|
Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 22: Verses 15-25
0 Fair one with a dark-brown complexion ! we are your servants and are prepared to do your bidding. (Therefore), give back our clothes, 0 Knower of Dharma (the principles of righteousness) ! If not, we shall report the matter to the king." The glorious Lord said : "If you are my servants and if you will do my bidding, come here and receive (from me) your clothes wearing a bright smile (on your lips)." Shivering with cold all the maidens thereupon emerged from the river, shrunk with cold and covering their privy parts with the palms. Perceiving them as good as dead (through great shame), and pleased with their pure heart, the Lord placed the clothes (kept so far on the tree) on His shoulder and, full of love, smilingly said:-- "Since, having undertaken a (sacred) vow, you took a dip in the waters in a nude state, that has indeed been an offence on your part against the god of water (which has gone a long way to violate the sanctity of your vow); (therefore), receive your raiment (only) after joining your palms on the crown of your head and bowing low for the expiation of that sin." Realizing their act of plunging in ,water in a nude state to be a violation of their vow as pointed out in the aforesaid words by Sri Krsna (the immortal Lord), and seeking the fulfilment of that vow, the maidens of Vraja bowed to Sri Krsna (who embodies the fruit of that as well as of all other religious rites); for it is He who washes away all transgressions.
Seeing them bent in the aforesaid manner and propitiated through such salutation, the all-merciful Lord Sri Krsna (the Son of Devaki) returned their clothes. Even though they were badly taken in, nay, stripped of (all) shame, ridiculed and treated as toys, and their clothes too were stolen away, yet they did not find fault with Him, (highly) gratified as they were through the company of their beloved Lord. Having put on their clothes they riveted their bashful looks on Sri Krsna and could not stir (from that place), enthralled as they were by their meeting with their most beloved Lord and their mind having been captivated (by Him). Perceiving the intention of those maidens, that had undertaken the aforesaid vow with a longing to touch His feet, Lord Sri Krsna (who had once allowed Himself to be tied with a cord at the abdomen by His mother and thus demonstrated His love for His devotees) addressed the girls (as follows):- "Your desire, 0 chaste girls, in the shape of eagerness to worship Me is (already) known to Me. (Nay,) it has been approved of by Me; (hence) it deserves to materialize.
|
|
