Arjuna’s Lament, the End of the Yadus, and the Pāṇḍavas’ Departure
नर्माण्युदाररुचिरस्मितशोभितानि हे पार्थ हेऽर्जुन सखे कुरुनन्दनेति । सञ्जल्पितानि नरदेव हृदिस्पृशानि स्मर्तुर्लुठन्ति हृदयं मम माधवस्य ॥ १८ ॥
narmāṇy udāra-rucira-smita-śobhitāni he pārtha he ’rjuna sakhe kuru-nandaneti sañjalpitāni nara-deva hṛdi-spṛśāni smartur luṭhanti hṛdayaṁ mama mādhavasya
O King, Mādhava’s playful jests and candid words were delightful, adorned with a radiant smile. When I remember how He addressed me—“O son of Pṛthā, O Arjuna, My friend, O joy of the Kurus”—such heart-touching intimacy overwhelms my very heart.
It teaches that remembering Krishna’s affectionate, heart-touching words can intensely stir the devotee’s heart—showing the power of smaraṇa (remembrance) and the pain of separation that deepens devotion.
After Krishna’s departure from the world, Arjuna is overwhelmed by separation; Krishna’s intimate addresses remind him of their close friendship and Krishna’s personal care, which now causes deep longing.
Practice daily remembrance—reading Krishna’s pastimes, chanting His names, and recalling His qualities—so the heart stays connected to Him even amid loss, change, or uncertainty.