Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
तत्र तत्रोपशृण्वान: स्वपूर्वेषां महात्मनाम् । प्रगीयमाणं च यश: कृष्णमाहात्म्यसूचकम् ॥ १३ ॥ आत्मानं च परित्रातमश्वत्थाम्नोऽस्त्रतेजस: । स्नेहं च वृष्णिपार्थानां तेषां भक्तिं च केशवे ॥ १४ ॥ तेभ्य: परमसन्तुष्ट: प्रीत्युज्जृम्भितलोचन: । महाधनानि वासांसि ददौ हारान् महामना: ॥ १५ ॥
tatra tatropaśṛṇvānaḥ sva-pūrveṣāṁ mahātmanām pragīyamāṇaṁ ca yaśaḥ kṛṣṇa-māhātmya-sūcakam
Wherever the King went, he constantly heard songs of the fame of his saintly forefathers and of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s deeds that proclaim His greatness. He also heard how the Lord had protected him from the blazing power of Aśvatthāmā’s weapon, and how deep affection bound the Vṛṣṇis and the Pārthas because of their devotion to Keśava. Greatly pleased with such singers of glory, the magnanimous King, his eyes widened in loving satisfaction, bestowed valuable necklaces and fine garments.
Kings and great personalities of the state are presented with welcome addresses. This is a system from time immemorial, and Mahārāja Parīkṣit, since he was one of the well-known emperors of the world, was also presented with addresses of welcome in all parts of the world as he visited those places. The subject matter of those welcome addresses was Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa means Kṛṣṇa and His eternal devotees, as the king means the king and his confidential associates.