Shloka 18
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
तेऽतिप्रीतास्तमाकर्ण्य प्राप्तं रामं सुहृत्तमम् । तमर्चयित्वाभिययु: सर्वे मङ्गलपाणय: ॥ १८ ॥
te ’ti-prītās tam ākarṇya prāptaṁ rāmaṁ suhṛt-tamam tam arcayitvābhiyayuḥ sarve maṅgala-pāṇayaḥ
തങ്ങളുടെ അതിപ്രിയ സുഹൃത്ത് ബലരാമൻ എത്തിയെന്നു കേട്ടപ്പോൾ അവർ അത്യന്തം ആനന്ദിച്ചു. ആദ്യം ഉദ്ധവനെ ആദരിച്ചു, പിന്നെ കൈകളിൽ മംഗളോപഹാരങ്ങളുമായി പ്രഭുവിനെ വരവേൽക്കാൻ പുറപ്പെട്ടു.
In Kṛṣṇa, Śrīla Prabhupāda writes: “The leaders of the Kuru dynasty, especially Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Duryodhana, were very joyful because they knew very well that Lord Balarāma was a great well-wisher of their family. There were no bounds to their joy on hearing the news, and so they immediately welcomed Uddhava. In order to properly receive Lord Balarāma, they all took in their hands auspicious paraphernalia for His reception and went to see Him outside the city gate.”
FAQs
This verse shows the proper response: joy upon hearing of the Lord’s arrival, worship (arcana), and respectful reception with auspicious offerings.
Because Balarāma is described as their “suhṛttama,” the greatest well-wisher and intimate friend; His presence signifies protection, guidance, and divine blessing.
Cultivate readiness to honor Bhagavān and His devotees—receive them with respect, offer simple worship and service, and approach spiritual opportunities with heartfelt joy.