Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 45
Kuntī’s Prayers and the Neutralization of the Brahmāstra
Uttarā Protected; Yudhiṣṭhira’s Grief Begins
तां बाढमित्युपामन्त्र्य प्रविश्य गजसाह्वयम् । स्त्रियश्च स्वपुरं यास्यन् प्रेम्णा राज्ञा निवारित: ॥ ४५ ॥
tāṁ bāḍham ity upāmantrya praviśya gajasāhvayam striyaś ca sva-puraṁ yāsyan premṇā rājñā nivāritaḥ
主以“善哉”受纳她的祈祷，遂入象城（哈斯提那普罗，Gajasāhvaya）宫中，告知诸位妇人自己将启程。及至他准备返回自家圣境之时，犹提希提罗王以深情恳求将他挽留。
No one could make Lord Kṛṣṇa stay at Hastināpura when He decided to start for Dvārakā, but the simple request of King Yudhiṣṭhira that the Lord remain there for a few days more was immediately effective. This signifies that the power of King Yudhiṣṭhira was loving affection, which the Lord could not deny. The almighty God is thus conquered only by loving service and nothing else. He is fully independent in all His dealings, but He voluntarily accepts obligations by the loving affection of His pure devotees.
FAQs
Gajasāhvaya is another name for Hastināpura, the Kuru capital, which is mentioned here as the place entered after taking leave of Queen Kuntī.
Out of affection (premṇā), King Yudhiṣṭhira checked the departure—reflecting the deep familial bond and the desire to keep loved ones close after the upheaval of war.
It highlights respectful relationships—taking proper leave, honoring elders, and valuing loving bonds that support dharma, especially after times of crisis.