Shloka 18
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
Afraid at the very thought of separation from Mukunda, the gopīs kept recalling His graceful gait and gestures, His affectionate smiling glances, His jokes that drove away their sorrow, and His exuberant heroic deeds. As the great separation drew near, they became intensely agitated. Gathering in groups, their faces covered with tears and their hearts resting in Acyuta, they spoke to one another.
FAQs
This verse shows the gopīs absorbed in smaraṇa—remembering Kṛṣṇa’s gait, smiles, glances, jokes, and daring deeds—where remembrance itself sustains devotion and counters grief.
Because Kṛṣṇa has departed, their hearts naturally cling to the intimate details of His presence—especially the affectionate humor and looks that used to remove their sorrow.
In distress, consciously remember specific qualities and pastimes of the Lord (names, forms, deeds) to steady the mind and transform grief into devotional focus.