The Killing of Cāṇūra, Muṣṭika, and Kaṁsa; Liberation and Restoration of Dharma in Mathurā
वल्गत: शत्रुमभित: कृष्णस्य वदनाम्बुजम् । वीक्ष्यतां श्रमवार्युप्तं पद्मकोशमिवाम्बुभि: ॥ ११ ॥
valgataḥ śatrum abhitaḥ kṛṣṇasya vadanāmbujam vīkṣyatāṁ śrama-vāry-uptaṁ padma-kośam ivāmbubhiḥ
Lihatlah wajah teratai Śrī Kṛṣṇa ketika Baginda meluru mengelilingi musuh! Wajah itu diselaputi titisan peluh akibat pertarungan yang berat, bagaikan kuntum teratai yang disirami embun.
This verse describes Kṛṣṇa’s face as a lotus, made even more beautiful by the sweat of exertion, showing that His humanlike pastimes intensify devotees’ loving vision (darśana) rather than diminish His divinity.
The comparison highlights tenderness and beauty: just as water droplets enhance a lotus bud’s charm, Kṛṣṇa’s perspiration in battle enhances the sweetness of His form for the onlookers.
Train the mind to see the Lord’s presence even in effort and struggle—remembering Kṛṣṇa while working hard can turn exertion into devotion and deepen one’s appreciation of divine beauty.