Shloka 66
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
नन्दस्तु सख्यु: प्रियकृत् प्रेम्णा गोविन्दरामयो: । अद्य श्व इति मासांस्त्रीन् यदुभिर्मानितोऽवसत् ॥ ६६ ॥
nandas tu sakhyuḥ priya-kṛt premṇā govinda-rāmayoḥ adya śva iti māsāṁs trīn yadubhir mānito ’vasat
Nanda, too, was filled with affection for his friend Vasudeva. Out of love for Govinda and Balarāma he kept saying, “I will leave today” and “I will leave tomorrow,” yet, honored by all the Yadus, he stayed on for three more months.
After settling that he would leave first thing in the morning, Nanda would then decide, “I’ll go later today,” and then, when the afternoon came, he would say, “I’ll just stay until tomorrow.” Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī suggests one possible reason for his procrastination: Nanda secretly intended to bring Kṛṣṇa back with him to Vraja but did not want to break Vasudeva’s heart. Thus his indecision continued for three months.
FAQs
Because the Yadus respectfully hosted and honored him, and out of affection and ongoing social duties he kept postponing departure, thinking each day “today or tomorrow.”
It means “today or tomorrow,” expressing how Nanda intended to leave soon but kept delaying due to loving reception and circumstances.
Sincere kindness and service (priya-kṛt) naturally attract love and respect, and saintly association and hospitality can deepen devotion beyond one’s planned schedule.