Dasya bhav (दास्य भाव)
Dasya Bhav is loving Shri Krishna as Master, with the devotee's loyalty and desire to serve directed toward His happiness.
Dasya Bhav (दास्य भाव | dāsya bhāva) is the devotional sentiment in which the devotee relates to Shri Krishna as a loyal servant relates to his Master.
The devotee's concern is to serve Shri Krishna faithfully and please Him. Loyalty and the desire to serve are the two main qualities of Dasya Bhav.
Unlike Shant Bhav, Divine love begins to manifest in Dasya Bhav. The servant comes closer to the Master and receives opportunities for personal seva, such as bathing, dressing, massaging, or fanning Him.
Yet the relationship between servant and Master remains. The servant does not regard himself as equal to Shri Krishna and therefore cannot freely sit beside Him, embrace Him, or speak to Him with the informality of a friend. Greater intimacy begins with the Bhav that follow.
Go Deeper
JKP Literature
Where does Dasya Bhav fit among the five devotional relationships?
JKP Literature
What does being Shri Krishna's servant actually demand of the devotee?
JKP Literature
If Shri Krishna is the Master and the devotee His servant, can the servant's love affect the Master?
