Shloka 21
अध्याय ८२ — केशवप्रयाणे निमित्तदर्शनम्
Omens and Reception During Keśava’s Departure
त॑ं मेरुशिखरप्रख्यं मेघदुन्दुभिनि:स्वनम् । आरुरोह रथं शौरिविमानमिव कामगम्,मेरुपर्वतके शिखरोंकी भाँति सुनहरी प्रभासे सुशोभित तथा मेघ और दुन्दुभियोंके समान गम्भीर नाद करनेवाले उस रथपर, जो इच्छानुसार चलनेवाले विमानके समान प्रतीत होता था, भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण आरूढ़ हुए
taṁ meruśikharaprakhnyaṁ meghadundubhiniḥsvanam | āruroha rathaṁ śaurivimānam iva kāmagam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Kṛṣṇa mounted that chariot—resplendent like the peak of Mount Meru, and sounding deep like thunderclouds and kettledrums—appearing like a wish-moving celestial car.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that when decisive action approaches, it should be guided by dharma and divine discernment rather than intimidation. Kṛṣṇa’s majestic, disciplined readiness symbolizes moral authority accompanying political and martial decisions.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates Kṛṣṇa mounting an extraordinary chariot, described through cosmic similes (Meru-like brilliance and thunder-drum resonance). This sets a heightened tone for the ensuing events in Udyoga Parva, where counsel, negotiation, and the approach of war intensify.