Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 19
Gopī-gīta: The Song of the Gopīs in Separation
Viraha-bhakti
यत्ते सुजातचरणाम्बुरुहं स्तनेषु भीता: शनै: प्रिय दधीमहि कर्कशेषु । तेनाटवीमटसि तद् व्यथते न किंस्वित् कूर्पादिभिर्भ्रमति धीर्भवदायुषां न: ॥ १९ ॥
yat te sujāta-caraṇāmburuhaṁ staneṣu bhītāḥ śanaiḥ priya dadhīmahi karkaśeṣu tenāṭavīm aṭasi tad vyathate na kiṁ svit kūrpādibhir bhramati dhīr bhavad-āyuṣāṁ naḥ
亲爱的啊，你那善生的莲花足如此柔嫩，我们唯恐受伤，才轻轻把它放在我们坚实的胸前。我们的生命只系于你；因此当你行走林间小径时，我们的心神惶惶：碎石与卵石会不会刺痛你那娇嫩的足呢？
The translation of this verse is from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s English rendering of Caitanya-caritāmṛta ( Ādi 4.173) .
FAQs
It portrays the gopīs’ tender concern that Kṛṣṇa’s delicate lotus feet—once carefully placed on their breasts—might be hurt as He walks in the forest among thorns and stones, revealing their intimate, selfless love.
They recall moments of closeness in Vraja to express the depth of their separation (viraha) now; the memory becomes a way to serve Kṛṣṇa through loving चिंता (anxious care) for His comfort.
It teaches bhakti as practical, selfless concern for the Lord—shifting focus from one’s own pain to the well-being of Kṛṣṇa, expressed through remembrance, prayer, and loving service.