Kṛṣṇa’s Departure, Auspicious Omens, and the Opening of the Uttaṅka Dialogue (कृष्णप्रयाण-निमित्त-उत्तङ्कसंवाद-प्रारम्भः)
क्षत्तारं चापि संगृहा पृष्टत्वा कुशलमव्ययम्
kṣattāraṃ cāpi saṃgṛhya pṛṣṭvā kuśalam avyayam
क्षत्तारं चापि संगृह्य पृष्ट्वा कुशलमव्ययम् ।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette: one should begin interactions by respectfully inquiring into another’s welfare, signaling goodwill and non-harm before pursuing one’s own aims.
A figure (implied from context) approaches the court officer (kṣattṛ) and first asks about his well-being—an opening gesture of respect and reassurance that all is safe and in order.