Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.35.22-23
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesEagerly Awaiting Kṛṣṇa’s Return
“Out of great affection for the cows of Vraja, Kṛṣṇa became the lifter of Govardhana Hill. At the end of the day, having rounded up all His own cows, He plays a song on His flute, while exalted demigods standing along the path worship His lotus feet and the cowherd boys accompanying Him chant His glories. His garland is powdered by the dust raised by the cows’ hooves, and His beauty, enhanced by His fatigue, creates an ecstatic festival for everyone’s eyes. Eager to fulfill His friends’ desires, Kṛṣṇa is the moon arisen from the womb of mother Yaśodā.”
What the purport teaches
- Out of great affection for the cows of Vraja, Kṛṣṇa lifted Govardhana Hill. At day’s end, He gathers His cows and returns while playing His flute.
- The gopīs climbed into the watchtowers of Vṛndāvana’s houses to see Kṛṣṇa as soon as possible. Mother Yaśodā, anxious for His return, asked the tallest of the beautiful young gopīs to watch for Him.
- The purport explains that Kṛṣṇa was somewhat delayed because great demigods were worshiping His lotus feet along the path. His companions chant His glories, and His beauty creates a festival for everyone’s eyes.
Try this today
Take one quiet minute today to remember Kṛṣṇa returning with His cows, playing His flute as His companions praise Him.
Ask yourself
What does the eagerness of mother Yaśodā and the gopīs teach you about loving attention to Kṛṣṇa?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.