Shloka 13
Uddhava’s Counsel: The Jarāsandha Resolution and Kṛṣṇa’s Arrival at Indraprastha
निर्गमय्यावरोधान्स्वान् ससुतान्सपरिच्छदान् । सङ्कर्षणमनुज्ञाप्य यदुराजं च शत्रुहन् । सूतोपनीतं स्वरथमारुहद् गरुडध्वजम् ॥ १३ ॥
nirgamayyāvarodhān svān sa-sutān sa-paricchadān saṅkarṣaṇam anujñāpya yadu-rājaṁ ca śatru-han sūtopanītaṁ sva-ratham āruhad garuḍa-dhvajam
स्वान् अवरोधान् ससुतान् सपरिच्छदान् निर्गमय्य, शत्रुहन् श्रीकृष्णः सङ्कर्षणं यदुराजं चानुज्ञाप्य, सूतोपनीतं गरुडध्वजं स्वरथमारुरोह॥
Having accepted Uddhava’s proposal, Lord Kṛṣṇa first proceeded with His wives, family and entourage to the royal city of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pāṇḍavas. The rest of this chapter describes Lord Kṛṣṇa’s journey to that city and how He was received there by His loving devotees. In Indraprastha Lord Kṛṣṇa explained to the Pāṇḍavas His plan to first kill Jarāsandha and then perform the Rājasūya sacrifice, and with their full agreement He proceeded, with Bhīmasena, to settle accounts with the wicked king.
FAQs
In this verse, 'Garuḍa-dhvaja' indicates Krishna’s chariot bears Garuḍa on its flag—marking Him as the Supreme Lord (Viṣṇu-tattva) and the divine protector who moves to uphold dharma.
The verse highlights Krishna’s royal and familial etiquette: although supreme, He honors elders and leaders like Balarama and the Yadu chief, teaching respectful conduct within dharmic society.
Krishna models responsibility and order—properly arranging dependents and duties before major undertakings—showing that devotion includes disciplined, considerate action.