Shloka 16
The Departure of Lord Kṛṣṇa from Hastināpura
प्रासादशिखरारूढा: कुरुनार्यो दिदृक्षया । ववृषु: कुसुमै: कृष्णं प्रेमव्रीडास्मितेक्षणा: ॥ १६ ॥
prāsāda-śikharārūḍhāḥ kuru-nāryo didṛkṣayā vavṛṣuḥ kusumaiḥ kṛṣṇaṁ prema-vrīḍā-smitekṣaṇāḥ
ด้วยความปรารถนาอันเปี่ยมรักที่จะได้ทอดพระเนตร พระนางกุรุทั้งหลายขึ้นไปบนยอดปราสาท แล้วโปรยดอกไม้ลงเหนือพระกฤษณะ ด้วยสายตายิ้มละมุนที่ผสานทั้งรักและความเขินอาย
Shyness is a particular extra-natural beauty of the fair sex, and it commands respect from the opposite sex. This custom was observed even during the days of the Mahābhārata, i.e., more than five thousand years ago. It is only the less intelligent persons not well versed in the history of the world who say that observance of separation of female from male is an introduction of the Mohammedan period in India. This incident from the Mahābhārata period proves definitely that the ladies of the palace observed strict pardā (restricted association with men), and instead of coming down in the open air where Lord Kṛṣṇa and others were assembled, the ladies of the palace went up on the top of the palace and from there paid their respects to Lord Kṛṣṇa by showers of flowers. It is definitely stated here that the ladies were smiling there on the top of the palace, checked by shyness. This shyness is a gift of nature to the fair sex, and it enhances their beauty and prestige, even if they are of a less important family or even if they are less attractive. We have practical experience of this fact. A sweeper woman commanded the respect of many respectable gentlemen simply by manifesting a lady’s shyness. Half-naked ladies in the street do not command any respect, but a shy sweeper’s wife commands respect from all.
FAQs
This verse shows devotees yearning simply to see Krishna, and expressing that love by offering flowers and affectionate, reverent glances—darshan itself becomes an act of bhakti.
As Krishna was departing, the Kuru women climbed to the palace rooftops to catch sight of Him and honored Him spontaneously by showering flowers, their hearts moved by love and modest joy.
Cultivate regular “darshan”—seeing the Lord through deity worship, sacred images, and hearing His pastimes—and offer simple, sincere acts (flowers, prayers, gratitude) with humility and love.