Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 63
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
प्रागकल्पाच्च कुशलं भ्रातर्वो नाचराम हि । अधुना श्रीमदान्धाक्षा न पश्याम: पुर: सत: ॥ ६३ ॥
prāg akalpāc ca kuśalaṁ bhrātar vo nācarāma hi adhunā śrī-madāndhākṣā na paśyāmaḥ puraḥ sataḥ
Kapatid ko, noon ay wala kaming nagawa para sa iyong kapakanan dahil hindi namin kaya; at ngayon, kahit narito ka sa harap namin, ang aming mga mata ay nabulag sa pagkalango sa makamundong ginhawa kaya patuloy ka pa rin naming binabalewala.
While living under the tyranny of Kaṁsa, Vasudeva was unable to do anything to help Nanda and his subjects defend themselves against the many demons sent from Mathurā to kill Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.
FAQs
This verse expresses the pain of separation: even among relatives and well-wishers, the heart feels incomplete when the Lord is not seen “before one’s eyes,” highlighting devotion as loving remembrance and yearning.
The Andhakas are a branch within the Yādava/Vṛṣṇi clans connected with Krishna’s family circle; the verse addresses them respectfully as “fortunate Andhakas.”
It teaches to regularly check in on others’ welfare and, more importantly, to keep one’s practice steady so that the presence of the Lord is felt through remembrance, worship, and association with devotees.