Shloka 28

The Freed Kings Glorify Kṛṣṇa; Instruction on Kingship, Detachment, and Remembrance

Devanagari script

रथान्सदश्वानारोप्य मणिकाञ्चनभूषितान् । प्रीणय्य सुनृतैर्वाक्यै: स्वदेशान् प्रत्ययापयत् ॥ २८ ॥

Transliteration

rathān sad-aśvān āropya maṇi-kāñcana-bhūṣitān prīṇayya sunṛtair vākyaiḥ sva-deśān pratyayāpayat

Translation

Then the Lord seated the kings on chariots drawn by fine horses and adorned with jewels and gold; pleasing them with gracious words, He sent them back to their own kingdoms.

Synonyms

• rathān: chariots
• rathān: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ratha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Plural

• sad-aśvān: yoked with noble horses
• sad-aśvān: Visheshana (Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sadaśva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Plural. (santaḥ aśvāḥ yeṣu)

• āropya: having caused to mount
• āropya: Purvakalika Kriya (Prior Action)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ruh (धातु)
• Form: Causative Absolutive/Gerund (Lyap/ल्यप्)

• maṇi-kāñcana-bhūṣitān: adorned with gems and gold
• maṇi-kāñcana-bhūṣitān: Visheshana (Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: maṇikāñcanabhūṣita (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Plural

• prīṇayya: having pleased/satisfied
• prīṇayya: Purvakalika Kriya (Prior Action)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: prī (धातु)
• Form: Causative Absolutive/Gerund (Lyap/ल्यप्)

• sunṛtaiḥ: true and pleasant
• sunṛtaiḥ: Visheshana (Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sunṛta (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural

• vākyaiḥ: with words
• vākyaiḥ: Karana (Instrument/करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vākya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural

• sva-deśān: to their own countries
• sva-deśān: Karma (Destination/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: svadeśa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Plural. (svasya deśāḥ)

• pratyayāpayat: sent back/caused to return
• pratyayāpayat: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: i (with prati) (धातु)
• Form: Imperfect (Lan/लङ्), Causative, 3rd Person (प्रथमपुरुष), Singular

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about ideal hospitality and royal etiquette?

This verse shows the ideal of rājad-harma: honoring guests with comfort and gifts, speaking kindly and truthfully, and sending them home satisfied—an exemplary standard embodied in Kṛṣṇa’s conduct.

Why did Krishna send the guests back to their own kingdoms with honor?

Within the narrative, Kṛṣṇa ensures that those who had come to Him are respected and reassured; by providing fine chariots and pleasing words, He maintains harmony among rulers and upholds dharma through gracious diplomacy.

How can 'sunrita vakya' (gentle truthful speech) be applied in modern life?

Speak truth without harshness: combine honesty with empathy, offer practical help where possible, and conclude interactions in a way that leaves others peaceful and respected—especially in family, workplace, and community leadership.