Shloka 18
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Reception Plan for Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa): Gifts, Procession, and Protocol
ता: सभा: केशव: सर्वा रत्नानि विविधानि च | असमीक्ष्यैव दाशा्ह उपायात् कुरुसझ तत्
tāḥ sabhāḥ keśavaḥ sarvā ratnāni vividhāni ca | asamīkṣyaiva dāśārha upayāt kurusaṃjñam tat ||
வைசம்பாயனர் கூறினார்—தாசார்ஹ கேசவன் (ஸ்ரீகிருஷ்ணன்) அந்த ஓய்வுமண்டபங்களையும் பலவகை ரத்தினங்களையும் ஒருமுறையும் நோக்காமல், குருநிவாசமான ஹஸ்தினாபுரத்தை நோக்கி முன்னே சென்றான்।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights vairāgya (detachment) and focus on dharma: Kṛṣṇa ignores opulence and keeps his attention on the ethical seriousness of his purpose among the Kurus, modeling self-mastery amid temptation.
As Kṛṣṇa approaches the Kuru seat (Hastināpura) on his mission, he does not even look at the splendid halls and jewels presented or visible along the way; he proceeds directly toward the Kaurava residence.