Shloka 55
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
बन्धून् सदारान् ससुतान् पारिबर्हेण भूयसा । विदर्भकोशलकुरून् काशिकेकयसृञ्जयान् ॥ ५५ ॥ सदस्यर्त्विक्सुरगणान् नृभूतपितृचारणान् । श्रीनिकेतमनुज्ञाप्य शंसन्त: प्रययु: क्रतुम् ॥ ५६ ॥
bandhūn sa-dārān sa-sutān pāribarheṇa bhūyasā vidarbha-kośala-kurūn kāśi-kekaya-sṛñjayān
With lavish gifts Vasudeva honored his relatives—together with their wives and children—and the royalty of Vidarbha, Kosala, Kuru, Kāśī, Kekaya, and Sṛñjaya, as well as the assembly members, the ṛtviks, the witnessing devas, humans, spirits, forefathers, and Cāraṇas. Then, having received permission from Lord Kṛṣṇa, the abode of Śrī, all the guests departed, chanting the glories of Vasudeva’s sacrifice.
FAQs
This verse highlights dharmic hospitality—honoring relatives and visiting kings with abundant gifts and provisions, showing respect and goodwill in sacred gatherings.
Because Kurukṣetra had become a major sacred assembly where many royal lineages and regions gathered, and the narrative emphasizes the broad, pan-Indian fellowship around Kṛṣṇa’s presence.
Practice respectful generosity—welcome family and guests, share resources according to capacity, and maintain harmonious relationships, especially during spiritual or family gatherings.