Shloka 356
गदायुद्ध-समारम्भः
Commencement of the Mace-Duel Proceedings
गम्यतां द्वारकां चेति सोडन्वशादनुयायिन: । वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--राजन्! नारदजीकी बात सुनकर बलरामजीने अपने साथ आये हुए श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणोंकी पूजा करके उन्हें विदा कर दिया और सेवकोंको आज्ञा दे दी कि तुम लोग द्वारका चले जाओ
gamyatāṁ dvārakāṁ ceti so 'dvanvaśād anuyāyinaḥ | vaiśampāyana uvāca—rājan! nāradasya vacanaṁ śrutvā balarāmo 'pi svāgatān śreṣṭha-brāhmaṇān pūjayitvā tān visarjayāmāsa, sevakāṁś ca ājñāpayāmāsa—yūyaṁ dvārakāṁ gacchata |
Vaiśampāyana said: “O King, after hearing Nārada’s words, Balarāma honored the eminent brāhmaṇas who had come with him and then respectfully dismissed them. He also instructed his attendants, ‘Go to Dvārakā.’”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores dharmic conduct in leadership: honoring learned guests (brāhmaṇas) with due respect, then acting decisively and orderly by giving clear instructions to one’s attendants.
After hearing Nārada’s message, Balarāma completes the proper rites of hospitality toward accompanying brāhmaṇas, dismisses them respectfully, and orders his attendants to depart for Dvārakā—marking a transition toward his next course of action.