The king announced that the two had come for the wedding. It appeared that they had come like everyone else to see the wedding of his daughter to Śiśupāla. Thus Kṛṣṇa followed Rukmiṇī’s instructions and kept his motive secret, while being surrounded by his troops. The king felt very fortunate that the two had come to see the marriage of his (sva) daughter, though he was not qualified at all. Or he secretly felt that actually Kṛṣṇa should take her away. He worshipped them with the best items of worship (samarhanaiḥ).

The king heard that the two had come into the city. They were eager to see the marriage directly. They were perceived to be coming to confirm the marriage of their maternal cousin. Thus Kṛṣṇa came first, alone. If he came with the Yadus, there would be worry that he came to steal the bride. He would arrange to have the bride protected. Rukmi and the army and would not allow her to go the temple. Thus, Rukmiṇī had instructed him to come secretly (verse 41). However they did not come for the wedding. He had come quickly out of great affection, with Balarāma, and both were welcomed by the king. According to the message, Kṛṣṇa should come first in secret, but he did not. Though he felt himself unqualified, the king felt himself fortunate that the two had come to see the wedding of his daughter. He was overjoyed that they came to see his (sva) daughter’s marriage. He felt internally that Kṛṣṇa should take her. Though Kṛṣṇa arrived first, Balarāma is mentioned first, since he was older. Bhīṣmaka worshipped them with the best items.