Lament of the cowherdesses - part 4
Pathos
Your feet, delicate and pink, with the marks of the conch and discus, worshipped by the mother of the universe, tread the uneven surface of the forests when you lead our cattle to graze. Are you so careless about your feet that you move around like a mere cowherd*?
The all-powerful Lord is said to have appeared in the form of a ‘Go-paalaka’ (protector of cows) for a reason. When Bhoomi devi (the Earth) went to Naarayana seeking his help to rid her of her burden (bhoo-bhaaraharana), she assumed the form of a cow. Thus his promise to help and protect her, resulted in him being a cowherd, says Vaadiraja Tirtha.
Our hearts ache at the thought of those divine feet getting hurt by pebbles and thorns. We pine the whole day, which drags on like an aeon, and delight at your safe return every evening. Our eyelids blink and cause unnecessary interruptions even as our eyes thirst to see you. The creator has indeed created the eyelids just to cause us misery…
When we see the locks of your hair framing your face like blue flowers O Krishna, amid the dust raised by the hooves of your beloved cows, we begin to pine once again for your companionship and union.
Are you so reckless about your feet that you seek out a poisonous snake and leave the imprints of your divine feet on its hoods?
Our soft breasts are the true place for your lotus feet to rest. There is a 1000 hooded snake (representing our vices and desires) within our hearts. This snake is constantly raising its numerous hoods. We entreat you to dance on this snake and forever reside in our hearts.
Prayer
O Shyamsundar… you are the one who eliminates the woes of those who dwell in Braj-bhoomi, nay, the entire world, we have forsaken our homes, our husbands, our children, to come to you. You have encouraged us with your loving behaviour and affectionate banter, and these memories now cause us unbearable grief. Our hearts and minds ache with the agony of separation. O granter of bliss, we exist for you and you alone. The pain of death is preferable to this pain of separation…
We who have tasted the sweet nectar of your lips and the sweet melody of your flute caressed by your lips, yearn for nothing else but the elixir of your presence to quench the fire of our longing.
The songs and stories of your exploits are like panacea for those separated from you…Poets, sages and devotees have benefitted spiritually by singing your praises… These songs and stories shower blessings on those who merely listen to them. We too have enjoyed them greatly but now these very memories are making us heart-broken.
O lotus-eyed one! Grant us relief… Grant us permission to savour the nectar of your lips, to relish the enchanting words that emerge from your honeyed lips, grant us respite from our frenzied yearning for you.
We know that your heart is reserved for Mahalakshmi, we only desire to be at your feet, O Krishna!
Moved by the melodious lament of his beloved gopis now duly penitent, Krishna granted them their wish and appeared in front of them, once again!