Shloka 31
अर्जुनस्योत्तरदिग्विजयः
Arjuna’s Northern Conquests and Tribute Collection
बन्धनाद् विप्रमुक्ताश्न राजानो मधुसूदनम् | पूजयामासुरूचुश्न स्तुतिपूर्वमिदं वच:,कैदसे छूटे हुए राजाओंने भी मधुसूदनकी पूजा की और उनकी स्तुति करते हुए इस प्रकार कहा--
bandhanād vipramuktāś ca rājāno madhusūdanam | pūjayāmāsur ūcuś ca stutipūrvam idaṃ vacaḥ ||
बन्धनाद् विप्रमुक्ता नृपाः सर्वे मधुसूदनम् । पूजयामासुरुच्चैश्च स्तुतिपूर्वमिदं वचः ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic gratitude and proper honor: when one is rescued from suffering or injustice, it is righteous to acknowledge the benefactor with reverence. It also implies that power and status (kingship) do not negate humility before virtue and protection.
After being freed from captivity, the kings approach Kṛṣṇa (Madhusūdana), perform acts of honor (pūjā), and begin to speak to him with words of praise, setting up their forthcoming address.