Shloka 12
Dvārakā’s Distress and the Saubha Engagement (द्वारकाव्यग्रता तथा सौभयुद्धम्)
द्वारकाधिपतिर्वीर आह त्वामाहुको वच: । केशवैहि विजानीष्व यत् त्वां पितृसखो<ब्रवीत्,(दूत बोला--) “वीर! द्वारकानरेश उग्रसेनने आपको यह एक संदेश दिया है। केशव! वे आपके पिताके सखा हैं; उन्होंने आपसे कहा है कि यहाँ आ जाओ और जान लो
dvārakādhipatir vīra āha tvām āhuko vacaḥ | keśava iha vijānīṣva yat tvāṁ pitṛ-sakho 'bravīt ||
Vāyu said: “O hero, the lord of Dvārakā—Āhuka—has sent you this message. O Keśava, he is a friend of your father; therefore come here and learn what he has spoken to you.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in social relations: when a legitimate authority or respected elder—especially one bound by friendship to one’s father—sends a message, one should respond with attentiveness and responsibility. It underscores trust, lineage-based obligations, and the ethical weight of a messenger’s words.
Vāyu reports a message addressed to Keśava (Kṛṣṇa): the ruler associated with Dvārakā, named Āhuka, summons him. The messenger emphasizes Āhuka’s close relationship to Kṛṣṇa’s father, urging Kṛṣṇa to come and hear/verify what is to be communicated.