Shloka 39
अर्जुनस्योत्तरदिग्विजयः
Arjuna’s Northern Conquests and Tribute Collection
रत्नभाजं च दाशारहईं चक्रुस्ते पृथिवी श्वरा: । कृच्छाज्जग्राह गोविन्दस्तेषां तदनुकम्पया,इतना ही नहीं, उन भूपालोंने दशा्हकुलभूषण भगवान्को रत्न भेंट किये। भगवान् गोविन्दने बड़ी कठिनाईसे उन सबपर कृपा करनेके लिये ही वह भेंट स्वीकार की
ratnabhājaṃ ca dāśārhāṃś cakrus te pṛthivīśvarāḥ | kṛcchāj jagrāha govindas teṣāṃ tad anukampayā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Those lords of the earth also offered jewels to the illustrious Dāśārha (Kṛṣṇa). Govinda accepted that gift only with difficulty—out of compassion for them, so that their devotion and intent would not be thwarted.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a great and self-sufficient figure may accept gifts not out of need but out of compassion—so that the giver’s respectful intention is honored. The verse highlights restraint toward wealth and the ethical motive of accepting (or refusing) offerings.
In the Sabha Parva context, kings present valuable jewels to Kṛṣṇa (Govinda). He accepts them only with reluctance/difficulty, indicating detachment from riches and a compassionate willingness to receive so the kings’ act of homage is not rendered fruitless.