Original
Hindi
यह तो उषा आयी है, अंशुमाली अभी भी क्षितिजके उस पार ही हैं। किंतु कमलनयन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र आज इसी समय अपने-आप जग उठे हैं, जगकर जननीको अपने मनकी एक बात बता रहे हैं--'री मैया! देख, आज यहाँ नहीं, आज तो एक परम सुन्दर वनमें जाकर वहीं भोजन करनेकी मेरी रुचि हुई है।'
English translation
Dawn had arrived, while the radiant sun still remained beyond the horizon. Yet lotus-eyed Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra awoke by Himself at that very moment and told His mother what was in His heart: "Mother, listen! Today I do not wish to eat here. Today I desire to go to an exceedingly beautiful forest and take My meal there."
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
कस्मिन्नप्यहनि अनुदित एवाहस्करे पुष्करेक्षणो जननीमुवाच। मातरद्य निरवद्यविपिनभोजने भो जनेश्वरि! विहितलालसोऽस्मि।
English translation
One day, before the sun had risen, the lotus-eyed Lord said to His mother, "O Mother, O queen of the people, today a longing has arisen within Me to dine in a flawless and beautiful forest."
Original
Hindi
अपने नीलमणिका ऐसा प्रस्ताव जननी सहजमें स्वीकार कर लें, यह भी कभी सम्भव है? जननीको तो अपने पुत्रकी यह अभिलाषा नितान्त अनीतिपूर्ण प्रतीत हुई और वे बड़े वेगसे सिर हिलाकर तथा 'नहीं-नहीं, यह तो होनेकी ही नहीं।'--मुखसे भी स्पष्ट कहकर अपना निर्णय सुना देती हैं:
English translation
Could His mother possibly accept such a proposal from her Nīlamaṇi so readily? Her son's desire seemed utterly improper to her. Shaking her head vigorously and declaring aloud, "No, no, this cannot happen," she delivered her decision:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
इति तनयोदितमनयोदितमवगम्य व्रजराजवधूर्जवधूयमानवदनं न न न नेति यदा निजगाद।
English translation
Considering what her son had said to be unreasonable, the wife of the king of Vraja rapidly shook her face and repeatedly declared, "No, no, no, no."
Original
Hindi
किंतु श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने भी हठ पकड़ लेनेके अनन्तर उसे फिर छोड़ देना सीखा जो नहीं है। अनुनय-विनय करते हुए अपने करपल्लवोंसे बार-बार जननीका मुख आच्छादन करते हुए उनकी सम्मति ले लेनेके लिये वे तुले बैठे हैं। जब मैया अपने निश्चयपर अडिग बनी रहती हैं, तब श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र आज एक नयी युक्तिका आश्रय ग्रहण करते हैं, वे मैयाको अपनी शपथ दे देते हैं। बस, जननीको मौन कर देनेके लिये यह अमोघ उपाय है। अनुत्साहपूरित चित्तसे ही हो, पर अब तो जननीको नीलमणिका अनुमोदन करना ही पड़ता है:
English translation
But once Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra had become determined, He had never learned to abandon His resolve. Entreating and pleading, repeatedly covering His mother's mouth with His tender lotus hands, He set Himself upon obtaining her consent. When Mother remained firm in her decision, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra adopted a new device: He bound her by an oath upon Himself. This was an unfailing means of silencing her. Though her heart held no enthusiasm for the plan, she now had to grant Nīlamaṇi her approval:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
शपथेन मुहुरनुनाथ्य तदनुमोदनं कारयामास।
English translation
Repeatedly entreating her and placing her under oath, He caused her to give her consent.
Original
Hindi
वन-भोजनकी यह योजना कल वत्सचारण कर लौटते समय ही बन चुकी थी; सखामण्डलमें यह स्थिर हो चुका था कि कल प्रत्येक शिशु अपने घरसे भोज्यद्रव्य साथ ले आये और सब मिलकर, साथ बैठकर, परस्पर बाँटकर प्रातः कलेवा भी किसी सुरम्य वनमें ही करें। प्रस्ताव श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका ही था और फिर अविरोध समर्थन सखावर्गका हो, इसमें तो कहना ही क्या है। इसीलिये श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र आज जननीके शत-शत अवरोध-अनुरोधपर भी अविचल रहे और जननीको ही अपना निश्चय बदलना पड़ा।
जो हो, व्रजरानी सर्वप्रथम अतिशय शीघ्रतासे अपने चञ्चल पुत्रको शृङ्गार धारण कराने लगती हैं और उधर रोहिणी मैया सुस्वादु सुमिष्ट विविध खाद्यसामग्रीसे छीकोंको पूर्ण करनेमें जुट पड़ती हैं।
English translation
This plan for a forest meal had been made the previous day while they were returning from tending the calves. The circle of friends had decided that on the following day every boy would bring food from his home, and all would sit together in a lovely forest, share what they had brought, and take their morning meal there. The proposal had come from Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra Himself, and naturally His friends supported it without objection. Therefore, despite His mother's countless attempts to restrain and persuade Him, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra remained unmoved, and she herself had to change her decision.
The queen of Vraja first began adorning her restless son with great haste, while Mother Rohiṇī busied herself filling the slings with many delicious and exceedingly sweet foods.
Original
Hindi
वेशविन्यास पूर्ण हुआ और श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र प्राङ्गणमें आकर खड़े हो गये। मैया दौड़कर कुछ मोदक खण्ड एवं किञ्चित् नवनीत ले आयीं तथा अपने नीलसुन्दरके मुखमें डालने लग गयीं। नीलसुन्दर भी जानते हैं--यदि उन्होंने जननीके इस उपहारको अस्वीकार किया तो फिर वन-भोजनकी सारी योजना धरी रह जायगी। अतः वे खड़े-खड़े ही जननीकी यह भेंट लेने लगे। अवश्य ही अल्प-से-अल्प समयमें ही यह कार्य सम्पन्न हुआ और तब गूँज उठा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका शृङ्गनाद।
आज उनके सखाओंकी तो अभी नींद भी नहीं टूटी है। यह पूर्ण परिचित शृङ्गध्वनि ही कर्णरन्ध्रोंमें प्रविष्ट होकर उनको, व्रजपुरके समस्त शिशुओंको जगाती है। वे हड़बड़ाकर उठ बैठे--'अरे! आज तो कन्नू भैयाकी ही विजय हुई, ऐसा तो कभी नहीं हुआ था। हम सभी जाते थे, तब कन्हैया जागता था; जननीके शत-शत प्रयाससे, हमारे तुमुल कोलाहलसे उसके नेत्र खुलते थे और आज तो वह वनकी ओर चल पड़ा!'
English translation
His dress and adornment were completed, and Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra came and stood in the courtyard. Mother hurried away and returned with pieces of sweet cakes and a little fresh butter, which she began placing in her Nīlasundara's mouth. Nīlasundara knew that if He refused His mother's offering, the entire plan for the forest meal would come to nothing. Therefore, He accepted her gift while standing there. The task was completed in the shortest possible time, and then the sound of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's horn rang out.
His friends had not even awakened yet. That utterly familiar horn call entered their ears and awakened them, along with all the children of Vraja. They sat up with a start. "Oh! Today Kannū Bhaiyā has won! This has never happened before. We would all arrive first, and only then would Kanhaiyā awaken. His eyes would open after Mother's hundreds of efforts and our great uproar, but today He has already set out toward the forest!"
Original
Hindi
शिशु अपने गोवत्सोंको हाँक देनेके लिये दौड़े गोष्ठकी ओर। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके गोवत्स तो आज अपने पालकसे भी बहुत पूर्व मानो जाग उठे हैं। वे मूक गोशावक--जैसे आजकी व्यवस्थासे पूर्ण परिचित हों, इस शृङ्गनादकी ही प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हों--इस प्रकार ध्वनि होते ही नन्दभवनके तोरणद्वारपर कूदते हुए वे एकत्र हो जाते हैं। वनपथकी ओर अग्रसर होनेका चिरपरिचित संकेत उन्हें प्राप्त हो जाता है और वे उधर ही चल पड़ते हैं। आगे-आगे अपार गोवत्सश्रेणी और पीछे उनके पालक व्रजेन्द्रनन्दन गोविन्द श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र वनकी ओर चले जा रहे हैं:
English translation
The boys ran toward the cowsheds to drive out their calves. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's calves seemed to have awakened even before their keeper that day. Those speechless young animals behaved as though they fully understood the day's arrangement and had been waiting only for this horn call. As soon as it sounded, they bounded together at the arched gateway of Nanda's residence. Receiving the familiar signal to proceed along the forest path, they set out in that direction. An immeasurable procession of calves went before, while behind them walked their keeper, Govinda Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, Vrajendra's son:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.12.1
क्वचिद् वनाशाय मनो दधद् व्रजात् प्रातः समुत्थाय वयस्यवत्सपान्। प्रबोधयञ्छृङ्गरवेण चारुणा विनिर्गतो वत्सपुरःसरो हरिः॥
English translation
One morning, desiring to enjoy the forest, Hari rose early and awakened His cowherd friends with the charming sound of His horn. He then departed Vraja with the calves going before Him.
Original
Hindi
श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका त्रिभुवनमोहन आजका वह वत्सपालवेश देखते ही बनता है:
English translation
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's attire as a keeper of calves that day enchanted the three worlds and was a wonder to behold:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
वेणुं वामे करकिसलये दक्षिणे चारुयष्टिं कक्षे वेत्रं दलविरचितं शृङ्गमत्यद्भुतं च। बर्होत्तंसं चिकुरनिकरे वल्गुकण्ठोपकण्ठे गुञ्जाहारं कुवलययुगं कर्णयोश्चारु बिभ्रत्॥
English translation
In His tender left hand He carried the flute, and in His right a lovely staff. Beneath His arm He held a cane and a wondrous horn adorned with leaves. A peacock feather ornament crowned His mass of curls, a necklace of guñjā berries graced His beautiful neck, and a lovely pair of blue lotuses adorned His ears.
Original
Hindi. Printed rendering
'वाम करकिसलय वेणुसे सुशोभित है, दक्षिण करमें सुन्दर यष्टि (छड़ी) है। कक्षमें वेत्र एवं पत्रमण्डित अद्भुत शृङ्ग दबाये हुए हैं। अलकावली मोरमुकुटसे मण्डित है। सुन्दर कण्ठदेश गुञ्जाहारसे राजित हो रहा है। कर्णयुगल युग्मकुवलयसे विभूषित हैं।'
English translation
"His tender left hand is beautified by the flute, and His right hand holds a lovely staff. Beneath His arm He carries a cane and a wondrous horn decorated with leaves. His curling locks are crowned with a peacock-feather ornament. His beautiful neck shines with a necklace of guñjā berries, and His two ears are adorned with a pair of blue lotuses."
Original
Hindi
जननीके अगणित रत्नहार, रत्नाभूषणोंमेंसे आज किसीको श्रीअङ्गपर स्थान नहीं मिला। आज तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र वनमें ही रहेंगे। जननीने भी अचिन्त्य प्रेरणावश तदनुरूप ही शृङ्गार धराये हैं। फिर अवकाश ही कहाँ था कि जननी अपने नीलसुन्दरको समस्त शृङ्गार धारण करा सकें। एक क्षणका विलम्ब भी श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको असह्य जो हो गया था। मैयाका मन भी रह-रहकर इस ओर आकर्षित हो रहा था कि अधिक-से-अधिक छीकोंमें अधिक-से-अधिक भोजनद्रव्य श्रीरोहिणी एवं परिचारिकाएँ भर पायीं कि नहीं। कहीं वनमें सखाओंको वितरण करते-करते स्वयं नीलमणिके लिये भोज्यवस्तुओंकी त्रुटि न पड़ जाय--मैयाको तो यह चिन्ता लगी थी।
शृङ्गारके बिना ही उनके परम सुन्दर साँवरे पुत्रसे सौन्दर्यकी किरणें झरती रहती हैं, रत्नाभरण आज न सही! बस, अधिक-से-अधिक खाद्य सामग्री वनमें भेजी जा सके, मैयाके लिये यही प्रमुख प्रश्न था और इसीलिये आज श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका छीका वहन करनेवाले गोपसेवकोंकी संख्या भी मैयाने बढ़ायी है, बहुत अधिक बढ़ायी है--शृङ्गार-सामग्रीकी नहीं।
English translation
Not one of Mother's countless jeweled necklaces and ornaments found a place upon His divine limbs that day. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra would remain in the forest, and by an inconceivable inspiration Mother had adorned Him accordingly. Moreover, where was the time for her to place every ornament upon Nīlasundara? Even a moment's delay had become unbearable to Him. Again and again Mother's mind turned toward whether Śrī Rohiṇī and the maidservants had filled the greatest possible number of slings with the greatest possible quantity of food. She worried that while distributing food to His friends in the forest, Nīlamaṇi might be left without enough for Himself.
Rays of beauty streamed from her supremely lovely dark-complexioned son even without ornaments, so it did not matter if He wore no jewels that day. Mother's principal concern was simply that as much food as possible be sent into the forest. Therefore, she had greatly increased the number of cowherd servants assigned to carry Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's food slings, not the quantity of His ornaments.
Original
Hindi
अस्तु, राजसदनकी सीमा पार करते-न-करते सखाओंका समुदाय भी एकत्र होने लगता है। देखते-देखते सहस्र-सहस्र गोपशिशु अपने असंख्य गोवत्सोंको साथ लिये, उन्हें आगे हाँकते हुए आ पहुँचते हैं, श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके मण्डलमें सम्मिलित हो जाते हैं। प्रत्येकने अपने घरसे छीकोंमें भोजनद्रव्य ले लिये हैं। सभी सुन्दर वेत्र, शृङ्ग एवं वेणुसे विभूषित होकर ही आये हैं। इन शिशुओंके पारस्परिक प्रेमकी, श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके प्रति असीम अनुरागकी तुलना ही कहाँ सम्भव है। फिर आजकी मनोवाञ्छित योजना सफल होते देखकर तो इनके सुखका पार नहीं रहा है। आनन्दसिन्धुकी चञ्चल लहरियोंसे प्लावित हुए, उनपर नाचते-से हुए ये चले जा रहे हैं अपने प्राणाराम सखा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके साथ!
English translation
As soon as they crossed the boundary of the royal residence, the community of friends began to assemble. In moments, thousands upon thousands of cowherd boys arrived with their countless calves driven before them and joined Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's company. Each had brought food from home in a sling, and all came adorned with lovely canes, horns, and flutes. What comparison could ever be made with the boys' love for one another or their limitless affection for Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra? Seeing their cherished plan succeed that day, their happiness knew no bounds. Flooded by the dancing waves of the ocean of bliss and seeming to dance upon those very waves, they walked beside Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, the friend who delighted their lives.
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.12.2
तेनैव साकं पृथुकाः सहस्रशः स्निग्धाः सुशिग्वेत्रविषाणवेणवः। स्वान् स्वान् सहस्रोपरिसंख्ययान्वितान् वत्सान् पुरस्कृत्य विनिर्ययुर्मुदा॥
English translation
Together with Him went thousands of affectionate boys, each beautifully equipped with a lunch sling, cane, horn, and flute. Placing before them their respective groups of calves, each numbering more than a thousand, they joyfully departed.
Original
Hindi
अपने बछड़े उन सबोंने श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके असंख्य गोवत्सोंमें मिला दिये:
English translation
They mingled their own calves among Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's innumerable calves:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.12.3, first half
कृष्णवत्सैरसंख्यातैर्यूथीकृत्य स्ववत्सकान्।
English translation
They gathered their own calves into a single herd with Kṛṣṇa's innumerable calves.
Original
Braj
अपने बछरे लै-लै आए। कान्ह के बछरन आनि मिलाए॥
English translation
Each brought along his own calves and joined them with Kanhaiyā's calves.
Original
Braj
नंद-सुवन सौं मिलि कै चले। लागत सबै मैन-से भले॥
English translation
They joined Nanda's son and walked onward. Each appeared as lovely as the god of love.
Original
Braj
तिन मधि मोहन अति सुखदाइक। नग जराइ मधि ज्यों मधिनाइक॥
English translation
Among them stood Mohana, the giver of supreme delight, like the moon set as a jewel among surrounding gems.
Original
Hindi
किंतु सबको ही आज एक बात अतिशय खल रही है। आज दाऊ भैया साथ जो नहीं चल रहे हैं। उनके अभावमें तो वन-भोजनका रस ही आधा हो जायगा। किसी कारणसे वे तो घरपर ही रह गये:
English translation
Yet one matter deeply troubled everyone that day: Dāū Bhaiyā was not accompanying them. Without Him, the relish of the forest meal would be reduced by half. For some reason, He had remained at home:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
केनापि हेतुना गृहस्थितिः कुतूहलिनि हलिनि……।
English translation
For some reason, playful Halī, Balarāma, remained at home....
Original
Hindi
अरे नहीं, उनका आज जन्मनक्षत्र है; उसकी शान्ति, अभिषेक आदिके लिये रोहिणी मैयाने उन्हें बलपूर्वक रोक लिया:
English translation
No, today was the day of His birth constellation. Mother Rohiṇī had forcibly kept Him home for the pacifying rites, ceremonial bath, and other observances:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Sārārtha-darśinī
बलदेवस्तु मात्रा जन्मर्क्षशान्तिकस्नानाद्यर्थं गृह एव बलाद्रक्षितः।
English translation
But Baladeva was forcibly kept at home by His mother for the pacification of His birth constellation, His ceremonial bath, and the other rites.
Original
Hindi
इतना अवश्य है, चलते समय दाऊ भैयाने श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके समीप चुपचाप यह संवाद भेज दिया है:
English translation
It is certain, however, that as they departed Dāū Bhaiyā quietly sent this message to Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Gopāla-campū
हन्त भोः! कृष्ण! त्वया सह क्रीडातृष्णगप्यहं विरुद्धविधिना निरुद्ध एवास्मि।××× भवता या लीला भावयितुं भाविता सावश्यं भावयितव्या।
English translation
"Alas, O Kṛṣṇa! Although I thirst to play with You, adverse destiny has restrained Me. × × × Yet the līlā You have conceived in Your heart must certainly be brought to fulfillment."
Original
Hindi. Printed rendering
'भैया रे श्रीकृष्ण! तुम्हारे साथ क्रीडाकी लालसा रहनेपर भी दैव मेरे विरुद्ध है और मैं रोक ही लिया गया। किंतु जो लीला तुमने करनेको सोच रखा है, उसे अवश्य सम्पादित करना।'
English translation
"Brother Kṛṣṇa! Although I long to play with You, destiny is opposed to Me and I have been detained. But You must certainly perform the līlā You have planned."
Original
Hindi
बलरामकी यह सम्मति ही उनके अभावको किसी अंशमें पूर्ण कर दे रही है। फिर तो अचिन्त्य-लीला-महाशक्तिने डोरी खींच ली। दाऊ भैया सबके स्मृतिपथसे बाहर चले आये। दूसरे ही क्षण नवीन उत्साहका द्वार खुला। अरविन्दनयन श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके दृगञ्चल चञ्चल हो उठे। उल्लासकी स्रोतस्विनी लहरा उठी और गोपशिशु उसीमें बह चले। आगे मनोरम वनश्रेणी है। कलिन्दनन्दिनीका मञ्जुल प्रवाह है। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका नेतृत्व है। इससे अधिक उद्दीपन और क्या होगा। गोपशिशु वत्सचारण करते हुए ही बाल्यकौतुकमें संलग्न हो जाते हैं। चलते-चलते जहाँ कहीं भी रुक जाते हैं और वहीं एक-से-एक सुन्दर बाल्यविहार होने लगता है:
English translation
Balarāma's approval compensated to some degree for His absence. Then the inconceivable great power of līlā drew its cord, and Dāū Bhaiyā passed beyond everyone's field of remembrance. In the very next moment, a door opened upon fresh enthusiasm. The corners of lotus-eyed Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's eyes became restless, a river of delight surged forth, and the cowherd boys were swept along in its current. Before them lay a charming succession of forests and the lovely flow of Yamunā, daughter of Kalinda, while Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra Himself led them. What greater stimulus to joy could there be? As they tended the calves, the boys became absorbed in childhood amusements. Wherever they paused along the way, one beautiful childish pastime after another arose:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.12.3, second half
चारयन्तोऽर्भलीलाभिर्विजह्रुस्तत्र तत्र ह॥
English translation
While tending the calves, they sported here and there in the pastimes of children.
Original
Hindi
पहली क्रीड़ा हुई नीलसुन्दरके श्यामल श्रीअङ्गोंको वन्यसामग्रीसे अलङ्कृत करनेकी, स्वयं भी आभूषित होनेकी। सबकी माताओंने यथासाध्य पर्याप्त सजाकर ही पुत्रोंको वनमें भेजा है। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने रत्नहार, मणि-भूषण नहीं धारण किये तो क्या? शिशुओंकी माताओंने तो आज भी उन्हें--बालकोंकी रुचि ऐसे शृङ्गारमें रहनेपर भी--वैसे ही सजाया है। सदाकी भाँति गोपशिशु अङ्गद, वलय, किङ्किणीजाल, कर्णकुण्डल, मञ्जीर और विविध मणिमय भूषणोंसे सुसज्जित हैं:
English translation
Their first game was to adorn Nīlasundara's dark divine limbs with forest treasures and then ornament themselves as well. Each mother had sent her son into the forest decorated as fully as she could. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra had not worn jeweled necklaces or gem-studded ornaments, but despite the boys' fondness for another kind of decoration, their mothers had dressed them in the customary way even that day. As always, the cowherd boys were beautifully adorned with armlets, bracelets, networks of tiny bells, earrings, anklets, and many jeweled ornaments:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrī Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū
केयूरे वलयानि किङ्किणिघटा हारावली कुण्डले मञ्जीरौ मणिवृन्दबन्धलतिका यद्यप्यमीषां बभुः।
English translation
Although armlets, bracelets, clusters of tinkling bells, rows of necklaces, earrings, anklets, and entwined bands of many gems already shone upon them....
Original
Hindi
गुञ्जा-काच-मुक्ता-स्वर्णमणिनिर्मित आभरणोंसे पुत्रोंकी वेशरचनामें आभीर-सुन्दरियोंने कलाकी इति कर दी है; इतने अल्प समयमें व्रजेश्वरीने भी पुष्पोंसे ही अपने नीलमणिका परम मनोहर शृङ्गार करके ही भेजा है। पर इससे क्या हुआ, शिशुओंके मनके अनुरूप न तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र ही सजे और न वे सब ही। व्रजरानी, उनकी माताएँ कहाँ पायेंगी वनस्थलीकी शृङ्गारसामग्री। भूषणोपयोगी ये छोटे-बड़े वनफल, द्रुमवल्लरियोंके रंग-बिरंगे नवपल्लव, मनोहारी पुष्पगुच्छ, विविधवर्ण, चित्र-विचित्र कुसुमोंकी राशि, अभी-अभी झड़े हुए झलमलाते मयूरपिच्छ एवं गैरिक आदि भाँति-भाँतिके वन्यधातु--ये वस्तुएँ व्रजराजमहिषीको, गोप-सुन्दरियोंको कहाँ मिलेंगी! और मिलें भी तो इनसे विभूषित करनेकी कल्पना ही उनमें कहाँ सम्भव है।
किंतु शिशुओंके मनभावते शृङ्गारद्रव्य तो ये ही हैं। उन्हें तो अपने प्राणप्रतिम सखा कन्हैयाको, स्वयं अपने-आपको इन्हींसे अलङ्कृत करना है। तभी तो समुचित वेशविन्यास होगा! अन्यथा इन आभूषणोंका भार वहन करनामात्र है! अतः सबसे पहले आज वेशरचनाका ही कार्य हुआ। फलसे, नवकिसलयसे, कुसुम-स्तवकसे, सुमनसे, शिखिपिच्छ एवं वन्यधातुओंसे प्रथम उन सबने मिलकर नीलसुन्दरके अङ्गोंको अलङ्कृत किया और फिर पारस्परिक सहयोगद्वारा तथा श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके करपद्मोंसे आहृत वन्य-उपहारोंको ले-लेकर वे सब-के-सब स्वयं भी विभूषित हुए:
English translation
The beautiful cowherd women had reached the summit of artistry in dressing their sons with ornaments made of guñjā berries, glass, pearls, gold, and jewels. In the little time available, Vrajeśvarī too had sent her Nīlamaṇi forth after adorning Him most charmingly with flowers. Yet what of that? Neither Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra nor the boys had been decorated according to their own hearts. Where could the queen of Vraja and the boys' mothers obtain the ornaments of the forest? Where would they find the small and large wild fruits fit for decoration, the many-colored new leaves of trees and vines, captivating flower clusters, heaps of multicolored and wondrous blossoms, freshly fallen gleaming peacock feathers, and the many forest pigments such as red ocher? Even if they had found them, how could those mothers have conceived of decorating the boys with such things?
Yet these alone were the ornaments beloved by the boys. They wished to decorate Kanhaiyā, their friend as dear as life, and themselves with these treasures. Only then would their attire be fitting. Otherwise, their ordinary ornaments were merely a burden to carry. Therefore, their first activity that day was adorning themselves. All together, they first decorated Nīlasundara's limbs with fruits, fresh shoots, clusters of blossoms, flowers, peacock feathers, and forest pigments. Then, helping one another and receiving the forest gifts plucked by Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's lotus hands, every one of them adorned himself as well:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.12.4
फलप्रवालस्तवकसुमनःपिच्छधातुभिः। काचगुञ्जामणिस्वर्णभूषिता अप्यभूषयन्॥
English translation
Although already adorned with ornaments of glass, guñjā berries, jewels, and gold, they further decorated themselves with fruits, tender shoots, clusters of blossoms, flowers, peacock feathers, and mineral pigments.
Original
Hindi
इसके अनन्तर उनकी यथेच्छ क्रीड़ा आरम्भ हुई। एकने चुपचाप किसीका छीका कंधेसे उतार लिया, अथवा बगलसे बेंत खींच ली और छिपा दी। किसी सहगामी दर्शकका संकेत पानेपर उसे अपनी वस्तुके अपहृत होनेका भान हुआ और वह ढूँढ़ने चला। वस्तु जाती कहाँ। अपहरण करनेवालेका ठीक-ठीक अनुमान उसे हो गया और वह दौड़ा उससे अपनी वस्तु छीनने। किंतु समीप पहुँचनेसे पूर्व उसने तो अपहृत वस्तु दूर फेंक दी। शिशु अपनी वस्तु उठा लेनेके लिये लपका, पर ले नहीं सका। दूसरे शिशुने उसे उठाकर और भी आगे निक्षिप्त कर दिया। वहाँ पहुँचनेपर तीसरेने और आगे फेंक दिया। वस्तु न पाकर, अपनी हारका अनुभव कर श्रान्त शिशुके नेत्र भरने लगे। फिर तो किसी वयस्क शिशुने अथवा स्वयं श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने ही हँसते हुए उसकी वस्तु लाकर उसके हाथोंमें दे दी और उसे अङ्कमें भर लिया। उसके तप्त अश्रु एक अनिर्वचनीय सुखके परमशीतल बिन्दुओंमें परिणत हो गये!
English translation
Thereafter their unrestrained play began. One boy would quietly remove another's food sling from his shoulder or pull the cane from beneath his arm and hide it. Receiving a signal from a companion who had witnessed the deed, the boy would realize that his possession had been taken and go in search of it. It could not have gone far. Correctly guessing who had stolen it, he would run to snatch it back. Before he came near, however, the thief would throw the stolen article far away. The boy would spring to retrieve it but fail, for another boy would pick it up and cast it still farther. When he reached that place, a third would throw it farther yet.
Unable to recover his possession, exhausted, and feeling himself defeated, the boy's eyes would fill with tears. Then an older boy, or Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra Himself, would laughingly retrieve the object, place it in his hands, and embrace him. His burning tears would be transformed into supremely cooling drops of indescribable happiness.
Original
Hindi
कदाचित् वृन्दाकाननकी सुन्दर शोभा निहारने श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र किञ्चित् दूर चले गये, फिर तो होड़ मची--दौड़कर कौन सबसे पहले श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको स्पर्श करता है? 'यह लो मैं पहुँचा' कहते हुए असंख्य शिशु एक साथ दौड़े श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको स्पर्श करनेके लिये; और उन्हें छूकर, अपने भुजपाशमें बाँधकर सुखसिन्धुमें निमग्न हो गये।
English translation
Sometimes Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra wandered a little distance away to behold the beauty of Vṛndāvana's forest. Then a race would begin to see who could run and touch Him first. Crying, "Here, I have reached Him!" countless boys ran together to touch Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. Upon reaching Him, they touched Him, bound Him within their arms, and plunged into an ocean of happiness.
Original
Hindi
एक समुदायकी लालसा हुई--श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी भाँति ही वह वंशी बजाये। उसने अपनी वंशीमें स्वर भरना आरम्भ किया। फिर तो उसका अनुकरण दूसरोंने भी किया ही। विभिन्न स्वरनादसे कानन गूँज उठा और तब श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रने अपने अधरोंपर वंशीको धारण किया। करकिसलय चञ्चल हुए, छिद्रोंपर अँगुलियाँ नाचने लगीं। फिर तो अगणित शिशुओंका सम्मिलित वेणुनाद श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके वंशीरवमें ही सहसा समा-सा गया।
साथ ही शिशुओंको अनुभव हुआ--'कन्नू भैयाकी स्वरलहरीसे जिस मधुकी वर्षा होती है, वह तो अप्रतिम है; हम सबोंके वंशीनादमें सचमुच वह मिला नहीं, वह तो उससे सर्वथा पृथक् रह रहा है; उस मधुप्रवाहमें हमारा नाद प्रस्तर-कण-सा खर-खर कर रहा है। उसमें एकरस होकर मिल सकना तो दूर रहा, हमारा वंशीरव तो उलटे उसकी मधुरिमाको रुद्ध कर दे रहा है।' एक साथ ही शिशुओंने बजाना स्थगित कर दिया और फिर सबने निश्चय कर लिया--'देखो, जब कन्नूकी वंशी बजे, तब हममेंसे कोई भी उस समय उसका अनुकरण न करे। अन्यथा हम सभी इस परम सुखके पूर्ण उपभोगसे वञ्चित रह जायँगे। और बातोंमें कन्नूको हरायें, वह तो हारेगा ही, पर वंशीवादनमें उसकी होड़ करने न जाये!'
English translation
One group desired to play their flutes just as Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra did. One boy began filling his flute with melody, and the others naturally imitated him. The forest resounded with many notes. Then Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra placed His flute upon His lips. His tender lotus hands became restless, and His fingers danced upon the holes. At once the combined flute music of the countless boys seemed to dissolve into Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's own flute song.
The boys then realized, "The honey that showers from Kannū Bhaiyā's current of melody is incomparable. It is truly absent from our flute playing and remains entirely distinct from it. Within that stream of honey, our notes grate like particles of stone. Far from becoming one with His melody, our flute sounds obstruct its sweetness." All the boys stopped playing at once and resolved, "Whenever Kannū's flute sounds, none of us should imitate Him. Otherwise we will all be deprived of fully relishing this supreme happiness. We may defeat Kannū at other things, and He will certainly accept defeat, but we must not compete with His flute playing."
Original
Hindi
यही परिणाम शृङ्गध्वनिका भी निकला! श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके शृङ्गसे निर्गत अत्यन्त गम्भीर नादकी समता गोपशिशु न कर सके तथा पूर्ववत् निर्णय इस सम्बन्धमें भी हुआ। और वेणु, शृङ्ग तो प्रतिदिन ही बजते हैं, बजेंगे ही। आज तो और ही क्रीड़ा हो!
English translation
The same conclusion followed regarding the sound of the horn. The cowherd boys could not equal the exceedingly deep resonance issuing from Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's horn, so they made the same decision about it. Besides, the flutes and horns sounded every day and would continue to do so. Today they would play other games.
Original
Hindi
अस्तु, एक दलको अन्य क्रीड़ा सूझी। मधुमत्त भ्रमर गुन-गुन करते उड़ रहे हैं। शिशुओंके इस दलने उनकी ओर देखा, उनकी ध्वनि सुनी और फिर उस 'गुन-गुन' में ही अपना कण्ठ-स्वर मिलाना आरम्भ किया। इतनेमें कोकिलका 'कुहू-कुहू' रव सुन पड़ा और कुछ शिशु कोकिलकण्ठका ही अनुकरण करने लगे।
English translation
One group devised another game. Honey-intoxicated bees flew about humming. The boys looked toward them, heard their sound, and began blending their own voices into that humming. Just then the cuckoo's call of "kuhū, kuhū" was heard, and some boys began imitating its voice.
Original
Hindi
कतिपय शिशु अतिशय वेगसे दौड़ने लगे। आकाशमें उड़ते हुए पक्षियोंकी सचल छाया देखकर उन्हें नया ही कौतुक हाथ लगा। वे उस छायाका ही अनुसरण करते हुए छायापर अपने चरण रखते हुए चलनेके प्रयासमें प्रबल वेगसे दौड़ चले। आगे सरोवर आ जानेसे उनका मार्ग रुद्ध हो गया। अन्यथा वे न जाने कितनी दूरतक चले जाते। जो हो, सरोवरपर जानेसे एक और सुन्दर क्रीड़ासामग्री मिली।
English translation
Several boys began running with tremendous speed. Seeing the moving shadows of birds flying across the sky, they discovered a new amusement. Following those shadows and trying to place their feet upon them, they raced onward at full speed. A lake ahead blocked their path, or no one knew how far they might have gone. Yet upon reaching the lake, they found another beautiful occasion for play.
Original
Hindi
वहाँ हंसोंकी मृदुगति देखकर उनके आनन्दका पार नहीं। वहीं इस मरालकुलकी शोभा निहारनेके लिये श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र भी दौड़े आये। उन्हें अपने समीप आया देखकर उन हंसोंकी विचित्र दशा हुई। वे ग्रीवा उठाकर मृदु मन्दगतिसे अतिशय सुमधुर कूजन करते हुए उनकी ओर ही चल पड़े। फिर तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके उन गोपसखाओंकी चेष्टा भी देखने ही योग्य हुई। पंक्तिबद्ध होकर वे बालक ठीक हंसोंकी भाँति ही चलने लगे। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका उन्मुक्त हास्य उन्हें उत्तरोत्तर प्रोत्साहित करता गया और हंसकी गतिसे मृदुपादविन्यासकी क्रीड़ा न जाने कितनी देर चलती रही।
English translation
Their delight knew no bounds when they saw the swans moving gracefully there. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra also ran over to behold the beauty of that flock. Seeing Him draw near, the swans entered a wondrous state. Raising their necks, moving softly and slowly, and uttering exceedingly sweet calls, they approached Him. The conduct of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's cowherd friends then became a marvel to behold. Forming a line, the boys walked exactly like the swans. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's free, open laughter encouraged them more and more, and their game of placing their feet gently in the swans' gait continued for no one knew how long.
Original
Hindi
किञ्चित् अल्पवयस्क शिशुओंका ध्यान शान्त, स्थिर बैठे वक-समूहोंकी ओर गया। वे उनकी मुद्राका ही अनुकरण करने लगे। उनसे कुछ दूर वहीं सरोवर-तटपर वे शिशु भी वैसे ही ध्यानस्थित-से शान्त बैठ गये। उनका यह सुन्दर अभिनय देखकर उल्लासकी सीमा नहीं रही।
English translation
Some of the younger boys noticed groups of herons sitting still and silent. They began imitating their posture. A short distance away on the same lakeshore, those boys sat just as quietly, appearing absorbed in meditation. Seeing their charming performance, everyone's delight became boundless.
Original
Hindi
वहीं देखते-देखते दल-के-दल मयूर एकत्र होने लगे। उन्हें भी श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रकी अङ्गगन्ध मिली और वे अपनी घ्राणशक्तिसे इस दिव्यातिदिव्य सौरभका संधान पाकर सघन वनसे वहाँ चले आये, जहाँ श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र विराजित हैं। वे सम्मुख आये ही हैं श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका अभिनन्दन करने; क्योंकि उन सबोंने पुच्छका विस्तार किया और लगे नृत्य करने। उनके इस नृत्यसे श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका मन भी नाच उठता है। केवल मन ही नहीं, शरीर भी। वास्तवमें वे उन नृत्यपरायण मयूरोंके पाद-विन्यासपर, उनके तालबन्धपर उनकी-सी भाव-भङ्गिमाका प्रकाश करते हुए नृत्य करने लग जाते हैं।
गोपशिशुओंकी तो क्या चर्चा, श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका यह नृत्य अतिशय चञ्चल कपिदलको भी मुग्ध कर देता है। द्रुमशाखाओंपर अवस्थित, अतिशय शान्ति धारण किये इस कपिसमाजकी भावसमाधि देखने ही योग्य है!
English translation
As they watched, flock after flock of peacocks began gathering there. They too caught the fragrance of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's limbs. Tracing that supremely divine aroma with their power of smell, they came from the dense forest to the place where He stood. They had clearly come before Him to offer their welcome, for they all spread their tails and began to dance. Their dancing made Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's heart dance as well, and not only His heart but His body too. Following the steps and rhythms of those dancing peacocks and expressing gestures like theirs, He began to dance.
What need is there to speak of the cowherd boys? Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's dance enchanted even a band of exceedingly restless monkeys. Perched upon the tree branches in profound stillness, the monkeys appeared absorbed in an ecstasy of feeling, and their state was a wonder to behold.
Original
Hindi
किंतु आखिर तो वह कपिकी जाति ठहरी। एकने भूल कर दी। दर्शनलोभसे ही वह कूदकर निम्नतम शाखापर आ बैठा। एकके नीचे उतर आनेपर दूसरेके द्वारा अनुकरण अनिवार्य है ही। कपिस्वभावकी शोभा भी इसीमें है। अस्तु, देखते-ही-देखते शत-शत कपिसमूह वृक्षसे नीचे आकर नृत्यपरायण श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रको, मयूरकुलको आवृत कर लेते हैं। श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका ध्यान इस ओर नहीं जाता, वे तो नृत्यमें तन्मय हो रहे हैं। किंतु मयूर भयभीत हो उठे। अपने पुच्छका संकोच कर, नृत्यका विराम कर, सब-के-सब तरुशाखाओंपर जा चढ़े।
अब तो गोपशिशुओंके रोषका पार नहीं। इस दुष्ट कपिदलने श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रका नृत्य जो बिगाड़ दिया। शिशुओंमें प्रतिशोध लेनेकी भावना जाग्रत् हुई। वे उनकी लंबी नीचे लटकती पूँछोंको पकड़-पकड़कर खींचने लगे और जब वे कपि ऊपरकी शाखाओंपर जा चढ़े, तब शिशु भी उनके साथ ही वृक्षोंपर चढ़ गये। वे सब वानर-स्वभाववश मुख विकृत करके जब इनकी ओर घुड़कने लगे, तब ये सब भी ठीक वैसे ही अपना मुँह फाड़कर, दाँत निकालकर, उलटा उन्हें ही धमकाकर उन्हें पुनः पकड़ लेनेका प्रयास करने लगे। भयभीत कपिसमाज जब इस वृक्षसे उस वृक्षपर कूदकर भागने लगा, तब ये निर्भीक गोपशिशु भी एकसे दूसरे वृक्षपर कूदने लगे। उन्हें बहुत दूर हटाकर ही इन सबोंने विश्राम लिया।
English translation
But after all, they were monkeys. One of them made a mistake. Greedy for a closer view, he leapt down and sat upon the lowest branch. Once one monkey descended, the others inevitably had to imitate him, for therein lies the charm of monkey nature. In moments, hundreds upon hundreds of monkeys came down from the trees and surrounded the dancing Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra and the peacocks. Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra did not notice them, for He was wholly absorbed in dancing. But the peacocks grew frightened. Folding their tails and stopping their dance, all of them flew up into the branches.
The cowherd boys' anger then knew no bounds. This wicked band of monkeys had spoiled Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's dance. A desire for revenge arose within the boys. They seized and pulled the monkeys' long, dangling tails. When the monkeys climbed to higher branches, the boys climbed the trees after them. Following their nature, the monkeys distorted their faces and snarled at the boys. The boys opened their mouths, bared their teeth in exactly the same way, threatened the monkeys in return, and tried to catch them again. When the frightened monkeys began leaping from tree to tree in flight, the fearless boys leapt from one tree to the next after them. Only after driving them far away did the boys rest.
Original
Hindi
एक ओर कतिपय शिशुओंका अभिनय और भी मनोरम है। आयु छोटी होनेके कारण यह मण्डल न तो वृक्षपर ही चढ़ सका और न अन्य क्रीड़ाओंमें ही इसे सफलता मिली। किंतु इस बार इन्होंने भी बाजी मार ली। सरोवरके समीप उछलते हुए भेकों (मेढकों)-की ओर इनकी दृष्टि गयी और ये भी पृथ्वीपर हाथ टेककर वैसे ही फुदकने लगे। ठीक उनकी भाँति ही फुदककर क्षुद्र जल-धाराओंको पार करने लगे। इनकी यह चेष्टा देखकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके सहित अन्य समस्त गोपशिशु हँसते-हँसते लोट-पोट हो गये।
English translation
Elsewhere, the performance of several boys was even more charming. Because they were very young, their group could neither climb the trees nor succeed in the other games. This time, however, they too carried off the prize. Their eyes fell upon frogs hopping near the lake, so they placed their hands upon the ground and began hopping in the same way. Just like the frogs, they leapt across the little streams of water. Seeing their antics, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra and all the other cowherd boys rolled upon the ground with laughter.
Original
Hindi
कुछ गोपबालकोंका ध्यान अपने प्रतिबिम्बकी ओर गया। प्रातःकालकी इतनी लंबी छाया देखकर वे उस प्रतिच्छायासे ही खेलने लगे। बालकोंने अपने हाथ उठाये, प्रतिबिम्बके हाथ भी उठ गये। भला, इतना सुन्दर खेल और क्या होगा! फिर तो अपने अङ्गोंको विविध भाँतिसे प्रकम्पित कर उसकी प्रतिक्रिया वे छायामें देखने लगे, देख-देखकर आनन्दमग्न होने लगे और जब अपनी ही प्रतिध्वनिसे खेलनेका क्रम आरम्भ हुआ, तब तो कहना ही क्या है! तुमुल आनन्द-कोलाहलसे समस्त वनप्रान्तर मुखरित हो रहा है। सहसा इसीकी ओर कुछका ध्यान गया तथा प्रश्नोत्तर आरम्भ हुआ।
शिशुने उच्च कण्ठसे पुकारा 'अरे! तुम कौन हो?' प्रतिध्वनिने इसीकी आवृत्ति कर दी। 'हम तो श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके सखा हैं।' प्रतिनादने भी यही उत्तर दिया। 'क्या तुम्हारे साथ भी श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र हैं?' प्रतिशब्द भी ज्यों-का-त्यों लौट आया। 'हाँ हैं।' इसका उत्तर भी यही मिला। किंतु इस उत्तरसे कुछ शिशु रुष्ट हो गये--'मिथ्यावादी कहींके! श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र तो एक हैं; हमारे साथ हैं; तेरे साथ कहाँ हैं?' प्रत्युत्तर भी यही प्राप्त हुआ। अब तो शिशुओंके रोषका पार नहीं--'रे! तू भी कोई असुर प्रतीत होता है; पर स्मरण रख, तेरी भी दशा बक-जैसी होगी!' इसके उत्तरमें भी यही शाप उधरसे--वनप्रान्तरके अञ्चलसे भी लौट आया। न जाने कितनी देर यह शापानुग्रहकी क्रीड़ा हुई! इस प्रकार वनमें वत्सचारण करने आकर श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र आज भी सखाओंके साथ बाल्यलीला-विहारका रसपान करने लगे, स्वयं पानकर, वितरणकर रसमत्त हो उठे:
English translation
Some cowherd boys noticed their own reflections. Seeing their long shadows in the morning light, they began playing with those silhouettes. The boys raised their hands, and the reflections raised theirs. What game could be more delightful? They moved their limbs in many ways and watched the response in their shadows, becoming increasingly absorbed in joy. When they began playing with their own echoes, the entire forest resounded with their tumultuous clamor of delight. Several boys suddenly noticed the echo, and a dialogue began.
One boy called loudly, "Hey, who are you?" The echo repeated his words. "We are Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra's friends." The echo returned the same answer. "Is Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra with you too?" Those words also came back unchanged. "Yes, He is." The same reply returned. Some boys became angry at this answer. "You liar! There is only one Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. He is with us. How can He be with you?" The same response came back. Now the boys' anger knew no limit. "You seem to be some demon, but remember, you too will meet Baka's fate!" The same curse returned from the far edge of the forest. No one knew how long this game of cursing and answering continued. Thus, having come to tend the calves in the forest, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra again relished the rasa of childhood pastimes with His friends. He drank that rasa Himself, distributed it to them, and became intoxicated with it:
Original
Sanskrit. Source: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 10.12.5–10
मुष्णन्तोऽन्योन्यशिक्यादीन् ज्ञातानाराच्च चिक्षिपुः। तत्रत्याश्च पुनर्दूराद्धसन्तश्च पुनर्ददुः॥
यदि दूरं गतः कृष्णो वनशोभेक्षणाय तम्। अहं पूर्वमहं पूर्वमिति संस्पृश्य रेमिरे॥
केचिद् वेणून् वादयन्तो ध्मान्तः शृङ्गाणि केचन। केचिद् भृङ्गैः प्रगायन्तः कूजन्तः कोकिलैः परे॥
विच्छायाभिः प्रधावन्तो गच्छन्तः साधुहंसकैः। वकैरुपविशन्तश्च नृत्यन्तश्च कलापिभिः॥
विकर्षन्तः कीशबालानारोहन्तश्च तैर्द्रुमान्। विकुर्वन्तश्च तैः साकं प्लवन्तश्च पलाशिषु॥
साकं भेकैर्विलङ्घन्तः सरित्प्रस्रवसम्प्लुताः। विहसन्तः प्रतिच्छायाः शपन्तश्च प्रतिस्वनान्॥
English translation
They stole one another's lunch slings and other belongings. When the owners discovered the theft, the boys standing nearby threw the articles farther away, and those farther off threw them farther still. Then, laughing, they returned them.
If Kṛṣṇa wandered some distance away to behold the forest's beauty, they raced to touch Him, each crying, "I shall be first! I shall be first!" Thus they delighted in His touch.
Some played their flutes, while others blew their horns. Some sang with the humming bees, and others called with the cuckoos.
Some ran beside the moving shadows of birds. Some walked gracefully with the swans, sat silently with the herons, or danced with the peacocks.
They tugged the young monkeys' tails, climbed trees with them, made faces with them, and leapt with them from branch to branch.
They jumped with the frogs and crossed streams and rivulets. They laughed at their reflections and hurled reproaches at their echoes.
Original
Braj
चलि गए जमुन तट सबहिन के घट, उमगि अनंदित केलि करैं, जे बछरनि चरावत मिलि सब गावत, कुसुम अनेकनि माल धरैं। इक छीके छोरत इक इक चोरत, पाक बिबिध बिधि खात यहाँ, इक मोरनि-बोलनि, हंस-कलोलनि, बोलत बोलनि बोल तहाँ॥
इक कोकिल-कूकनि, मर्कट-हूकनि हूकत जहें-तहें हास करैं, इक भौंरनि गुंजनि, पहिरत गुंजनि, बहिरत कुंजनि, स्वाँग धरैं। इक प्रभुहि रिझावत, प्रभु सुख पावत, अति प्रबीन गति व्रत सबै, लखि सुर सब तरसत, सो सुख बरसत, सिसु उर आनंद खेल रचैं॥
English translation
They went to Yamunā's bank, every heart overflowing, and joyfully played their games. Tending the calves together, they all sang and wore many garlands of flowers.
One boy released another's lunch sling and another stole it, while here they ate many kinds of prepared food. Some called like peacocks, some sported like swans, and everywhere they answered one call with another.
Some cooed like cuckoos, some whooped like monkeys, and laughter rang here and there. Some hummed with the bees, wore garlands of guñjā berries, roamed through the bowers, and assumed playful disguises.
Some delighted the Lord, and the Lord found joy in them. All moved with consummate skill. Seeing the happiness for which the gods themselves yearned showering down upon them, the children created games of bliss within their hearts.
Original
Hindi
ज्ञानी एवं योगीगण जिन्हें निर्विशेष ब्रह्मानन्दस्वरूप मानते हैं, दास आदि भक्तोंके लिये जो परमपुरुष परमेश्वर हैं, मायाश्रित विषयविदूषित नेत्रवाले पुरुषोंके लिये जो नरबालकमात्र हैं, उन्हीं स्वयं भगवान् श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रके साथ गोपशिशुओंका यह अद्भुत विहार हो रहा है! पता नहीं, कैसे, किस जातिके राशि-राशि पुण्योंका यह परिणाम गोपशिशुओंको प्राप्त हुआ है!
English translation
The jñānīs and yogīs regard Him as the impersonal essence of brahmānanda. To devotees in servitude and the other devotional relationships, He is the Supreme Person, the Supreme Lord. To people whose vision is corrupted by sense objects under Māyā's shelter, He appears merely as a human child. Yet with that very Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, Bhagavān Himself, the cowherd boys enjoyed these wondrous pastimes. Who can say what kind of vast stores of merit had ripened to grant them such a result?