Shloka 4
Balarāma Visits Vraja: Consoling the Gopīs and Dragging the Yamunā
गोपवृद्धांश्च विधिवद् यविष्ठैरभिवन्दित: । यथावयो यथासख्यं यथासम्बन्धमात्मन: ॥ ४ ॥ समुपेत्याथ गोपालान् हास्यहस्तग्रहादिभि: । विश्रान्तं सुखमासीनं पप्रच्छु: पर्युपागता: ॥ ५ ॥ पृष्टाश्चानामयं स्वेषु प्रेमगद्गदया गिरा । कृष्णे कमलपत्राक्षे सन्न्यस्ताखिलराधस: ॥ ६ ॥
gopa-vṛddhāṁś ca vidhi-vad yaviṣṭhair abhivanditaḥ yathā-vayo yathā-sakhyaṁ yathā-sambandham ātmanaḥ
Lord Balarāma duly offered respects to the elder cowherd men, and the younger ones greeted Him with reverence. According to each one’s age, friendship, and family tie, He met them personally with smiles, handshakes, and the like. Then, after resting, the Lord sat comfortably as they gathered around Him. With voices trembling in love—having entrusted everything to lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa—the cowherds asked about the welfare of their dear ones in Dvārakā, and Balarāma in turn inquired about the cowherds’ well-being.
FAQs
This verse highlights vidhivat—proper, dharmic etiquette—where younger members honor elder gopas, showing that devotion is expressed through humble social conduct.
He depicts the natural, affectionate order of Vraja life—relationships are personal and devotional, so interactions follow one’s specific bond, not mere formality.
Maintain humility and appropriate respect—honor seniors, be warm with friends, and act responsibly within each relationship, making devotion visible through behavior.