Trivakrā’s Transformation and the Breaking of Kaṁsa’s Bow
Mathurā-līlā Prelude
रूपपेशलमाधुर्यहसितालापवीक्षितै: । धर्षितात्मा ददौ सान्द्रमुभयोरनुलेपनम् ॥ ४ ॥
rūpa-peśala-mādhurya hasitālāpa-vīkṣitaiḥ dharṣitātmā dadau sāndram ubhayor anulepanam
Bị choáng ngợp bởi vẻ đẹp, duyên dáng, sự ngọt ngào, nụ cười, lời nói và ánh nhìn của Kṛṣṇa, tâm nàng Trivakrā rung động; nàng liền dâng cho Kṛṣṇa và Balarāma lượng dầu xoa dày và hào phóng.
This incident is also described in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa (5.20.7):
This verse says Kubjā, overwhelmed by Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma’s beauty, sweetness, smiles, words, and glances, offered both of Them a rich, thick sandal-paste application as loving service.
In the Mathurā narrative, Kubjā is drawn to Them by Their divine charm and becomes eager to render service; her offering of sandal paste is a spontaneous act of devotion prompted by their presence.
Let devotion express itself through sincere, tangible service—offering one’s best with a receptive heart—because bhakti often begins with simple acts done in appreciation of the Divine.