The Kātyāyanī-vrata, the Stealing of the Gopīs’ Garments, and Kṛṣṇa’s Teaching on Purified Desire
याताबला व्रजं सिद्धा मयेमा रंस्यथा क्षपा: । यदुद्दिश्य व्रतमिदं चेरुरार्यार्चनं सती: ॥ २७ ॥
yātābalā vrajaṁ siddhā mayemā raṁsyathā kṣapāḥ yad uddiśya vratam idaṁ cerur āryārcanaṁ satīḥ
Allez maintenant, jeunes filles, et retournez à Vraja; votre désir est accompli. En Ma compagnie vous goûterez les nuits à venir—car c’était bien là le but de votre vœu et du culte rendu à la déesse Āryā Kātyāyanī, ô cœurs purs.
This verse states that the gopīs’ vow and worship were successful, and Kṛṣṇa Himself confirms the intended fruit—attaining His association and loving service.
Kṛṣṇa reassures them that their spiritual purpose has been achieved and that He will reciprocate with them in future nights, removing anxiety and affirming His protection.
Undertake spiritual disciplines with a clear devotional aim—purity, sincerity, and remembrance of Bhagavān—rather than mere ritual, trusting that genuine devotion brings divine reciprocation.