Krishna: Imagining calves suckling, the mother cows flooded the floor with milk. It refers to the mother’s love, Acharya’s commitment, and Bhagavan’s unconditional affection, extended without kids/disciples asking for it.
The mother cows are showering streams of milk, imagining their loved ones unasked and the floors are flooded with overflowing milk. It shows an abundance of compassion of cows for their calves. The 7th Girl (Gopika) is the sister of a devotee, who ignores his daily chores, including milking cows, and is immersed in serving Krishna. He belongs to a class of devotees who do all karmas for Krishna only and no other work for him. As he is fully immersed in the service of Krishna, he forgets or skips the daily duty of milking cows.
Raam: Whereas it was Raam and Lakshman. They are like Lakshman, who does not bother about his personal requirements and family but thinks only of serving Raama which itself is the real devotion.
(Courtesy pic: Late Dr Ramacharya Sribhashyam Srinivasa Family.)
Goda’s Tamil Pashuram 12
Kanaithu ilam Katrerumai Kanrukk Irangi NinaitthuMmulai Vazhiye Nindru Paal Sora Nanaitth Illam serarkkum Narchelvan Thangay Panitthalai Veezha Nin Vasar Kadai Pattri Sinathinaal Thenn ilangai-k-komanai-ch-chettra Manatthukkiniyanai Paadavum Nee Vaay Thiravaay Initthan Ezhunthiraay Eedhenna Perurakkam Anaithu Illaththuaarum Arindh-el or Empaavaai
English Poem 12
Thinking about absent calves, the mother cows Releasing flows of milk flooding the floors Your brother is serving Krishna, skipping chores, We are holding your door frame, but no word from you, Ram destroyed Lanka and Ravan for abducting Sita, Though we all sing for Raama, you are unmoved and dumb, All in Vrepalle knew about your deep sleep habit, O dear wake up and Join us for Sri Nomu.
Andaal: Goda believes that if they take this Gopika with them, Krishna will easily recognize her as brother of Bhagavatottama, who is always with Him and blesses them. She says, your brother is enjoying service to Krishna, we are also serving Krishna, and then why are you not joining us? Goda’s expression “Nar ChelvanTangay (=sister of Krishna Sevaka) indirectly refers to Sri Raama Mishra, another Aalwaar, who loves the Ram most.
Raama Mishra was serving his Aacharya very obediently. When his Acharya’s daughter hesitated to cross a small slushy pond on the way, Raama Mishra entered in that slushy water to serve as a base for her to cross the pond without stepping into the muddy water. That shows his deep love for Acharya and his family. Goda indirectly refers to Aalwar Raama Mishra in this song.
Bharata: Meditates on Him
Lakshmana serves his brother without bothering about his chores and duties. He does not even perform Sandhya Vandan etc. For him service to Ram itself is worship. Lakshmana is a Yogi, whereas Bharatha performs his duty and rules Ayodhya, without being a King. Bharata rightly expects that Raama will not come back to Ayodhya to rule for 14 years because he would not violate the promise. Hence, he brings a pair of Paadukaas from Ayodhya to Forest. When Ram refuses to take back the kingdom, Bharat requests Him to step into Paadukaas, which he wants to place on Simhasan of Raama and he will take care of administration as His representative. Bharat performs the duties very well but never forgets Ram, whom he would be silently meditating upon forever. Hence, Bharath is a Muni.
Andaal: Goda chose to praise Ram, by narrating how Ram was very angry because Raavan abducted Seetha. Ram reached Lanka and destroyed Raavan. He has not slept or taken food ever since he was separated from Seeta. Ram did not feel pain when arrows struck him in battle. But when Lakshman, Anjaneya Vibheeshan etc were injured, he used to be very angry. He is also so kind, that though he could kill Ravan with one arrow, he gave him several opportunities to realize his mistake.
Goda says: “Oh dear Gopika, we are standing at your doorstep in these early hours, and singing the praise of Raama, who destroyed the King of Lanka, but you are not even responding at all. Everyone can see us here that you are in such deep sleep, wake up girl, and join us for the worship”.
Through Bhagavadgita, Krishna explains about Sthitha Prajna, who is not disturbed by any attractions or distractions around him. They have no desires even in heart of hearts. He observes many pleasant things but never thinks to have them for his happiness. One who does not worry about losses or troubles, and not get excited about the pleasures he could get is Sthitha Prajna. Though he knows things around him, he does not get involved in them and continues to meditate on God. Such a person is the second type of devotee. The Gopika referred to in this Paashuram belongs to that category.
