Shloka 16
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
सत्रीणां गीतनिनादैश्व मधुरैर्मधुसूदन । वन्दिमागधसूतैश्न स्तुवद्धिबोधिता: कथम्
strīṇāṁ gītaninādaiś ca madhuraiḥ madhusūdana | vandimāgadhasūtaiś ca stuvadbhir bodhitāḥ katham ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O Madhusūdana, how were they awakened—stirred from rest—by the sweet resonance of women’s songs, and by the praises sung by the bards, Māgadhas, and sūtas?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ordered social and ceremonial roles surrounding rulers and great events: awakening and public readiness are marked not only by personal intent but by communal, culturally sanctioned voices—women’s auspicious songs and the formal praise of bards—signaling dignity, duty, and the transition into action.
Vaiśampāyana asks Kṛṣṇa (addressed as Madhusūdana) to describe the manner in which the relevant persons were awakened, specifically noting the sweet singing of women and the eulogies of professional court performers—vandins, Māgadhas, and sūtas—indicating a formal, palace-like morning or ceremonial arousal scene.