīrtayanto bhagavata āryasya mama cābhidhām
When you go there, dear cowherd boys, ask them for some food as Our messengers. Proclaim the name of My elder brother, Bhagavān Balarāma, and also My name, and explain that you have been sent by Us.
Lord Kṛṣṇa encouraged His boyfriends to request charity without being embarrassed. In case the boys felt they had no right to personally approach such respectable brāhmaṇas, the Lord told them to mention the names of Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa, the holy names of God.
FAQs
This verse shows the gopas chanting the Lord’s names even while carrying out an errand, highlighting kīrtana as natural, continuous devotion woven into ordinary activity.
In this episode, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma send the gopas to request food from brāhmaṇas performing a sacrifice, setting the stage to reveal who truly understands devotion and compassion.
Keep a steady practice of remembrance—soft japa, listening to bhajans, or mentally repeating the holy names—so spiritual focus continues alongside work and responsibilities.