This chapter describes Akrura going to Hastinapura, and , after understanding Dhrtarastra’s ill treatment of the Pandavas, his return to Mathura. Going to Hastinapura, marked with the fame of the Puru dynasty, with temples and brahmana’s houses constructed by them, Akrura saw Dhrtarastra (ambikeyah), Bahlika with his son Somadatta, Drona (baradvajah), and Krpa (Gautamah) and the rest.

First it was proper that Akrūra see the king. Then he met Bhīṣma, since he was the best of the Kurus. But when he came they were sitting together so he saw them both at the same time (sa-bhīṣmam). He then met Vidura since he was their intimate associate. He then met Kuntī since he was Akrūra’s sister. He then met Bāhlīka who was the elders of the Kurus. As he was searching for the Pāṇḍavas he saw their teacher Droṇācārya and then his assistant Kṛpācārya. He then saw Karṇa and other children who were studying with them. He met the Pāṇḍavas last to show his neutrality and to give them instructions on dharma. Instead of sa-gautamam sometimes ca gautamam is seen. The ca means api (even) to indicate that Droṇācārya, though a brāhmaṇa was included in the kṣatriyas. “Others” refers to Śakuni and others.

Two verses are connected. Akṛūra, whose good qualities have been mentioned (saḥ), going to Hastinapura, saw there in the assembly (tatra), Dhṛtarāṣṭra and others. They are all mentioned together because he saw them at the same time. Bhīṣma is mentioned with him because he was near him Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who was sitting on the throne, in order to get his approval on all matters. Bhīṣma was on his right and Vidura was on his left as a minister. Others were seated around. Or Bhīṣma was with Vidura. The two were seated together because of affection for each other, having similar proper conduct. Because Kuntī (pṛthām) was seated near them she is mentioned after the two. The word ca means others. Bāhlīka was with his son. The second ca (instead of sa-gautamam) means api. Though Droṇa (bhāradvājam) was a brāhmaṇa he sat among them. The other version with ca indicates that the Droṇa sat with Kṛpācārya. The list is from the king’s greater to lesser respect. Thus Bāhlika was respected by the king more than Droṇa, because he increased the clan. His son is mentioned with him because he was by his side. Or Bāhlika was respected as a grandfather. Karṇa is mentioned with Duryodhana because they were friends. The others are clear. The Pāṇdavas are mentioned last, being situated far away, and not being respected. Others indicates Śakuni, Duḥṣāsana and others.