Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
Trivakrā’s Transformation and the Breaking of Kaṁsa’s Bow
Mathurā-līlā Prelude
रूपपेशलमाधुर्यहसितालापवीक्षितै: । धर्षितात्मा ददौ सान्द्रमुभयोरनुलेपनम् ॥ ४ ॥
rūpa-peśala-mādhurya hasitālāpa-vīkṣitaiḥ dharṣitātmā dadau sāndram ubhayor anulepanam
ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਰੂਪ, ਲਾਵਣ੍ਯ, ਮਾਧੁਰ੍ਯ, ਹਾਸੇ, ਬੋਲ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਗਾਹਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਮੋਹਿਤ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ; ਤਦ ਤ੍ਰਿਵਕ੍ਰਾ ਨੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਅਤੇ ਬਲਰਾਮ ਦੋਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਘਣਾ ਤੇ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਲੇਪ ਦੇ ਦਿੱਤਾ।
This incident is also described in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa (5.20.7):
FAQs
This verse says Kubjā, overwhelmed by Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma’s beauty, sweetness, smiles, words, and glances, offered both of Them a rich, thick sandal-paste application as loving service.
In the Mathurā narrative, Kubjā is drawn to Them by Their divine charm and becomes eager to render service; her offering of sandal paste is a spontaneous act of devotion prompted by their presence.
Let devotion express itself through sincere, tangible service—offering one’s best with a receptive heart—because bhakti often begins with simple acts done in appreciation of the Divine.