Shloka 3
Chapter 90
नित्यं सङ्कुलमार्गायां मदच्युद्भिर्मतङ्गजैः । स्वलङ्कृतैर्भटैरश्वैरथैश्च कनकोज्ज्वलैः ॥
nityaṃ saṅkula-mārgāyāṃ mada-cyudbhir mataṅ-gajaiḥ / sv-alaṅkṛtair bhaṭair aśvai rathaiś ca kanakojjvalaiḥ //
Setiap hari jalan-jalan Dvārakā sesak—dipenuhi gajah mabuk yang menitis cecair rut, serta askar, kuda dan rata yang berhias indah dan berkilau emas.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī continues describing the opulence and constant festive movement of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s capital, Dvārakā. The verse paints a living cityscape: thoroughfares always busy with royal processions, military guards, and splendid conveyances. The mention of elephants in rut, decorated warriors, and gold-bright chariots indicates not mere wealth but organized prosperity—security, culture, and royal dignity all functioning harmoniously under Kṛṣṇa’s protection. In Bhāgavata theology, such prosperity is not the ultimate goal; it becomes spiritually meaningful because it is centered on the Supreme Lord. Dvārakā’s opulence thus serves as a backdrop to Kṛṣṇa’s līlā, showing how even material grandeur reaches perfection when used in service to Bhagavān and when the city’s life is oriented toward His presence.
FAQs
This verse says Dvārakā’s streets were always crowded with elephants, decorated soldiers, horses, and gold-shining chariots—showing constant royal activity and opulence under Kṛṣṇa’s rule.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating these details to Mahārāja Parīkṣit as part of the Dvārakā-līlā descriptions in the Tenth Canto.
The takeaway is to center prosperity and organization around devotion—using resources, skills, and success in a way that supports dharma and service to Bhagavān rather than mere display.