Shloka 9
Veṇu-gīta-āhvāna and the Gopīs’ Appeal: The Opening of Rāsa-līlā
अन्तर्गृहगता: काश्चिद् गोप्योऽलब्धविनिर्गमा: । कृष्णं तद्भावनायुक्ता दध्युर्मीलितलोचना: ॥ ९ ॥
antar-gṛha-gatāḥ kāścid gopyo ’labdha-vinirgamāḥ kṛṣṇaṁ tad-bhāvanā-yuktā dadhyur mīlita-locanāḥ
ചില ഗോപികമാർ വീട്ടിനകത്ത് തന്നെ നിന്നു; പുറത്തേക്ക് പോകാൻ അവർക്കു സാധിച്ചില്ല. അവർ കണ്ണുകൾ അടച്ച്, ശുദ്ധപ്രേമഭാവത്തിൽ ഏകാഗ്രരായി, ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണനെ ധ്യാനിച്ചു।
Throughout the Tenth Canto, Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura gives elaborate poetic commentaries on Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes. It is not always possible to include these extensive descriptions, but we will quote in its entirety his comments on this verse. It is our sincere recommendation to the learned Vaiṣṇava community that a qualified devotee of the Lord present the entire commentary of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī on the Tenth Canto as a separate book, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by devotees and nondevotees alike. The ācārya’s comments on this verse are as follows:
FAQs
This verse shows that even when the gopīs were unable to go out, they attained closeness to Kṛṣṇa through intense inner absorption—closing their eyes and meditating on Him with full bhāvanā.
They were kept inside their homes and could not find a way to leave; the narrative highlights that their devotion did not stop—unable to meet Him outwardly, they met Him inwardly through meditation.
When circumstances limit external practice, deepen internal practice—remember Kṛṣṇa, contemplate His qualities and pastimes, and focus the mind with sincerity, as the gopīs did.