Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 22
Gopī-gīta in Separation: The Flute’s Call and Vraja’s Ecstatic Response
वत्सलो व्रजगवां यदगध्रो वन्द्यमानचरण: पथि वृद्धै: । कृत्स्नगोधनमुपोह्य दिनान्ते गीतवेणुरनुगेडितकीर्ति: ॥ २२ ॥ उत्सवं श्रमरुचापि दृशीना- मुन्नयन् खुररजश्छुरितस्रक् । दित्सयैति सुहृदासिष एष देवकीजठरभूरुडुराज: ॥ २३ ॥
vatsalo vraja-gavāṁ yad aga-dhro vandyamāna-caraṇaḥ pathi vṛddhaiḥ kṛtsna-go-dhanam upohya dinānte gīta-veṇur anugeḍita-kīrtiḥ
Vì lòng thương yêu sâu nặng đối với đàn bò Vraja, Ngài trở thành Đấng nâng núi Govardhana. Cuối ngày, sau khi lùa trọn đàn bò trở về, Ngài thổi sáo thành khúc ca; dọc đường các bậc trưởng lão đảnh lễ chân Ngài, còn các mục đồng đi theo hát vang vinh quang của Ngài. Vòng hoa Ngài phủ bụi do vó bò tung lên, và vẻ đẹp được tô điểm bởi mỏi mệt trở thành lễ hội cho đôi mắt; khát khao đáp ứng ước nguyện bạn bè, Kṛṣṇa như vầng trăng mọc từ lòng Yaśodā.
According to the ācāryas, at this point the gopīs climbed into the watchtowers of Vṛndāvana’s houses so they could see Kṛṣṇa as soon as possible when He returned home. Mother Yaśodā was very anxious for her son to come back, and therefore she had the tallest of the beautiful young gopīs climb up to see when He would arrive. It is implied here that Kṛṣṇa was somewhat delayed on the way home because His lotus feet were being worshiped by great demigods along the path.
FAQs
This verse describes Krishna as vatsala—tenderly affectionate to the Vraja cows—personally bringing the whole herd home at day’s end, showing His intimate, protective care.
The verse portrays Krishna’s feet being honored by the elders, indicating that even senior Vraja residents recognize His divine excellence and auspicious presence, despite His appearing as a cowherd boy.
Cultivate affectionate service (vatsalatā) toward those under your care, and remember Krishna through sound—like the flute’s music—by regularly hearing and chanting His glories.