Shloka 5
Aśvamedha-saṃbhāra: Return of the Horse, Auspicious Timing, and Construction of the Yajña Enclosure
युयुधानेन सहित: प्रद्मुम्नेन गदेन च । निशठेनाथ साम्बेन तथैव कृतवर्मणा,इसके बाद समस्त प्राणियोंमें श्रेष्ठ भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण बलदेवजीको आगे करके सात्यकि, प्रद्युम्न, गद, निशठ, साम्ब तथा कृतवर्मा आदि वृष्णिवंशियोंके साथ युधिष्ठिरके पास आये
yuyudhānena sahitaḥ pradyumnena gadena ca | niśaṭhenātha sāmbena tathaiva kṛtavarmaṇā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Accompanied by Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki), and also by Pradyumna and Gada—together with Niśaṭha, Sāmba, and likewise Kṛtavarman—those foremost among beings, the Vṛṣṇis, came to Yudhiṣṭhira, placing Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Baladeva at their head. The scene underscores rightful conduct after war: the victorious do not act in isolation, but approach the righteous king with reverence, unity, and proper order of honor.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after victory and upheaval, dharma is upheld through humility, proper honor, and collective responsibility: leaders and allies approach the righteous king in an orderly, respectful manner, placing the highest-worthy figures at the forefront.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Vṛṣṇi heroes—Sātyaki, Pradyumna, Gada, Niśaṭha, Sāmba, and Kṛtavarman—come to Yudhiṣṭhira, with Kṛṣṇa and Baladeva leading them, indicating a formal visit of support and counsel in the Ashvamedha context.