The Gopīs’ Desire for Kṛṣṇa
In the sacred forests of Vṛndāvana, the hearts of the gopīs had become fully enchanted by Kṛṣṇa’s beauty, sweetness, and divine pastimes. As their love grew deeper each day, they longed not just for His company, but to be united with Him eternally as His beloveds.
Having heard from elders and sages that worship of Lord Nārāyaṇa during the month of Mārgaśīrṣa would fulfill one’s deepest desires, the gopīs made a sacred vow: they would worship Goddess Kātyāyanī with the pure intention of attaining Kṛṣṇa as their husband.
The Kātyāyanī Vow
Each morning, before sunrise, the gopīs would gather on the banks of the Yamunā, sing songs of Kṛṣṇa, and bathe in her holy waters. They fashioned a deity of Kātyāyanī-devī from river clay and offered her flowers, incense, fruits, and heartfelt prayers:
“O Kātyāyanī, O great Goddess, O daughter of the mighty Himalayas! We bow to you. Please bless us so that we may obtain the lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa as our husband.”
Their minds, hearts, and senses were completely fixed on Kṛṣṇa alone.
Kṛṣṇa Appears Unexpectedly
One morning, as the gopīs completed their bath and left their clothes on the riverbank, Kṛṣṇa quietly arrived, along with His sakhās. Seeing the garments lying there, Kṛṣṇa climbed a kadamba tree, gathered all the clothes, and called out with a mischievous smile:
“O young gopīs! I see you’re worshiping the goddess to obtain Me as your husband. Very well—come and take your clothes from Me. But you must each come one by one, with your hands folded, and ask politely.”
The Gopīs’ Dilemma
Startled, embarrassed, yet deeply thrilled, the gopīs stood in the water, covering themselves with their arms. They protested:
“O Kṛṣṇa, this is improper! Please return our garments. You are our Lord, but why are You teasing us in this way?”
But Kṛṣṇa replied:
“You prayed to the goddess for Me. Now, don’t be shy. Come out of the water and accept My favor.”
The Test of Surrender
One by one, the gopīs stepped out of the water, their hearts pounding with a mix of humility, shyness, and joy. With hands folded and heads bowed, they stood before Kṛṣṇa, who returned their garments.
As each gopī approached, Kṛṣṇa’s glance melted their hearts. His divine smile seemed to say, “Your surrender is accepted. Your love has conquered Me.”
After returning all their clothes, Kṛṣṇa spoke kindly:
“Do not be afraid or feel ashamed. You bathed in the river while performing a sacred vow. But such rituals should never be done while naked in the presence of the deity. Still, I understand your desire and the depth of your devotion. I promise: your wish shall be fulfilled. Soon, in the moonlight of Śarat, I shall dance with you in the forest.”
The Gopīs’ Joy
With hearts overflowing, the gopīs offered obeisances to Kṛṣṇa and returned to their homes. Though externally embarrassed, they felt blessed beyond measure—for they had now become accepted by their beloved Lord.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Lord fulfills the pure desires of His devotees, especially when they surrender with sincerity.
- Kṛṣṇa’s playful dealings are never ordinary; they are tests and rewards for the soul’s love.
- The gopīs’ total surrender, despite shyness and social fear, reflects the soul’s ultimate act of devotion.
- Bhakti matures when one gives up all other considerations and simply longs for Kṛṣṇa’s favor.
- The Lord sometimes removes our false coverings—ego, pride, fear—to bring us closer to Him.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 59–61
