Shloka 44
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
तद्दीक्षायां प्रवृत्तायां वृष्णय: पुष्करस्रज: । स्नाता: सुवाससो राजन् राजान: सुष्ठ्वलङ्कृता: ॥ ४४ ॥ तन्महिष्यश्च मुदिता निष्ककण्ठ्य: सुवासस: । दीक्षाशालामुपाजग्मुरालिप्ता वस्तुपाणय: ॥ ४५ ॥
tad-dīkṣāyāṁ pravṛttāyāṁ vṛṣṇayaḥ puṣkara-srajaḥ snātāḥ su-vāsaso rājan rājānaḥ suṣṭhv-alaṅkṛtāḥ
When Mahārāja Vasudeva was about to begin the sacrificial initiation, O King, the Vṛṣṇis came to the initiation pavilion after bathing, dressed in fine garments and lotus garlands. Other kings arrived richly adorned, and their joyful queens too—wearing jeweled lockets, fine clothes, anointed with sandalwood paste, and carrying auspicious items for worship.
FAQs
This verse shows that when the sacrificial initiation (dīkṣā) begins, participants purify themselves by bathing, wearing clean fine garments, and adorning themselves—external purity reflecting inner reverence for dharma.
Lotus garlands indicate auspiciousness, purity, and festive devotion; the Vṛṣṇis appear as honored participants in a sacred setting connected with Kṛṣṇa’s divine pastimes.
Approach spiritual practice with intentional preparation—cleanliness, dignity, and a focused mindset—so the outer discipline supports inner devotion.