Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 45
Veṇu-gīta-āhvāna and the Gopīs’ Appeal: The Opening of Rāsa-līlā
नद्या: पुलिनमाविश्य गोपीभिर्हिमवालुकम् । जुष्टं तत्तरलानन्दिकुमुदामोदवायुना ॥ ४५ ॥ बाहुप्रसारपरिरम्भकरालकोरु- नीवीस्तनालभननर्मनखाग्रपातै: । क्ष्वेल्यावलोकहसितैर्व्रजसुन्दरीणा- मुत्तम्भयन् रतिपतिं रमयां चकार ॥ ४६ ॥
nadyāḥ pulinam āviśya gopībhir hima-vālukam juṣṭaṁ tat-taralānandi kumudāmoda-vāyunā
Śrī Kṛṣṇa went with the gopīs to the bank of the Yamunā, where the sand was cool and the breeze, enlivened by the river’s waves, carried the fragrance of lotuses. There He spread His arms and embraced them, and by playful touches, gentle scratches of His nails, joking, glancing and laughing, He awakened Cupid within the lovely maidens of Vraja and thus enjoyed His divine pastimes.
FAQs
It describes the gopīs entering the cool sandy bank, made joyful by a fragrant breeze from blooming kumuda lotuses—setting a serene, devotional atmosphere for Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes.
Because Vraja’s nature is part of Kṛṣṇa’s līlā—its breeze, sand, and lotus fragrance heighten the mood of loving devotion as the gopīs approach Him.
Create a sacred atmosphere for bhakti—choose a calm place, reduce distractions, and let the mind become receptive to remembrance of Kṛṣṇa.