The Killing of Cāṇūra, Muṣṭika, and Kaṁsa; Liberation and Restoration of Dharma in Mathurā
तेषां स्त्रियो महाराज सुहृन्मरणदु:खिता: । तत्राभीयुर्विनिघ्नन्त्य: शीर्षाण्यश्रुविलोचना: ॥ ४३ ॥
teṣāṁ striyo mahā-rāja suhṛn-maraṇa-duḥkhitāḥ tatrābhīyur vinighnantyaḥ śīrṣāṇy aśru-vilocanāḥ
Oh, gran rey, las esposas de Kaṁsa y de sus hermanos, afligidas por la muerte de sus maridos bienhechores, se acercaron allí con los ojos llenos de lágrimas, golpeándose la cabeza.
This verse depicts natural human grief—tearful lamentation and self-striking—showing how deep attachment brings sorrow when death occurs, even amid Kṛṣṇa’s divine pastimes.
It is a traditional sign of intense mourning: having lost their husbands or relatives in the arena, they rush in and express unbearable grief through such gestures.
It reminds us that worldly relationships, though precious, are temporary; cultivating devotion and spiritual perspective helps one face loss with steadiness and remembrance of the Lord.