Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 24
Trivakrā’s Transformation and the Breaking of Kaṁsa’s Bow
Mathurā-līlā Prelude
गोप्यो मुकुन्दविगमे विरहातुरा याआशासताशिष ऋता मधुपुर्यभूवन् । सम्पश्यतां पुरुषभूषणगात्रलक्ष्मींहित्वेतरान् नु भजतश्चकमेऽयनं श्री: ॥ २४ ॥
gopyo mukunda-vigame virahāturā yā āśāsatāśiṣa ṛtā madhu-pury abhūvan sampaśyatāṁ puruṣa-bhūṣaṇa-gātra-lakṣmīṁ hitvetarān nu bhajataś cakame ’yanaṁ śrīḥ
When Mukunda (Kṛṣṇa) left Vṛndāvana, the gopīs, anguished in separation, had foretold that the people of Mathurā would receive many blessings. Now their words proved true, for the residents were gazing upon the bodily beauty of Kṛṣṇa, the jewel among men. Indeed, Goddess Śrī (Lakṣmī) so desired shelter in that beauty that she abandoned many other men, though they worshiped her.
FAQs
This verse highlights that the gopīs’ intense separation from Mukunda is spiritually potent; their heartfelt words and blessings become reality, showing viraha-bhakti as a peak expression of love for Kṛṣṇa.
The verse poetically states that Śrī (Lakṣmī) chose the beauty of Kṛṣṇa’s very limbs as her abode, emphasizing that all opulence naturally gravitates to the Supreme Lord, who is the true object of worship.
Cultivate steady remembrance and loving service even when you feel “separated” from spiritual inspiration; sincere devotion draws inner prosperity—clarity, peace, and deeper attachment to Kṛṣṇa.