Shloka 4
Balarāma Visits Vraja: Consoling the Gopīs and Dragging the Yamunā
गोपवृद्धांश्च विधिवद् यविष्ठैरभिवन्दित: । यथावयो यथासख्यं यथासम्बन्धमात्मन: ॥ ४ ॥ समुपेत्याथ गोपालान् हास्यहस्तग्रहादिभि: । विश्रान्तं सुखमासीनं पप्रच्छु: पर्युपागता: ॥ ५ ॥ पृष्टाश्चानामयं स्वेषु प्रेमगद्गदया गिरा । कृष्णे कमलपत्राक्षे सन्न्यस्ताखिलराधस: ॥ ६ ॥
gopa-vṛddhāṁś ca vidhi-vad yaviṣṭhair abhivanditaḥ yathā-vayo yathā-sakhyaṁ yathā-sambandham ātmanaḥ
バララーマ主は、年長の牧人たちに作法どおり敬礼し、年少の者たちもまた恭しく挨拶した。年齢、親しさ、親族関係に応じて、主は微笑みや握手などで一人ひとりに親しく会われた。やがて休息して心地よい座に着くと、皆が周りに集まった。蓮華の眼をもつクリシュナにすべてを捧げた牧人たちは、愛ゆえに声を震わせつつドヴァーラカーの身内の安否を尋ね、バララーマもまた牧人たちの無事を問いかけた。
FAQs
This verse highlights vidhivat—proper, dharmic etiquette—where younger members honor elder gopas, showing that devotion is expressed through humble social conduct.
He depicts the natural, affectionate order of Vraja life—relationships are personal and devotional, so interactions follow one’s specific bond, not mere formality.
Maintain humility and appropriate respect—honor seniors, be warm with friends, and act responsibly within each relationship, making devotion visible through behavior.