When the Gopis heard Him, they winked at each other and were about to mock at Him by classifying Him as ‘ungrateful’, but Sri Krishna wriggled free from their accusation by saying –

“O innocent damsels! You have forsaken social propriety, Vedic conduct and even your loved ones for my sake; I too had disappeared to strengthen your meditation (on me). Hence, O dear ones! It does not suit you to show ill will towards me. I love all of you. Even if I serve you for countless divine years I cannot pay back to you anything equal to your glorious act of self–surrender, prompted by love untarnished by any blemish of selfishness, and breaking the ever–powerful chain of attachment for home and worldly concerns. As I cannot pay back the debt, may your generous act be its own reward.”

– [S.B. 10.32.21-22]

When the sweet Lord spoke so lovingly, the Gopis became jubilant! Seeing this Sri Lilâshuk’s heart too started dancing.

How is Sri Krishna?

‘Pashu-pâla-bâla-parishad-vibhushanah’ – the One Who dazzles like a diamond in the assembly of Gopis.

The Gopis consider Sri Krishna equal to crores of lives. In His absence, they go about with crestfallen faces and only shed tears. Another meaning of this expression is – the assembly of Gopis adorns him. This indicates that although Sri Krishna is the very embodiment of Eros, the abode of infinite beauty and sweetness, He (Vrajendranandan) does not dazzle without being surrounded by the Gopis. He especially needs Swaminijiu to look exceptionally stunning.

“Only when Sri Krishna is accompanied by Radha, He is ‘Madan-mohan’. Otherwise, (although He may mesmerize all universes) He Himself is spellbound by Madan.” Sri Shukadevmuni has describe the Râs–Leelâ as follows –

“tatrâti shu – shubhe tâbhir – bhagavân devakisutah,

madhye manim haimanang madhye-marakato yathâ”

Our saint poet has translated the above verse beautifully –

“The assembly of Gopis shone like gold gemstones, while the Natavar Shyâm dazzled like great emeralds amidst them. All glory! All glory to the wonderful Râs–sport! Countless moons made love to the night and countless nights made love to the moons. Golden creepers embraced innumerable Tamâl trees and the Tamâl trees embraced innumerable golden creepers.”

The poet also said, “His gaze is very soothing and His moon like face is lit up with the moon rays of lâvanya. That smiling kishor is driving me crazy and is overwhelming my heart with bliss.”

(contd…………….)