Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 61
Uddhava Meets the Gopīs: Bhramara-gītā and Kṛṣṇa’s Message of Separation
आसामहो चरणरेणुजुषामहं स्यां वृन्दावने किमपि गुल्मलतौषधीनाम् । या दुस्त्यजं स्वजनमार्यपथं च हित्वा भेजुर्मुकुन्दपदवीं श्रुतिभिर्विमृग्याम् ॥ ६१ ॥
āsām aho caraṇa-reṇu-juṣām ahaṁ syāṁ vṛndāvane kim api gulma-latauṣadhīnām yā dustyajaṁ sva-janam ārya-pathaṁ ca hitvā bhejur mukunda-padavīṁ śrutibhir vimṛgyām
Nawa’y maging isang palumpong, baging, o halamang-gamot sa Vṛndāvana, upang matamasa ko ang alikabok ng lotus na paa ng mga gopī. Iniwan nila ang mga asawang lalaki, anak, at kamag-anak na napakahirap talikuran, pati ang landas ng dangal, at sumilong sa yapak ni Mukunda, si Śrī Kṛṣṇa, na hinahanap sa kaalaman ng Veda.
The word meanings and translation for this verse are taken from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s English rendering of Caitanya-caritāmṛta ( Antya 7.47) .
FAQs
In this verse Uddhava declares the gopīs’ devotion to be so exalted that he desires to become a plant in Vṛndāvana just to receive the dust of their feet, because they attained Mukunda—the goal even the Vedas seek.
After witnessing the gopīs’ unparalleled love and surrender to Kṛṣṇa, Uddhava expresses extreme humility, valuing even indirect service—receiving their foot-dust—above any prestige or position.
Cultivate reverence for sincere devotees, seek opportunities for service without ego, and prioritize loving remembrance of Kṛṣṇa over social approval—mirroring the gopīs’ single-minded dedication.