“Soduni Gokulas Baare” is a modern Marathi devotional composition by Shantanu Ghule, featuring vocals by Shruti Athavale and Pranav Patwari. Rooted in the imagery of Lord Krishna, the song takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey: moving from the innocence of Gokul to the divinity of Mathura. It speaks of devotion, detachment, longing, and inner transformation. Below, we explore the meaning and translation of the song’s verses to understand its deeper essence.
Context of the Song
In Hindu devotional tradition, Gokul is where Krishna spent his childhood; a place of innocence, playfulness, and joy. Mathura, on the other hand, represents Krishna’s calling, duty, and higher purpose. The transition from Gokul to Mathura symbolizes leaving behind comfort and attachments in order to embrace destiny and divine responsibility. The song beautifully captures this shift, blending yearning with surrender.
Line-by-Line Translation and Meaning
Soduni Gokulas ba re, chaalalas ja re, Mathurechya daan paavu de
Leaving Gokul behind, go forth; let me receive the sacred gift of Mathura.
Here, the devotee speaks of letting go of the sweetness of Krishna’s childhood abode, seeking instead the blessings of Mathura, the place of his divine purpose.
Toduni naal kaaljashi, jod ghungurashi, paavlaat traana yevude
Breaking the bond with the heart, tying it instead to anklets, may strength come into my steps.
The imagery is one of painful detachment, cutting ties with deep emotional bonds; while turning to the rhythm of devotion and finding strength to keep walking the path.
Hi gaulan adayaachi naahi, hi gaulan radayaachi naahi
This wandering of devotion must not be stopped, this yearning must not turn into tears.
“Gaulan” evokes the image of gopis searching for Krishna – symbolic of the soul’s longing. The verse insists that this longing should not be restrained, nor drowned in sorrow, but kept alive with devotion.
Rojacha vistav haa rastyaavarti, tudavoon kareen mi aaj phulpari
Every day this endless path stretches before me; today I will tread it, blooming like a maiden flower.
The devotee accepts the endlessness of the spiritual journey, yet resolves to walk it with freshness, beauty, and faith – like a flower that blossoms despite challenges.
The Spiritual Essence
At its heart, Soduni Gokulas Baare is about leaving behind the known to embrace the unknown. Just as Krishna left Gokul to fulfill his destiny in Mathura, the devotee must also leave behind attachments, nostalgia, and comfort zones in order to walk the path of spiritual growth. The song blends pain and beauty; pain of detachment, beauty of surrender.
- Detachment: The lyrics highlight the breaking of inner bonds and the courage needed to walk forward.
- Devotion: The constant references to anklets, wandering, and flowers point to devotion as both rhythm and offering.
- Transformation: Moving from Gokul to Mathura becomes a metaphor for spiritual maturity. From innocence to responsibility, from play to purpose.
Why the Song Resonates
The song resonates deeply because it mirrors the universal human journey: the need to let go of what is dear in order to grow. We all carry a Gokul within us; places of joy, comfort, and attachment. Yet, to evolve, we must walk towards our own Mathura – the higher calling that life demands. In that sense, Soduni Gokulas Baare is not just a devotional song, but a reflection of every seeker’s path.
Conclusion
“Soduni Gokulas Baare” is a moving blend of devotion, poetry, and spiritual insight. Its translation reveals a layered meaning. Beyond a simple hymn to Krishna, it is a call to courage, surrender, and faith. By leaving behind the sweetness of the past and embracing the path ahead, the soul draws closer to divine purpose.
For seekers, this song is a reminder: to grow, one must walk forward, even when it means leaving behind what feels most precious.
