Shloka 18
कुरुसभायां केशवागमन-सत्कारविधानम् / Preparations to Honor Keśava at the Kuru Court
उपप्लव्यादथायान्तं जना: पुरनिवासिन: । पथ्यतिष्ठन्त सहिता विष्वक्सेनदिदृक्षया
upaplavyād athāyāntaṃ janāḥ puranivāsinaḥ | pathy atiṣṭhanta sahitā viṣvaksena-didṛkṣayā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: As Kṛṣṇa was approaching from Upaplavya, the townspeople—long-time residents of the city—stood together along the road, eager to behold Viṣvaksena (Kṛṣṇa, the leader of hosts). Their gathering reflects a society protected by the Bharatas, living in confidence and public joy rather than in the anxiety that comes from hostile armies. The scene underscores how righteous protection and stable rule allow ordinary people to flourish in peace, turning their hearts naturally toward reverence for the virtuous and the divine.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how dharmic protection and stable governance create social confidence and joy, enabling people to live without constant fear of enemies and to turn naturally toward reverence for noble leadership—here embodied by Kṛṣṇa as Viṣvaksena.
As Kṛṣṇa approaches from Upaplavya, the city’s residents assemble along the road to see him. The moment functions as a public reception scene, emphasizing Kṛṣṇa’s stature and the atmosphere of security and enthusiasm among the populace.