Shloka 1
Hari’s Boon to Muchukunda, Security of the Yādus, and Balarāma’s Consolation in Vraja
Viraha-Bhakti
इत्थं स्तुतस् तदा तेन मुचुकुन्देन धीमता प्राहेशः सर्वभूतानाम् अनादिर् भगवान् हरिः
itthaṃ stutas tadā tena mucukundena dhīmatā prāheśaḥ sarvabhūtānām anādir bhagavān hariḥ
Thus praised by the wise King Mucukunda, the Lord of all beings—Bhagavān Hari, the beginningless Sovereign—then spoke.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya); the verse introduces Lord Hari’s speech in response to Mucukunda
Avatara: Krishna
Purpose: Having received Mucukunda’s hymn, Bhagavān Hari speaks to bestow boons and guidance, protecting and uplifting his devotee.
Leela: Dharma-upadesa
Dharma Restored: Devotee’s welfare through divine instruction and grace.
Vamsha: Surya
Dharma Exemplar: Humility and devotion (stuti leading to śaraṇāgati)
Key Kings: Mucukunda
Vishnu Form: Hari
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
It frames Vishnu as the eternal, unoriginated Supreme Reality—prior to time and creation—so the coming dialogue is not merely with a deity, but with the ultimate Lord of all beings.
Parāśara first shows Mucukunda’s stuti (praise) and then marks a transition: the praised Lord responds directly, signaling that devotion culminates in divine instruction and grace.
Vishnu is presented as Bhagavān and Īśa—possessor of supreme attributes and ruler of all beings—highlighting Vaishnava doctrine that the Lord personally engages with devotees and guides them.