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Power of devotion

CHENNAI: : In the devotion and deep-rooted love of the Gopis towards Lord Krishna is exemplified a unique path of spiritual liberation that is not bound by any philosophy or intellectual enlightenment. Their longing for the Lord was such that they were unable to bear the pangs of separation when Lord Krishna left Gokul for Mathura.

Uddhava, Krishna's friend, experiences a similar agony when Lord Krishna prepares to leave for His heavenly abode, said Sri M.V. Ananta Padmanabhachariar in a discourse, pointing out that he is able to comprehend the full extent of this feeling only now, though he had seen in person the anxiety of the Gopis earlier when he had visited them at Gokul with words of consolation from Lord Krishna. Uddhava is torn with sorrow at the thought of separation. Through the compassion of Lord Krishna, he received the instruction regarding the highest truth and wisdom pertaining to life and liberation. He understands that the Lord is the ultimate truth. This is the nectar and having tasted its sweetness, can anyone long for anything else? An unceasing love for His lotus feet makes Uddhava long only for service at His feet.

In all His incarnations the Lord has proved that He will keep up His word, to save, protect, and bless His Bhaktas. He advises Uddhava to leave for the hallowed ashram at Badrinath and worship Lord Badri Narayana, and lead the life of an ascetic and practise the path of Bhakti Marga, until such time he is able to overcome the course of destiny. It is a great fortune to be able to be immersed in Kainkarya (service) at the Lord's feet.

To those devotees steeped in personal love of the Lord and are benevolent to all beings, He subordinates Himself. He is easily won over by their devotion. This is the essence of the reciprocal love of the Lord to his devotees.

In the fervent devotion of the Azhwars too this strong clinging to His feet is reinforced. Having experienced His boundless compassion by virtue of which He has given Himself up to them in response to their true devotion, they desire only the opportunity to serve at His feet.

When one possesses the ultimate Kalpaka Vriksha, is there any need for anything else, they cry out in supreme devotion. Such is the intensity of their true devotion.

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