Kṛṣṇa Enters Mathurā: City Splendor, Devotees’ Reception, and the Washerman’s Fate
तस्य प्रसन्नो भगवान् प्रादात्सारूप्यमात्मन: । श्रियं च परमां लोके बलैश्वर्यस्मृतीन्द्रियम् ॥ ४२ ॥
tasya prasanno bhagavān prādāt sārūpyam ātmanaḥ śriyaṁ ca paramāṁ loke balaiśvarya-smṛtīndriyam
Satisfait du tisserand, le Bhagavān lui accorda qu’après la mort il atteindrait la délivrance consistant à obtenir une forme semblable à celle du Seigneur (sārūpya); et qu’en ce monde il jouirait d’une prospérité suprême, de force, de puissance, d’influence, de mémoire et de vigueur des sens.
This verse shows that when Kṛṣṇa is pleased by sincere bhakti, He can grant extraordinary benedictions—material excellence (strength, prosperity, sharp senses) and even a spiritual gift like sārūpya, a form resembling His own.
In the narrative, Sudāmā offered fragrant garlands and wholehearted service to Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma; pleased by that loving devotion, Kṛṣṇa reciprocated by granting him elevated prosperity and a divine, Lord-like form.
Offer your skills and resources in a spirit of devotion—without bargaining—and trust that sincere service brings inner strength, clarity of mind, and lasting upliftment by divine grace.