Shloka 2
The Kātyāyanī-vrata, the Stealing of the Gopīs’ Garments, and Kṛṣṇa’s Teaching on Purified Desire
आप्लुत्याम्भसि कालिन्द्या जलान्ते चोदितेऽरुणे । कृत्वा प्रतिकृतिं देवीमानर्चुर्नृप सैकतीम् ॥ २ ॥ गन्धैर्माल्यै: सुरभिभिर्बलिभिर्धूपदीपकै: । उच्चावचैश्चोपहारै: प्रवालफलतण्डुलै: ॥ ३ ॥
āplutyāmbhasi kālindyā jalānte codite ’ruṇe kṛtvā pratikṛtiṁ devīm ānarcur nṛpa saikatīm
Ô roi, à l’aube, après s’être baignées dans les eaux de la Yamunā (Kālindī), les gopīs façonnèrent sur la rive sablonneuse une effigie d’argile de la Déesse et l’adorèrent. Elles offrirent pâte de santal et autres parfums, guirlandes odorantes, offrandes, encens et lampes, ainsi que divers présents, simples ou somptueux : fruits, bétel et noix d’arec, jeunes pousses et riz.
The word balibhiḥ in this verse indicates offerings of clothing, ornaments, food and so on.
FAQs
It describes the Vraja gopīs bathing in the Yamunā at dawn, making a sand image of Goddess Kātyāyanī, and worshiping her as part of their vow to attain Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Their worship was a devotional vow meant to support their single-minded desire for Kṛṣṇa; the rite expresses focused longing (bhakti) rather than independent pursuit of material boons.
Begin spiritual practice with purity and discipline—regular morning sādhana, simplicity, and a clear intention—offering all efforts toward one sincere spiritual goal.