Shloka 17
Akrūra’s Mission: The Departure from Vraja and the Yamunā Vision of Viṣṇu-Ananta
गतिं सुललितां चेष्टां स्निग्धहासावलोकनम् । शोकापहानि नर्माणि प्रोद्दामचरितानि च ॥ १७ ॥ चिन्तयन्त्यो मुकुन्दस्य भीता विरहकातरा: । समेता: सङ्घश: प्रोचुरश्रुमुख्योऽच्युताशया: ॥ १८ ॥
gatiṁ su-lalitāṁ ceṣṭāṁ snigdha-hāsāvalokanam śokāpahāni narmāṇi proddāma-caritāni ca
Temiendo incluso la más breve separación de Mukunda, las gopīs recordaban su andar grácil, sus juegos, sus miradas sonrientes y afectuosas, sus bromas que disipaban la pena y sus hazañas heroicas; y, ante la gran separación inminente, quedaron fuera de sí por la angustia. Se reunieron en grupos y se hablaron unas a otras, con el rostro cubierto de lágrimas y la mente refugiada en Acyuta.
FAQs
This verse shows the gopīs absorbing their minds in Kṛṣṇa’s gait, smiles, words, and deeds—remembrance itself becomes their way of staying with Him, even amid separation.
Because these intimate exchanges are the heart of their relationship with Mukunda; His affectionate humor and looks are described as śokāpahāni—those that remove their grief.
When distressed, intentionally remember or recite Kṛṣṇa’s qualities and pastimes; devotional recollection can steady the mind and soften sorrow.