Shloka 12
Chapter 90
नटानां नर्तकीनां च गीत-वाद्योपजीविनाम् ।
क्रीडालङ्कार-वासांसि कृष्णो 'दात् तस्य च स्त्रियः ॥
naṭānāṃ nartakīnāṃ ca gīta-vādyopajīvinām / krīḍālaṅkāra-vāsāṃsi kṛṣṇo 'dāt tasya ca striyaḥ //
ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണൻ നടന്മാർക്കും നർത്തകിമാർക്കും പാട്ടും വാദ്യവും കൊണ്ട് ജീവിക്കുന്നവർക്കും വസ്ത്രങ്ങളും ആഭരണങ്ങളും വിനോദദാനങ്ങളും നൽകി; അവരുടെ സ്ത്രീകൾക്കും ദാനം നൽകി।
After describing the Lord’s joyous sporting, the Bhāgavata immediately shows His generosity and social harmony. Kṛṣṇa honors the artists—actors, dancers, singers, and musicians—who support auspicious celebration, and He ensures well-being beyond the performers themselves by also giving to their families. In Vedic culture, public festivals and sacred occasions are sustained by many contributors; Kṛṣṇa’s gifts recognize dignified labor and encourage dhārmic prosperity. Spiritually, this verse reveals a balanced portrait of bhakti culture: devotion is not only inward contemplation but also respectful reciprocity, gratitude, and care for dependents. The Lord’s giving demonstrates that true opulence is meant for uplifting others, not hoarding. For devotees, the lesson is to support sacred arts (kīrtana, music, devotional drama) and to practice charity that strengthens the community of dharma—especially those who serve in devotional expression.
FAQs
Here Kṛṣṇa gives gifts to performers and also to their families, showing that dhārmic charity is considerate, community-supporting, and generous.
It highlights the sacred and social role of devotional arts in celebration and underscores Kṛṣṇa’s appreciation for those who sustain auspicious culture.
Support kīrtana and devotional arts, and practice thoughtful giving—helping not only visible contributors but also those who depend on them.