Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapuran- Canto: 10, Chapters: 32-33
Shree Shukdev tells Parikshit that in the state of intense separation, the Gopis began calling out to Shree Krishna in piteous tones while singing the Gopi-geet. Due to the overwhelming longing for His vision, they could not restrain themselves and started weeping inconsolably.
Seeing this pitiable condition of the Gopis, Shree Krishna appeared in their midst at that very moment. A gentle smile played upon His lips. He wore a garland of forest flowers and was clad in yellow silken garments. His form was so enchanting that it captivated the minds of everyone present.
Upon seeing their beloved Shyamasundar before them, the eyes of the Gopis bloomed with love and joy. The bodies that had lain exhausted due to separation a moment ago suddenly came back to life, as if a lifeless corpse were suddenly infused with vital breath. They all stood up together, and a new consciousness and power began to flow through every limb.
One Gopi, overwhelmed with love, took Shree Krishna’s lotus hands into her own and began to stroke them gently, as if she wished to pacify all the heat of her heart through touch alone. Another Gopi placed His sandalwood-scented arm upon her shoulder, desiring to make that moment eternal. A third, filled with the spirit of service, took His betel-leaf into her hand. A fourth, who had become utterly restless from the fire of separation, sat down right there and, placing His lotus feet upon her breast, took complete shelter in Him.
A fifth Gopi, with eyebrows raised in loving pride and lips pressed together, began to look at Him as if asking, “Where were You for so long, Shyam?” A sixth Gopi continued to gaze at the sweetness of His face without blinking, yet neither her eyes nor her mind felt satiated. A seventh Gopi enshrined Krishna within her heart through the path of her eyes and closed them. Embracing Him within her mind, her entire body was covered in thrills, and she sank into deep, silent bliss.
Shukdev Goswami explains to the King that just as souls seeking liberation become free from all worldly miseries upon attaining a supreme self-realised sage, the Gopis were filled with supreme bliss and exhilaration just by the sight of Bhagwan Shree Krishna. The sorrow that had accumulated in their hearts due to separation vanished in that very instant.
Shree Krishna is eternally infallible and unchanging; His beauty and sweetness never diminish. Yet, when the Gopis were freed from the bond of separation, the splendour of Shree Krishna situated among them increased even more. Just as the Supreme Lord appears even more magnificent when served by His eternal energies, so did Shree Krishna appear exceedingly divine at that time, surrounded by the love of the Gopis.
Thereafter, Bhagwan Shree Krishna reached the banks of the Yamuna along with those beauties of Braj. There, a cool breeze laden with the fragrance of blooming Kunda (Star Jasmine) and Mandara (Hibiscus) flowers was blowing. Drunken by its sweet scent, the honeybees were hovering around.
The moonlight of the autumn full moon was spreading everywhere. The darkness of the night was nowhere to be seen. The entire environment was filled with bliss and auspiciousness. The Yamuna, through her gentle waves, had seemingly decorated a soft stage of sand herself for the Lord’s divine play.
Shukdev continues his narration, describing how the Gopis then spread their Odhani (shawl) to create a seat for their beloved Shree Krishna. The same Brahman, whom even great yogis cannot stabilise within their pure hearts, that Almighty Lord, sat upon the Odhani of the Gopis on the sands of the Yamuna.
Whatever beauty is seen anywhere in all the three worlds and across all three periods of time is but a mere fraction of Shree Krishna's beauty. He is beauty personified. Shukdev points out that Bhagwan Shree Krishna, through His divine beauty, was further strengthening the Gopis' love.
They welcomed Him with gentle smiles and loving glances. Some Gopis placed His feet in their laps, while others held His lotus hands. They experienced the nectar of His touch and repeatedly exclaimed, “Oh! How tender are these feet, how sweet are these lotus hands!”
The Gopis Question Shree Krishna: "What Kind of Lover Are You?"
Shree Shukdev tells Parikshit that although the Gopis were filled with supreme bliss upon beholding Bhagwan Shree Krishna, the memory of His previous Leela of disappearing resurfaced in their minds. From that memory, a subtle feeling of maan arose in their hearts. Internally, they became somewhat upset and wanted Bhagwan Shree Krishna Himself to reveal the reason for His behaviour. With that sentiment, they began a dialogue with Him in sweet yet profound words.
The Gopis said, “O Natnagar! In this world, there are some people who only love those who love them. Some love even those who do not love them. And there are some who do not love anyone at all. Beloved! Which of these are You?”
Bhagwan Shree Krishna replied, “O dear sakhis! Those who love only in response to being loved act out of selfishness. They turn love into a commodity of transaction. In such love, there is neither true affection nor a foundation of Dharma.
Those who love, even those who do not love them, such as parents or compassionate, noble souls, possess hearts filled with guileless affection. There is no deceit in their conduct. That love is truly the embodiment of Dharma. In reality, such love can only be practised by Gurus and great mahapurush.
And O Gopis! There are some people who do not love even those who love them. Such people are of four types:
- First are those who remain absorbed in their own Atman. They experience neither duality nor non-duality; they are Atmaram and Paramhans, and are situated in Samadhi.
- Second are those who perceive duality but have become Purnakam. They have no expectations from anyone; they are Aptakam and of the Hans nature.
- Third are those who simply cannot understand who loves them. They are Akritagna.
- And fourth are the Gurudruhah. Those who deliberately bear malice toward their well-wishers, benefactors, and Guru-like figures. Their hearts are so stained and sinful that they are incapable of loving anyone.
O Gopis! I, too, sometimes do not behave toward those who love Me in a way that appears appropriate to the common eye. I do not outwardly reciprocate the devotion of those who worship Me; instead, I appear to act in the opposite manner.
I do this so that their minds may become even more firmly established in Me. Just as a poor man who suddenly acquires great wealth and then loses it finds his consciousness constantly preoccupied with that wealth alone.
I hid Myself even while loving you so that your minds would not wander elsewhere, nor get entangled in your beauty, pride, or ego, but instead remain eternally situated in Me. Therefore, do not find fault in My love. O beauties of Braj! You are all extremely dear to Me, and I am the Beloved of you all.”
na paaraye aham niravadya samyujaam
sva saadhu krityam vibudhaayushaapi vah
yaa maabhajan durjara geha shringkhalaah
samvrishchya tad vah pratiyaatu saadhunaa
“O Gopis! You have completely severed the hard-to-break chains of household life to worship Me, establishing a connection with Me that is absolutely flawless and pure. Even if I were to possess the longevity of the gods (immortals), I would not be able to repay the debt of your service and love. Therefore, let your own noble nature be the only compensation for your devotion, for I am forever indebted to you. (Bhagavat 10.32.22)
Shree Shukdev tells Parikshit that upon hearing these sweet, love-filled words of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, whatever little trace of the sorrow of separation remained in the hearts of the Gopis was also completely erased. By the intimate association of their Beloved, who is the treasure-house of beauty and sweetness, they became fully satiated, and their minds attained perfect contentment.
The Maha Raas Began
Shree Shukdev tells Parikshit that the Gopis, the beloved maidens of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, stood together with their arms linked in one another’s. Upon the banks of the Yamuna, Bhagwan Shree Krishna commenced His blissful Raas Leela in the company of those exalted women.
raasotsavah sampravritto
gopee mandala manditah
yogeshvarena krishnena
taasaam madhye dvayor dvayoh
pravishtena griheetaanam
kanthe sva nikatam striyah
yam manyeran nabhas taavad
vimaana shata sankulam
Then commenced the festive Raas dance, beautifully adorned by the circle of Gopis. Krishna, the Lord of all mystic powers (Yogeshvara), expanded Himself and entered between every two Gopis. Placing His arms around their necks, He danced with them. At that moment, each Gopi felt that Krishna was standing only by her side. Witnessing this divine spectacle, the sky became crowded with hundreds of celestial vimanas carrying the celestial gods.
When the auspicious moment for the Raas Leela arrived, auspicious sounds resonated throughout the heavenly realms. The gods showered flowers with great joy, and the Gandharvs began singing the glories of Bhagwan Shree Krishna in sweet melodies. On the beautiful sands of the Yamuna, countless maidans of Braj became absorbed in song and dance with Shyamasundar.
The sweet tinkling of the Gopis' ornaments, their soulful movements, and their love-filled smiles illuminated the entire Raas-mandal with divine splendour. Amid the radiant, fair-complexioned beauty of those Gopis, the dark-hued body of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, like a rain cloud, appeared as magnificent as a flash of lightning within a thick monsoon cloud. The beauty of that sight became indescribable.
Drowned in love and bliss, the Gopis sang in high notes, danced, and became even more exhilarated by the proximity of Bhagwan. This divine music and the beauty of the Raas began to resonate throughout the entire universe.
The fortune of the Gopis is greater even than that of Lakshmiji, for they obtained Bhagwan Shree Krishna as their most beloved. In the Raas-mandal, the Gopis moved about with Bhagwan Shree Krishna while singing. Their ornaments, scattered locks of hair, and the beads of perspiration born of their exertion further enhanced their divine splendour.
Bhagwan Shree Krishna would sometimes embrace the Gopis, sometimes gladden them with a loving touch, and at other times, with a sidelong, sweet glance. Through the touch of Bhagwan, the Gopis would become overwhelmed with love. Their hair and ornaments became dishevelled, yet they appeared even more beautiful.
Witnessing this supernatural Raas Leela, even the celestial women were enchanted. The moon, planets, and constellations became still in wonder, as if time itself had stopped at that moment. Although Bhagwan Shree Krishna is Atmaram and Purnakam, He, out of compassion, assumed a separate form for each Gopi and performed Leela with them lovingly.
When they became tired from singing and dancing, He affectionately wiped the faces of the Gopis with His soft lotus-palms. Because of this, the Gopis were filled with boundless bliss and began to sing the praises of Bhagwan with sweet smiles and love-filled gazes.
Thereafter, Bhagwan Shree Krishna engaged in water sports (Jal-vihar) in the Yamuna with the Gopis. The Gopis, laughing, splashed water upon one another. The gods showered flowers once again, and the entire scene became saturated with divine nectar (ras).
Then, Bhagwan Shree Krishna wandered with the Gopis in the fragrant groves on the banks of the Yamuna, where the night, the moonlight, the love, and the Leela all merged into one to take the form of supreme bliss.
Did Bhagwan Shree Krishna Violate Dharma by Touching the Wives of Others?
While Shukdevji was describing the Maha Raas in this manner, a doubt arose in the mind of King Parikshit. He asks Shukdevji, “O celibate Sage! Bhagwan Shree Krishna is the sole Master of the entire universe. He manifested on this earth as a complete Avatar along with Shree Balram. The purpose of His Avatar was the establishment of Dharma and the destruction of Adharma.
He Himself is the creator of the boundaries of Dharma, the preacher of that Dharma, and also its protector. How then did it happen that He violated the boundaries of Dharma by touching the wives of others?
I also know that Bhagwan Shree Krishna is Purnakam (completely self-satisfied). He has no desire for any object, nor does He crave any pleasure. Yet, with what purpose did He perform such an act?
O great Sage! This matter is deeply unsettling my heart. Please dispel this doubt of mine and explain to me the true essence of Dharma.”
Shree Shuk uvaacha
dharma-vyati-kramo drishtah eeshvaraanaam cha saahasam
tejeeyasaam na doshaaya vahneh sarvabhujo yathaa
Shree Shukdev tells Parikshit, "Often, violations of the boundaries of Dharma and extremely daring acts against social norms are observed among powerful Ishwars (such as Brahma, Shiv, and Indra). However, no fault or sin attaches to those great personalities, just as fire, which is 'all-consuming,' is not defiled even after burning everything auspicious or inauspicious; rather, it purifies everything." (Bhagavatam 10.33.30)
Here, "powerful" refers to those who are the embodiment of Ishwar or such great souls who do not remain under the subjection of Maya. Their consciousness has become completely free from ego, desire, and attachment to the fruits of action. Those who are not powerful, meaning those who are still under the control of Maya, should not even think of such things in their minds, let alone practice them with their bodies. If an ignorant person performs such an act out of foolishness, they are surely destroyed.
Just as Bhagwan Shiv drank the Halahal poison for the welfare of the world, if any other ordinary Jeev were to drink that same poison, he would be instantly burnt to ashes. Therefore, regarding Ishwar-like beings, one must firmly understand that their teachings should be adopted in life, rather than imitating their conduct in every situation. All their actions serve specific purposes and the welfare of the world. A wise person adopts only those deeds that are in accordance with their teachings.
Those who are truly powerful do not possess even a trace of ego. They have no selfish interest in performing auspicious deeds, and they suffer no harm from inauspicious ones, for they have risen above both gain and loss. Dharma and Adharma, sin and merit, are meant only for Jeevs who are under the influence of Maya.
When such a thing is said, even regarding these powerful beings, then how can the actions of the Bhagwan, who is the sole Master of all animals, birds, humans, gods, and the entire moving and unmoving universe, be bound by the human measure of auspicious and inauspicious?
The devotees become satiated by the dust of His feet; by connecting with Him through Yog, the Yogis cut all their bonds of Karma; and by attaining the knowledge of His Brahman essence, the Gyanis become free from all attachments. That same Bhagwan manifests His divine form by the desire of His devotees. How can one even imagine the bondage of Karma in such a Bhagwan?
gopeenaam tat pateenaam cha
sarveshaam eva dehinaam
yo antash charati so adhyakshah
kridanen iha dehabhaak
He (the Supreme Lord), who dwells within the hearts of the Gopis, their husbands, and indeed all embodied beings as the Witness, has assumed a physical form in this world simply to perform His divine leela. (Bhagavat 10.33.36)
anugrahaaya bhootaanaam
maanusham deham aasthitah
bhajate taadrishee kridaa
yaah shrutvaa tatparo bhavet
Bhagwan assumes a human-like form only to shower grace upon all beings and perform such divine Leelas so that, upon hearing them, humans may become fully absorbed in devotion to Bhagwan. (Bhagavat 10.33.37)
The Gopas of Braj did not perceive even the slightest fault in Bhagwan Shree Krishna. Influenced by His Yogmaya, the husbands of the Gopis believed that their wives had remained right beside them. That night, which had become equal in duration to a night of Brahma, finally drew to a close. As the Brahmamuhurta arrived, the Gopis did not wish to return to their homes; nevertheless, honouring the command of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, they departed for their respective dwellings, for their every action and thought existed only to please Bhagwan.
Shukdev says, “O Parikshit! That patient and composed man who, with deep faith, repeatedly hears and describes this divine Raas Leela of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, attains firm devotion at the feet of Bhagwan. He is swiftly liberated from the disease of the heart, namely, lustful desire, and his worldly passions are destroyed forever.”
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 02.02.2026
