Shloka 22
Kṛṣṇa Enters Mathurā: City Splendor, Devotees’ Reception, and the Washerman’s Fate
ददर्श तां स्फाटिकतुङ्गगोपुर- द्वारां बृहद्धेमकपाटतोरणाम् । ताम्रारकोष्ठां परिखादुरासदा- मुद्यानरम्योपवनोपशोभिताम् ॥ २० ॥ सौवर्णशृङ्गाटकहर्म्यनिष्कुटै: श्रेणीसभाभिर्भवनैरुपस्कृताम् । वैदूर्यवज्रामलनीलविद्रुमै- र्मुक्ताहरिद्भिर्वलभीषु वेदिषु ॥ २१ ॥ जुष्टेषु जालामुखरन्ध्रकुट्टिमे- ष्वाविष्टपारावतबर्हिनादिताम् । संसिक्तरथ्यापणमार्गचत्वरां प्रकीर्णमाल्याङ्कुरलाजतण्डुलाम् ॥ २२ ॥ आपूर्णकुम्भैर्दधिचन्दनोक्षितै: प्रसूनदीपावलिभि: सपल्लवै: । सवृन्दरम्भाक्रमुकै: सकेतुभि: स्वलङ्कृतद्वारगृहां सपट्टिकै: ॥ २३ ॥
dadarśa tāṁ sphāṭika-tuṇga-gopura- dvārāṁ bṛhad-dhema-kapāṭa-toraṇām tāmrāra-koṣṭhāṁ parikhā-durāsadām udyāna-ramyopavanopaśobhitām
A cidade ressoava com os chamados de pavões e rolas domésticas pousados nas pequenas aberturas das janelas rendilhadas e sobre pisos cravejados de gemas. As avenidas, ruas de mercado, vielas e praças estavam aspergidas com água; e por toda parte se espalhavam guirlandas, brotos novos, grãos tostados e arroz.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura gives this description of the elaborately decorated pots: “On either side of each doorway, above the scattered rice, is a pot. Encircling each pot are flower petals, on its neck are ribbons and in its mouth are leaves of mango and other trees. Above each pot, on a gold plate, are rows of lamps. A trunk of a banana tree stands on either side of each pot, and a betel-nut tree trunk stands in front and also behind. Flags lean against the pots.”
FAQs
This verse describes Mathura’s streets and public places being sprinkled with water and strewn with garlands and auspicious grains, while the city resounded with birds—showing a festive, reverent welcome for Krishna.
The vivid details emphasize Mathura’s auspicious mood and public celebration, highlighting how the Lord’s presence evokes beauty, order, and devotional festivity in the world.
Devotion can be expressed through mindful preparation—cleanliness, beauty, and offering a welcoming atmosphere—turning ordinary spaces into places of remembrance and service.