Shloka 17
Akrūra’s Mission: The Departure from Vraja and the Yamunā Vision of Viṣṇu-Ananta
गतिं सुललितां चेष्टां स्निग्धहासावलोकनम् । शोकापहानि नर्माणि प्रोद्दामचरितानि च ॥ १७ ॥ चिन्तयन्त्यो मुकुन्दस्य भीता विरहकातरा: । समेता: सङ्घश: प्रोचुरश्रुमुख्योऽच्युताशया: ॥ १८ ॥
gatiṁ su-lalitāṁ ceṣṭāṁ snigdha-hāsāvalokanam śokāpahāni narmāṇi proddāma-caritāni ca
Frightened at even the briefest separation from Mukunda, the gopīs remembered His graceful gait, His playful pastimes, His affectionate smiling glances, His bold heroic deeds, and His joking words that dispelled their sorrow. Thinking of the great separation about to come, they grew frantic with anxiety. Gathering in groups, their faces wet with tears and their minds fixed on Acyuta, they spoke among themselves.
FAQs
This verse shows the gopīs absorbing their minds in Kṛṣṇa’s gait, smiles, words, and deeds—remembrance itself becomes their way of staying with Him, even amid separation.
Because these intimate exchanges are the heart of their relationship with Mukunda; His affectionate humor and looks are described as śokāpahāni—those that remove their grief.
When distressed, intentionally remember or recite Kṛṣṇa’s qualities and pastimes; devotional recollection can steady the mind and soften sorrow.