Shloka 9
Govardhana-dhāraṇa: Kṛṣṇa Lifts Govardhana and Humbles Indra
विद्योतमाना विद्युद्भि: स्तनन्त: स्तनयित्नुभि: । तीव्रैर्मरुद्गणैर्नुन्ना ववृषुर्जलशर्करा: ॥ ९ ॥
vidyotamānā vidyudbhiḥ stanantaḥ stanayitnubhiḥ tīvrair marud-gaṇair nunnā vavṛṣur jala-śarkarāḥ
Driven on by the fearsome wind-gods, the clouds flashed with lightning, roared with thunder, and rained down hailstones like hard pellets of water.
Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī explains that the word marud-gaṇaiḥ indicates the seven great winds, such as Āvaha, who presides over the region of Bhuvarloka, and Pravaha, who holds the planets in their places.
FAQs
This verse describes the terrifying intensity of Indra’s assault—lightning, thunder, violent winds, and hail—sent upon Vraja, setting the stage for Krishna’s divine protection.
In this chapter’s narrative, Indra becomes angered when the Vrajavāsīs, following Krishna’s instruction, prioritize Govardhana worship over Indra-yajña; he retaliates by unleashing a devastating storm.
When circumstances feel overwhelming like a storm, this episode encourages steadiness in devotion and trust that sincere spiritual shelter brings clarity and protection through adversity.