Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 16
Gopī-gīta in Separation: The Flute’s Call and Vraja’s Ecstatic Response
निजपदाब्जदलैर्ध्वजवज्र- नीरजाङ्कुशविचित्रललामै: । व्रजभुव: शमयन् खुरतोदं वर्ष्मधुर्यगतिरीडितवेणु: ॥ १६ ॥ व्रजति तेन वयं सविलास- वीक्षणार्पितमनोभववेगा: । कुजगतिं गमिता न विदाम: कश्मलेन कवरं वसनं वा ॥ १७ ॥
nija-padābja-dalair dhvaja-vajra nīrajāṅkuśa-vicitra-lalāmaiḥ vraja-bhuvaḥ śamayan khura-todaṁ varṣma-dhurya-gatir īḍita-veṇuḥ
Habang naglalakad si Śrī Kṛṣṇa sa Vraja gamit ang Kanyang mga paang malambot na parang talulot ng lotus—may mga tatak na watawat, kulog-vajra, lotus, at pangkawit ng elepante—pinapawi Niya ang kirot ng lupa na tinutusok ng mga kuko ng baka. Habang tinutugtog Niya ang Kanyang bantog na plawta, ang Kanyang katawan ay kumikilos sa matamis na lakad na parang elepante. Kaya kaming mga gopī, na ginugulo ng pagnanasa kapag nililingon Niya kami nang mapaglaro, ay tumitigil na parang mga puno, hindi namamalayan na lumuluwag na ang aming buhok at kasuotan dahil sa pagkahumaling.
Here mother Yaśodā is no longer in the company of the gopīs, who are confidentially describing their conjugal attraction to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. It is clear from the comments of Jīva Gosvāmī and other ācāryas that the statements in this chapter were made at various times and places. This is natural, since the gopīs were always absorbed in thoughts of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, day and night.
FAQs
In this verse, the gopīs describe Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet as bearing auspicious signs—flag, thunderbolt, lotus, and goad—seen as uniquely beautiful and spiritually significant, intensifying their devotion and remembrance.
They poetically portray Kṛṣṇa’s compassionate presence: even the earth of Vraja, pained by the hooves of cows and calves, feels relief as He walks upon her with tender lotus feet—showing how all of Vraja is included in His līlā.
Contemplating the Lord’s lotus feet cultivates humility, steadiness, and devotion—helping one transform ordinary stress into remembrance and service-mindedness.