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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 10 · The Summum Bonum · 90 chapters

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
6Write down what touched you. Note the main points in your own notebook.

Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›

Canto 10 · Chapter 30: The Gopīs Search for Kṛṣṇa

10.30.25 10.30.27

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.30.26

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:The gopīssince 10.30.25inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

तैस्तै: पदैस्तत्पदवीमन्विच्छन्त्योऽग्रतोऽबला: ।

वध्वा: पदै: सुपृक्तानि विलोक्यार्ता: समब्रुवन् ॥ २६ ॥

tais taiḥ padais tat-padavīm

anvicchantyo ’grato ’balāḥ

vadhvāḥ padaiḥ su-pṛktāni

vilokyārtāḥ samabruvan

Translation

The gopīs began following Kṛṣṇa’s path, as shown by His many footprints, but when they saw that these prints were thoroughly intermixed with those of His dearmost consort, they became perturbed and spoke as follows.

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This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

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.

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Following Kṛṣṇa’s Footprints

1
The gopīs trace Kṛṣṇa’s path by following His many footprints.
2
They notice that His footprints are thoroughly intermixed with those of His dearmost consort.
3
Seeing these intertwined footprints, the gopīs become perturbed and begin to speak.

How it feels

Separation → Transcendental intimacy. The peak of longing reveals the intensity of selfless love.

Chapters 29–33 of Canto 10: The gopīs' yearning, reunion and rasa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 30: The Gopīs Search for Kṛṣṇa

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Further along the path the gopīs came to a place where they could no longer see Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī’s footprints; they then concluded that Kṛṣṇa must have taken Rādhārāṇī onto His shoulders. In another place they noticed that Kṛṣṇa’s footprints were showing only the toes, and thus the gopīs concluded He had been picking flowers with which to decorate His beloved.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.30