Shloka 19
Veṇu-gīta-āhvāna and the Gopīs’ Appeal: The Opening of Rāsa-līlā
रजन्येषा घोररूपा घोरसत्त्वनिषेविता । प्रतियात व्रजं नेह स्थेयं स्त्रीभि: सुमध्यमा: ॥ १९ ॥
rajany eṣā ghora-rūpā ghora-sattva-niṣevitā pratiyāta vrajaṁ neha stheyaṁ strībhiḥ su-madhyamāḥ
ഈ രാത്രി ഭയാനകമാണ്; ഭയങ്കര ജീവികൾ ഇവിടെ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നു. ഓ സുന്ദര ഇടയുള്ളവരേ, വ്രജത്തിലേക്ക് മടങ്ങുക; സ്ത്രീകൾക്ക് ഇവിടെ താമസിക്കേണ്ടതല്ല।
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has written the following charming commentary on this verse:
FAQs
In 10.29.19, Kṛṣṇa points out the danger of the night and tells the gopīs to return to Vraja, setting up a loving test that highlights the depth and purity of their bhakti.
After calling them with His flute, Kṛṣṇa speaks in a way that appears discouraging—citing propriety and danger—so the gopīs’ unwavering, selfless devotion can be revealed and glorified.
True devotion is steady even when challenged; at the same time, spiritual life should be practiced with discernment, responsibility, and respect for appropriate conduct.