Shloka 1
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Reception Plan for Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa): Gifts, Procession, and Protocol
2: बछ। अकाल पञ्चाशीतितमोब् ध्याय: दुर्योधनका धृतराष्ट्र आदिकी अनुमतिसे श्रीकृष्णके स्वागत-सत्कारके लिये मार्गमें विश्रामस्थान बनवाना वैशम्पायन उवाच तथा दूतै: समाज्ञाय प्रयान्तं मधुसूदनम् । धृतराष्ट्रोडब्रवीद् भीष्ममर्चयित्वा महाभुजम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | tathā dūtaiḥ samājñāya prayāntaṃ madhusūdanam | dhṛtarāṣṭro 'bravīd bhīṣmam arcayitvā mahābhujam |
毗湿摩波耶那说：达罗多罗湿罗从使者处得知摩度苏陀那（克里希纳）正启程而来，便先依礼敬奉臂力雄伟的毗湿摩，随后开口说道。此景显示王庭在表面上已备好礼数以恭迎克里希纳，然而迫近的战争所带来的道德危机，仍沉沉压在众人心头。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical expectation that even amid political conflict, rulers must uphold proper respect and hospitality—especially toward elders like Bhīṣma and toward a revered envoy like Kṛṣṇa—since outward protocol reflects (and tests) inner commitment to dharma.
Messengers inform the Kuru court that Kṛṣṇa is approaching. Dhṛtarāṣṭra, after honoring Bhīṣma, begins to address him—setting up the court’s preparations to receive Kṛṣṇa and the ensuing diplomatic exchanges meant to avert war.