Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 13

Kṛṣṇa’s Arrival at Dvārakā

Dvārakā-praveśa and Bhakta-vātsalya

Devanagari script

गोपुरद्वारमार्गेषु कृतकौतुकतोरणाम् । चित्रध्वजपताकाग्रैरन्त: प्रतिहतातपाम् ॥ १३ ॥

Transliteration

gopura-dvāra-mārgeṣu kṛta-kautuka-toraṇām citra-dhvaja-patākāgrair antaḥ pratihatātapām

Translation

城门楼、家门与道路两旁皆立起喜庆的拱门彩饰；彩绘旗帜与幡幢的尖端遮蔽了阳光热烈，使城内少受曝晒。这一切都为迎接主而庄严装点。

Synonyms

• gopura-dvāra-mārgeṣu: in the gate-towers, doorways, and streets
• gopura-dvāra-mārgeṣu: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: gopura (प्रातिपदिक) + dvāra (प्रातिपदिक) + mārga (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सप्तमी (7th), बहुवचन; इतरेतर-द्वन्द्व: 'in the tower-gates, doors, and roads/streets'

• kṛta-kautuka-toraṇām: adorned with festive arches
• kṛta-kautuka-toraṇām: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: kṛta (कृदन्त; √kṛ) + kautuka (प्रातिपदिक) + toraṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन; समास: 'kautuka-toraṇaiḥ kṛtā' (made/ornamented with festive arches) describing a city (implicit purīm)

• citra-dhvaja-patākāgraiḥ: with the tops of colorful flags and banners
• citra-dhvaja-patākāgraiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: citra (प्रातिपदिक) + dhvaja (प्रातिपदिक) + patākā (प्रातिपदिक) + agra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग/पुंलिङ्ग (contextual), तृतीया (3rd), बहुवचन; समास: 'citrāṇāṁ dhvajānāṁ patākānāṁ ca agrāṇi' / 'with the tips/tops of colorful flags and banners'

• antaḥ: within
• antaḥ: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: antaḥ (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (adverb): 'inside/within'

• pratihata-ātapām: with sunlight/heat kept out
• pratihata-ātapām: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: pratihata (कृदन्त; prati√han) + ātapa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन; समास: 'ātapaḥ pratihataḥ yasyām' (in which heat/sun-glare is checked) describing the city

Purport

Signs of decoration in special festivals were also collected from the gifts of nature, such as the plantain trees, the mango trees, fruits and flowers. Mango trees, coconut palms and plantain trees are still accepted as auspicious signs. The flags mentioned above were all painted with the picture of either Garuḍa or Hanumān, the two great servitors of the Lord. For devotees, such paintings and decorations are still adored, and the servitor of the master is paid more respects for the satisfaction of the Lord.

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about welcoming Krishna in Dvārakā?

This verse describes Dvārakā’s streets and gateways adorned with festive toranas and colorful flags, showing the citizens’ loving eagerness to honor Krishna’s arrival.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī describe flags and banners blocking the sun’s heat?

He highlights the grandeur and care in Krishna’s reception—Dvārakā was so richly decorated that even the sunlight seemed softened, emphasizing devotional celebration and auspiciousness.

Practical application of this shloka’s message in modern life?

Offer your best arrangement when welcoming the Lord—through cleanliness, beauty, and heartfelt celebration—making your home and mind a fit, joyful place for bhakti.