Shloka 20
कुरुसभायां केशवागमन-सत्कारविधानम् / Preparations to Honor Keśava at the Kuru Court
उन सबने प्रज्वलित अग्निके समान तेजस्वी और अपने देशके पूजनीय अतिथि भगवान् श्रीकृष्णको समीप आते देख निकट जाकर उनका यथावत् पूजन किया ।।
vṛkasthalaṃ samāsādya keśavaḥ paravīrahā | prakīrṇaraśmāv āditye vyomni vai lohitāyati ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When Keśava, the slayer of enemy heroes, reached Vṛkasthala, the sun—its rays scattered in many directions—began to set, and the western sky flushed red. Seeing the revered guest Śrī Kṛṣṇa approach, they went near and honoured him duly. Then the Lord quickly descended from his chariot, ordered it to be unyoked, and, after performing the prescribed purification and bathing, began the twilight worship (sandhyā).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in politically tense, war-bound circumstances, dharma is upheld through disciplined daily conduct: proper hospitality toward a revered guest and faithful performance of prescribed rites (such as sandhyā). Kṛṣṇa’s behavior models steadiness, purity, and respect for tradition.
Kṛṣṇa arrives at Vṛkasthala as evening approaches; the sun sets and the western sky reddens. Those present receive and honor him. He then dismounts, has the chariot unyoked, performs purification and bathing, and begins twilight worship.