Shloka 3
Saubha-nipātana: Kṛṣṇa’s Counter to Śālva’s Māyā
Book 3, Chapter 23
प्रेष्या: पुरो विंशतिरात्तशस्त्रा धनूंषि शस्त्राणि शरांश्ष दीप्तान् मौर्वीश्ष यन्त्राणि च सायकांश्व॒ सर्वे समादाय जघन्यमीयु:,भगवान् श्रीकृष्णके साथ बीस सेवक अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंसे सुसज्जित हो धनुष, तेजस्वी बाण, शस्त्र, डोरी, यन्त्र और अनेक प्रकारके सायक लेकर पहले ही पश्चिम दिशामें स्थित द्वारकापुरीकी ओर चले गये थे
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: preṣyāḥ puro viṃśatir ātta-śastrā dhanuṃṣi śastrāṇi śarāṃś ca dīptān | maurvīś ca yantrāṇi ca sāyakāṃś ca sarve samādāya jaghanyam īyuḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Twenty attendants went on ahead, fully armed. Carrying bows, weapons, blazing arrows, bowstrings, mechanical devices, and various missiles, they set out first toward Dvārakā, the city to the west, in the company and service of the Blessed Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights responsible foresight: when undertaking an important mission, one should ensure orderly protection and readiness without abandoning discipline. Ethical action here is expressed as prudent safeguarding in service of a righteous purpose.
Twenty attendants, equipped with bows, weapons, arrows, bowstrings, devices, and missiles, depart ahead of the main party, proceeding westward toward Dvārakā in connection with Śrī Kṛṣṇa, indicating an organized, guarded movement.