Shloka 3
Saubha-nipātana: Kṛṣṇa’s Counter to Śālva’s Māyā
Book 3, Chapter 23
प्रेष्या: पुरो विंशतिरात्तशस्त्रा धनूंषि शस्त्राणि शरांश्ष दीप्तान् मौर्वीश्ष यन्त्राणि च सायकांश्व॒ सर्वे समादाय जघन्यमीयु:,भगवान् श्रीकृष्णके साथ बीस सेवक अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंसे सुसज्जित हो धनुष, तेजस्वी बाण, शस्त्र, डोरी, यन्त्र और अनेक प्रकारके सायक लेकर पहले ही पश्चिम दिशामें स्थित द्वारकापुरीकी ओर चले गये थे
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: preṣyāḥ puro viṃśatir ātta-śastrā dhanuṃṣi śastrāṇi śarāṃś ca dīptān | maurvīś ca yantrāṇi ca sāyakāṃś ca sarve samādāya jaghanyam īyuḥ ||
毗湿摩耶那说道：二十名随从全副武装，先行而去。携弓、兵刃、炽亮之箭、弓弦、机巧器具与各类飞射之器，他们先一步朝西方的都城德瓦罗迦进发，随侍于圣者室利·奎师那左右。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights responsible foresight: when undertaking an important mission, one should ensure orderly protection and readiness without abandoning discipline. Ethical action here is expressed as prudent safeguarding in service of a righteous purpose.
Twenty attendants, equipped with bows, weapons, arrows, bowstrings, devices, and missiles, depart ahead of the main party, proceeding westward toward Dvārakā in connection with Śrī Kṛṣṇa, indicating an organized, guarded movement.