Gopala Champu

Chapter Twelve - Herding the Cows

[1] The next day the talks continued.

[2] Snigdhakaṇṭha spoke:

Though Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma’s age was reckoned as three years, since time passed quickly according to Bhāgavatam 10.8.26, their kaumāra period was extended an extra year. At the request of the calves and boys, the kaumāra age remained for another year (till the fourth year), since it passed in a moment, because of Kṛṣṇa’s and the boys’ lack of enjoyment during that year.

[3] At the request of Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma also responded in the same way. Then the paugaṇḍa age became fully manifest for two years (fourth and fifth year), because of the quick appearance of kaiśora period after the joy of living together with friends. We will speak of this after the killing of Dhenuka. Thus, mention of time passing quickly is appropriate in the Bhāgavatam.

tāvad evātmabhūr ātma-mānena truṭy-anehasā |

purovad ābdaṁ krīḍantaṁ dadṛśe sa-kalaṁ harim ||

When Lord Brahmā returned after a moment of time had passed (according to his own measurement), he saw that although by human measurement a complete year had passed, Lord Kṛṣṇa, after all that time, was engaged just as before in playing with the boys and calves, who were his expansions. SB 10.13.40

tataś ca paugaṇḍa-vayaḥ-śrītau vraje babhūvatus tau paśu-pāla-sammatau

gāś cārayantau sakhibhiḥ samaṁ padair vṛndāvanaṁ puṇyam atīva cakratuḥ

When Lord Rāma and Lord Kṛṣṇa attained the age of paugaṇḍa (six) while living in Vṛndāvana, the cowherd men allowed them to take up the task of tending the cows. Engaging thus in the company of their friends, the two boys rendered the land of Vṛndāvana most auspicious by imprinting upon it the marks of their lotus feet. SB 10.15.1

[4] Now we will return to the topic. When Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, attracting the minds of all, played in this way, the fifth year, the last year of kaumāra, finally arrived.

While all people perceived that in that year Kṛṣṇa remained as in the previous year and the year previous to that, he suddenly took on the beauty of paugaṇḍa age and left the kaumāra age. ||1||

Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma reached the paugaṇḍa age and their intelligence increased. Kṛṣṇa’s blackness and Balarāma’s whiteness defeated their luster in the kaumāra period. Their chests increased in size and their eyes and other limbs became longer. Their hair and clothing became more elaborate. They became skillful at learning new types of play. Affection increased. This makes me desire to see them. ||2||

[5] One day Yaśodā came into the assembly in the morning. The wife of Abhinanda inquired from her, “O mother of Kṛṣṇa! Where did your son Kṛṣṇa go without delay, early in the morning?”

[6] Yaśodā smiled and spoke: Oh! Up till now, I have completed all the tasks such as rubbing his body with oil, bathing him and dressing him. Now, however, being somewhat embarrassed in front of me, he has become affectionate to his servants and after completing those tasks comes to me. He then honors me, Nanda and the other elders by offering deep respects.

[7] Until he killed Agha, I would think of his return in the evening, and when he returned with the calves, I would circle water over him three times and drink it according to local tradition. But now, though I am more careful and forbid him from many things, he is beyond my control. The same goes for Rohiṇī’s son. The women, hearing this new description, looked at her face and smiled.

[8] She again spoke, “Understanding that this is the quality of a person beyond infancy, I am happy, but he causes me great suffering.”

[9] Everyone said with concern, “Why is that?”

[10] She said, “He now desires to herd the cows while not paying attention.”

[11] The women said, “You should not worry about this. This is the nature of the children born of the cowherds. One cannot see absence of herding cows anywhere. This is the remarkable nature of cowherd boys and of Kṛṣṇa also.”

[12] The assembly of Nanda also discussed the nature of Kṛṣṇa. Nanda, giving joy to the assembly, spoke to Sannanda and Nandana with a gentle smile:

“O long-lived brothers! I can see that Kṛṣṇa, who acts like a new-born child, does not behave in the same way to me as he does to you. He looks at me with slightly contracted eyes and speaks to you with sweet words.”

[13] Sannanda said, “That is proper since you are most worthy of respect. You are serious about giving instructions to him but we cannot think of giving him orders though he is of kaumāra age.”

[14] “See! Though very young, Kṛṣṇa offers respects to his mother and then to you as his father. Then he offers respects to each friend every day at dawn.” ||3||

[15] When Upananda, Abhinanda and others voiced the same opinion one after another and then remained silent in order to hear Nanda. Nanda, listening to the descriptions from other persons, while gently smiling to reveal his bliss, spoke to Sannanda and Nandana:

“You two, with great intent, followed Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma endowed with pleasing, wide eyes, from the beginning of the day, begging them to follow instructions. But after three days, searching for them, you saw the brothers far away. What else can be said?”

[16] Nandana said, “What can be said about their actions now? For a long time the two boys have had increased their desire. We should not tell you to restrict the boys.”

[17] Nanda said, “Then what should be done?”

[18] Sannanda said with a smile, “I told them that they should herd the cows.”

[19] Upananda said, “What did they say?”

[20] Sannanda said, “They said they had just passed one year of age. It is improper for them to herd the cows like the elders.”

[21] Hearing them speak in this way and looking at their faces, Nanda remained silent and was astonished. Everyone began speaking: “Though they act like new-born children, they show intelligence and strength beyond their years. This astonishes us. But it is not so astonishing because it has been produced by your great austerities. They have had no assistance in killing demons. This can only be auspicious.”

[22] One day, while alone, Nanda made a proposal to his wife. The two discussed out of love for their son, “Let us wait for the best time.”

[23] Several days later in the shining assembly when they saw the surprising features of Nanda, the elder cowherds, glancing at each other, smiled.

[24] When Nanda asked with a smile why they were laughing they said, “It seems that Kṛṣṇa has forgotten us and you also.”

[25] Nanda said, “Please speak the truth.”

[26] Everyone said, “Though this has happened long before, you have noticed it while herding the cows. The cows follow no other person except him. Today he is in front and dispatched the cows with difficulty.”

[27] Nanda said, “Why has this happened suddenly?”

[28] They all said, “When your son shows affection for anything it behaves in this way.”

[29] Nanda said, “Should we hold a celebration of cow herding?”

[30] They all said, “When there is no alternative one must act. What you fear will not be insignificant even if they herd only the calves, but your austerities will torture the enemies. Therefore you should give permission. By that permission, you will destroy all inauspiciousness.”

[31] Immediately on hearing this Nanda gave consent in the assembly. Upananda and others, on gaining consent, became happy and inquired from the famous astrologers. The astrologers advised that the two boys should begin herding the cows on the eighth lunar day of the waxing moon in Kārtika month, during Śravaṇa constellation, on Wednesday. On hearing the auspicious moment chosen, the wise derive pleasure.

[32] Nanda and others then gave the responsibility of herding the cows to Kṛṣṇa, after he had surpassed the happiness of herding the calves, by holding a huge festival in Vraja lasting three days, with the sound of drums.

If each speaker’s mouth became ten thousand and their lifespan lasted then thousand years, they could describe only one day of Kṛṣṇa herding the cows. ||4||

[33] The description of their new job:

Wearing new cowherd dress and protective herbs, receiving blessings from brāhmaṇas, being worshiped with lamps on an auspicious day, Kṛṣṇa departed with the cows along with Balarāma after hearing sweet songs and seeing dances, to the sounds of continuous music. ||5||

[34] The arrangements for going to the forest were as follows. Putting the priests in front with songs, music, and auspicious verses, bringing the cows near and worshiping them by offering foot-wash and arghya, feeding them sweet chick peas, respecting them with obeisances and circumambulation, and then offering the same respects to the priests, Kṛṣṇa, with his elder brother, remained standing in front of Nanda who had his hands folded. Nanda offered him a jeweled stick and Yaśodā put tilaka on his forehead.

“O Balarāma! Remain in front of your friend Kṛṣṇa. O Subala! Stay behind him. O Dāma and Sudāma! You two should remain at his sides. All others, remain around him.” Instructing all the children and assigning them their jobs, she showered them with her tears. ||6||

[35] Women who were given great wealth by Rohiṇī met with the wife of Upananda while the earth and heavens performed various auspicious acts. Offering respects to his mother and father, as well as others, in the midst of great clamor and festivities, Kṛṣṇa was ready. Saying “Jihi, jihi” he sent off the cows, but they remained in front of him and did not go. Seeing that this was unsuitable, he sent the elders into their houses and departed in front of the cows. When Kṛṣṇa slowly walked in order to see the calves in front, the cows began to follow.

[36] Knowing that the elders wanted to follow, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma discouraged them from doing so. Freeing themselves from the iron chain of the elders’ glances, they laughed loudly and sported with their frolicking friends who were effulgent with their new occupation as cowherds. Stopping the cows so that they could graze, fulfilling their desires, they walked towards Govardhana.

[37] There they gathered and separated the cows by making special sounds and never used the stick to beat them. There the boys became absorbed in decorating themselves, rejoicing and playing with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, to produce a great festival.

[38] Seeing this, the devatās described the scene.

Each cow was like Kṛṣṇa’s life air situated externally. When the cows were satisfied, Kṛṣṇa was satisfied and when they were hungry, he experienced hunger. He would bring them close to his chest, smell them with happiness, embrace them, search for them intensely, bring them together, feed them and protect them. This made him appear more splendid. ||7||

Kṛṣṇa held the cows as dear as his life and they became vacant hearted without him, motionless like pictures, like trees standing all around. When they came to Kṛṣṇa they experienced bliss on smelling, seeing, hearing, tasting and touching him. What is remarkable is that they were able to experience him externally using their senses. ||8||

Kṛṣṇa would call his friends and they would call him. They would speak to him, embrace him, smell him, joke with him, touch his shoulders and pull him. Let that be, but listen to something astonishing. One should understand that Kṛṣṇa and his friends never experienced difference from each other. ||9||

Sometimes the friends said, “Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma” and sometimes they said, “Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa.” This was acceptable, because they are both like Paramātmā. ||10||

[39] Blissful because of the sweetness of their pure fragrance, non-moving and moving entities situated far away in Vṛndāvana began to serve Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with devotion. The two brothers were the life of Vṛndāvana, giving joy to all entities, including devatās, by their extraordinary sight and touch.

[40] In attaining the highest happiness, they were most skillful in reaping results of pious acts.

[41] In that place, the flute, giving happiness to all, made itself and all other entities successful.

A forest is not a forest without auspiciousness of playing and there is no playing without auspicious songs. There are no songs without the sound of the flute. A flute which does not touch Kṛṣṇa’s mouth is not a flute. ||11||

[42] May that sweet music of the flute be heard on that day!

Making soft sounds with his flute, Kṛṣṇa, surrounded by singing boys of his own nature, produced various types of sweetness with Balarāma. With a gentle smile Kṛṣṇa then entered the dear forest which was like a close friend’s heart, laden with taste, beneficial for the cows. ||12||

[43] Acting as a most affectionate friend, surrounded by his sweet friends, Kṛṣṇa embraced Balarāma around his waist, using his hands which were like buds caressed by fragrant wind from lotuses growing in the forests. He became more excited to play by imitating the sweet sounds of the animals, bees and birds.

[44] For special fun, with reverence and joking, looking around while smiling and observing with astonishment, he began describing the forest to Balarāma.

Truly, you are the lord of the universe, for the trees are offering you fruits and flowers, and are offering respects to your feet. Look! All the trees are touching your feet with the tips of their branches, laden with hundreds of fruit and flowers. ||13||

“O Lord! You are now present in this forest. We cannot see you since we are covered with ignorance. We trees take shelter of your feet, praying to be born as persons with eyes.” ||14||

Our friends say, “When you come to the forest, the bees follow Balarāma, beneficial to the heart, and sing his glories.” I also conclude this. Are you not the Supreme Lord and are not these bees the best of sages? ||15||

The joyful peacocks dance attractively and the deer gaze upon you with affectionate eyes. The cuckoos produce sweet, soft sounds. Among the inhabitants of the forest, these animals are fortunate, because the dancing peacocks and cuckoos who know how to recite excellently are welcoming you as their guest. ||16||

The earth, mountains, rivers and grass are fortunate to receive the touch of your feet.

Various creepers are fortunate in the colorful forest because of the marks made by your finger nails. The birds and beasts are fortune because of your glance. In this forest reside the śārikā creepers which are fortunate because they shine with effulgence in their hearts. Even Lakṣmī desires such a heart. ||17||

You have appeared in this world from a kṣatriya line on your father’s side. According to dharma, you became the son of a cowherd leader, my father. You will marry a gopī. This creeper named gopī is thus attracted to you. ||18||

[45] Relishing the nectar of his words, Balarāma smiled and said, “Having such a wealth of qualities, who else but you may be considered to be the master?”

[46] In this way Kṛṣṇa increased the joy of his friends with diversions while laughing with them. Making them see the beauty of the forest of Vṛndāvana, he approached the bank of Mānasa-gaṅgā and became exceedingly joyous. I will describe now how Kṛṣṇa played every day.

He sported with Balarāma everywhere, eager to hear the qualities of the songs of his friends. He began to imitate the songs of the bees and cuckoos. He began to gossip like the parrots and swans.

He imitated the sounds of the cakravākas, cakoras and cranes, as if arguing in debate while laughing. He made the sounds of terrifying animals such as the tiger to frighten the young children.

Daily he would call out the names of the animals, birds and mountains. If a friend wandered from the path, he would pull him back with his hand while laughing affectionately.

He would bring back the cows wandering far off by calling their names and the names of the cowherds. In calling the cows, the peacocks would also come, since his voice sounded like the deep rumbling of clouds.

Sometimes Balarāma would hold Kṛṣṇa’s hand, and sometimes Kṛṣṇa would hold Balarāma’s hand. Sometimes he would talk on subjects beneficial for the boys and laugh. Sometimes with his friends he would make Balarāma take rest and would ask to massage his feet.

Sometimes he would sleep using a very soft bed and sometimes would sleep with his head on the thigh of a friend. When fatigued from playing, he would desire to sleep and would be fanned by the purest of boys.

Among the boys, some would massage his feet, having only that desire. He would sleep to melodies arising from sweet songs sung by affectionate friends.

When we remember him, we cannot tolerate anything else in our minds. We are greedy for him just as Śukadeva and others are greedy for him. ||19||

[47] When all these pastimes mixed together attractively, after tying up sweets brought from home as previously, they would herd and protect the cows. Knowing it was time to return, Kṛṣṇa along with Balarāma and other boys of his own age would bring the cows back to Vraja while keeping the calves separate. They separated the cows as follows: those in heat; those impregnated; those about to bear calves; those newly giving birth; those having given birth long ago; those having given birth once; those having given birth many times; and those giving birth each year, as well as the best cows, barren cows and brown cows with names like Gaṅgā and Kālindī. They also separated the various types of bulls such as those suitable as oxen, young bulls, those with humps, those with huge humps, young bullocks, huge bulls, aged bulls, bulls with yokes, bulls for carrying loads, bulls for pulling carts, and bulls for plowing the field. Those with rings in their noses were tied to poles.

[48] As previously, in a most astonishing way, the inhabitants of Vraja took auspicious items in their hands and, putting the leader in front, approached Kṛṣṇa and performed āratrika. Respecting Kṛṣṇa who was surrounded by cowherds and Balarāma, they brought him to their houses. Joyous mothers pampered him and pleased him.

[49] Resting a short time, he went out to milk the cows. Servants brought attractive milk pails to the stables. On the order of Nanda, who was seated near the great cowherds, he got permission to release the calves, sat among the cows and then began milking the cows, which was attractive to all minds and worthy of auspicious prayers.

[50] Coming out of the house:

When he left the house he carried a golden rod in his hand. His turban was decorated with jeweled rope for tying the cows. With Balarāma, he surpassed the gait of the king of elephants. ||20|| [

[51] Milking:

When black-bodied Kṛṣṇa and white-bodied Balarāma began milking the cows, their hair shone along with the silk milking ropes which were embedded with pearls and which sparkled brightly. The lower parts of their bodies were bound tightly with attractive cloth. They held golden pails between their long, firm knees. ||21||

[52] Though they did not excessively milk the cows’ udders, they obtained abundant milk. They engaged other cowherds in caring for the cows and brought the milk to Nanda. Folding their hands, the two boys stood there. When they were fully satisfied with seeing the skillful competition in milking from far off, on being called, they sat on the left and right sides of Nanda.

Because he desired to see Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, Nanda’s eyes boldly moved to the left and right sides. ||22||

Nanda’s eyes, whose only purpose was to see Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma at the same time, began to shed tears. ||23||

Seeing Kṛṣṇa with his left eye and Balarāma with his right eye, he began shedding tears. He understood that his mind had become divided into two using the pretext of the tears. ||24||

Saying, “Come, come” Nanda along with the regular cowherds peacefully went into the house, while Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma cast effulgence in all directions. ||25||

[53] Coming into the house, he satisfied all by giving them sweets.

[54] Satisfying all the people, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma went to their rooms and lay down on pleasant beds. Their mothers caressed them, servants served them, and they fell asleep with contentment.

[55] Folding his hands, Snigdhakaṇṭha finishing the story, spoke:

“You have given birth to a son who makes Śukadeva becomes immediately unconscious when he glorifies him.” ||26||

[56] When Śrīdāma and others heard this detailed, astonishing account and the story was finished, Nanda lost consciousness. The people gathered around and the two reciters stood with folded hands.

After a long time, as on previous days, Nanda affectionately presented the two reciters with gifts and sent them to their quarters. All then returned to their homes.

Chapter Fourteen - Killing Dhenukāsura

O Kṛṣṇa! O Caitanya! O Rūpa and Sanātana! O Gopāla! O Raghunātha! O Vallabha who has attained Vraja! Please protect me! ||1||

[1] In this way, eternal Goloka of the cowherds protected by Kṛṣṇa has been described with its cowherd pastimes. And there, in the assembly of Nanda the two young reciters, sons of a famous poet, made their appearance.

[2] The two boys then described the childhood pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, ending with the subduing of Kāliya. Now, they began describing the kaiśora pastimes.

[3] On the next day, as on previous days, Snigdhakaṇṭha, one among the two, thought to himself.

[4-5] “Now the kaiśora period should be described. It was suitable to describe this in such a way that the members of the assembly who were filled with the confidential rasa would not feel embarrassment. If Kṛṣṇa filled with desire for his own sweetness asks us about this confidential topic, then we should speak about it to increase his happiness.”

[6] Snigdhakaṇṭha then spoke aloud.

When the sixth year clearly arrived with his birthday filled with joy, on the occasion of the increased age which would give a wealth of bliss, the enchanting kaiśora age of Kṛṣṇa appeared fully, spreading auspiciousness to all. TRDD

When kaiśora predominates in Kṛṣṇa’s body, which is resplendent in the three worlds and surpasses all in excellence with its playfulness, Kṛṣṇa gives himself to that age of kaiśora, the shelter of all good qualities, full of excellent knowledge, and caused paugaṇḍa to disappear. ||2||

His kaiśora age brings all things under control by joy of his glance, by his conciliation, by his luster, by his special, attractive intelligence and by the staff of his bhāvas endowed with other meanings. ||3||

His face became full and brilliant, his eyes became long with a reddish glow, and his chest became high and wide, while his waist was thin. Even a little of this beauty attracted the eyes of the whole universe. ||4||

[7] Balarāma developed in the same way.

[8] When the monsoon arrived, the tāla fruits became ripe. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with their friends herded the cows in south-eastern corner of Govardhana which increases all happiness.

| [9] From a far off place, an unprecedented eastern wind carried the aroma of ripe tāla fruit and similar fragrances. All the attractive, famous friends of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, who were fully dedicated to them among the people of Vraja, who had been transformed by Kṛṣṇa’s fame, developed a desire. “Going from here with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, we have developed a strong curiosity to see Dhenukāsura’s house, the tāla forest and its guards. Since we have become thin with hunger we will send them there.”

[10] Śrīdāma, Subala and Stoka-kṛṣṇa, who had strength similar to theirs, assembled with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. They all understood the hidden meaning of things and followed the principles of dharma. Therefore they were firm friends. It is said they had powers equal to that of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, and thus they were always thinking of the two brothers’ heroic acts. Thus, affectionately and without fear, they prayed to Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa that they were hungry.

“There is a tāla forest with ripe fruits exuding an attractive fragrance which traveled to distant places. Eating only those fruits will be satisfying. We have heard that the forest is guarded by the leader of man-eating demons. O long-armed Balarāma! O Kṛṣṇa, destroyer of rascals! Give us the ripe fruit!” ||5||

[11] By the words “having long arms” the following is implied:

“O Balarāma with long arms! You are known as courageous but we have not seen that. Show us your strength!” ||6||

[12] Balarāma said with a smile, “O friends! I know that you, who are greedy, are like us. O foolish boys! Sometimes you, eager for battle, showing the bliss of your courage with frowns, defeat us. Why are you asking us to get the fruit?”

[13] They said, “Our two princes have the best qualities. Diplomatic policy indicates that one should accept the king’s family and respect it. A person who injures a deer while hunting is not considered great. If the king’s family has great power, how much more it is praised. Since you are the elder brother, you should not be considered to have a lesser position. If you two are in agreement with our desire, then what other permission is necessary?”

[14] When Balarāma, white as the moon and smiling, came forward, Kṛṣṇa and others roared like lions and followed him in bliss by jumping to that forest. They kept the cows with them.

When they had criticized Balarāma with his long arms, he quickly approached the tāla trees with great anger, uprooted them with his arms all at once and, gathering them together, crushed all the tāla fruit like an elephant of the directions. ||7||

Seeing this, the demons shouted loudly and came from all sides. Seeing them come, the cowherd boys stood there laughing with Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa. Absorbed in laughing, Balarāma could not pay attention. Thus Dhenukāsura struck Balarāma with his two hind legs, which were like thunderbolts. Balarāma was not even aware of this. ||8||

When Balarāma did not notice his kick, the demon lost all judgment because of anger. Standing in front of Balarāma, the demon kicked him again. Balarāma then killed Dhenukāsura as if he were Vatsāsura. ||9||

[15] He threw a flaming cakra on the head of the master of the tāla forest using his strong arms, more terrifying than the trident of Śiva, with heat that could destroy the universe. By this, the large and small tāla trees fell apart. An intolerable, destructive wind producing agitation arose. With the wind which caused shaking and the cakra, which blazed like a fire brand, the forest filled with thousands of tāla trees became uprooted in a moment.

[16] The donkey followers of Dhenukāsura began braying. Angrily they approached, blocking the path in order to attack. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, the shelters of bliss, laughing in jest, grabbed them like rats, holding their tails and legs nonchalantly. Situated among the boys who were there to enjoy eating the tāla fruit, they then threw the demons over the trees as if they were blades of grass. The donkeys gave up their lives and fell to the ground along with the round tāla fruit, just as Ketu moves along with Rāhu. This gave fear to the friends of Kaṁsa for some days.

In destroying the donkeys Kṛṣṇa showed prowess. Kṛṣṇa should not be disrespected. With flowers, music and songs, the devatās praised Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. ||10||

[17] The devatās, understanding the intention of Kṛṣṇa, mocked Dhenukāsura. TRDD

“O killer of children in the womb! When Agha and Kāliya cannot tolerate my strength, why do you show such impudence to try to kill me?” ||11||

[18] The boys did not eat the fruit which had touched the corpses of the demons living in the tāla forest, the place of evil spirits, and the cows did not eat that grass. For a long time the cowherds and others relished the fruit not touched by them without fear.

[19] In this way Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with their friends angrily destroyed even the subtle body of this cruel demon. Putting the cows in front, playing flutes they finally returned to Vraja with their friends.

With moving eyes which were as wide as lotus petals, praised by his friends, Kṛṣṇa, along with Balarāma and his friends, entered Vraja while playing his flute. ||12||

The gopīs with thirsty eyes approached Kṛṣṇa holding his flute, with his pure fame, pure glance and attractive smile, his hair bound with peacock feather and his garland covered with dust. ||12a||

[20] When joyful Snigdhakaṇṭha has spoke this far, his mind stolen by Kṛṣṇa, remembering the gopīs’ depth of anurāga, an ocean filled with waves of moving eyebrows generating happiness on glancing at Kṛṣṇa’s moon-like face, he lost use of his senses and remained in an unconscious condition in the assembly for two muhūrtas.

[21] Nanda and others, not knowing his feelings, attentively cared for him with great concern trying to revive him.

[22] When all these actions proved to be hopeless, Madhukaṇṭha enthusiastically comforted them and began singing an attractive song about Yaśodā’s service to Kṛṣṇa in order to reduce the stricture on his brother’s senses.

When Kṛṣṇa with Balarāma, holder of the plow, destroyer of enemies, arrive in the evening, he accepts Yaśodā’s services:

Waving auspicious items and lamps, wiping his face, gazing at his face,

Dressing his hair, massaging and bathing him, dressing him, applying tilaka,

Feeding him tasty food and ācamana,

Fragrant with aguru, feeding him betel nut, sweet speaking,

Giving the order to servants to prepare the bed, putting him to sleep,

Giving association with friends and serving them, and spreading joy everywhere. ||13||

[23] A soon as the description of service to Kṛṣṇa, sung with sweet rāgas, entered the ears of Snigdhakaṇṭha, he woke up, just as a sleeping person wakes up on hearing his name being called.

[24] Fully revived, without restrictions, decorated with such qualities, Snigdhakaṇṭha began to speak with tears in his throat:

“O king of the cowherds! Your son is most merciless because when I describe his qualities, I simply faint. Instead of making me faint, he should make a fool like me joyful by his unrestrained pastimes.” ||14||

[25] After this, all the people joyfully returned to their houses as usual. Kṛṣṇa then came to the two reciters and, being the third party present, privately inquired from them, “Please say why you suddenly faint as if in pain?”

[26] The two said with choked voices, “What can we say? You know everything.”

[27] Kṛṣṇa then eagerly spoke, “Not only do I know but I acted explicitly. But I desire to hear your description.”

What you have composed spontaneously and which is most attractive, what you hear from each other, should always be heard. ||15||

[28] Please first describe the perfection of rasa, in the form of Rādhā, with lips like bimba fruits, the chief among the gopīs, who sits among her sakhīs.

[29] The two, with tears in their eyes, began to describe her:

When a dear person is within another’s heart, the dear person alone knows that. Can any other person know that dear person who sits in the heart? ||16||

[30] Kṛṣṇa spoke with bliss, “May this spotless knowledge be revealed this evening!” Taking their hands, he brought them to his assembly of friends and spent the day till the sun set by performing many amusing actions.