Shloka 29
The Killing of Cāṇūra, Muṣṭika, and Kaṁsa; Liberation and Restoration of Dharma in Mathurā
गोपान्वयस्यानाकृष्य तै: संसृज्य विजह्रतु: । वाद्यमानेषु तूर्येषु वल्गन्तौ रुतनूपुरौ ॥ २९ ॥
gopān vayasyān ākṛṣya taiḥ saṁsṛjya vijahratuḥ vādyamāneṣu tūryeṣu valgantau ruta-nūpurau
Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma then called Their young cowherd boyfriends to join Them, and in their company the Lords danced about and sported, Their ankle bells resounding as musical instruments played.
Nowadays we see that in championship boxing matches, as soon as there is a victory, all the friends and relatives of the victorious boxer rush into the ring to congratulate him, and often the champion will dance about in great happiness. Exactly in this mood, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma danced about, celebrating Their victory with Their friends and relatives.
FAQs
This verse shows Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma joyfully sporting with Their cowherd friends amid the blaring instruments, revealing divine serenity and līlā even in the tense setting of Kaṁsa’s arena.
Śukadeva describes Them drawing Their Vraja companions close to highlight Their intimate sakhya-bhāva (friendship mood) and to contrast Their inner bliss with the hostile atmosphere arranged by Kaṁsa.
Keep devotional joy and steady remembrance of the Lord even amid pressure—by staying connected to sādhus/devotee friends and engaging the senses (like hearing and kīrtana) in uplifting, God-centered association.