241. A Pavitra is made by a couple of Kusa blades for sprinkling clarified butter upon the sacrificial fire.
242. The fact is that Ahuka and Akrura were bitterly opposed to each other. Both of them, however, loved Krishna. Ahuka always advised Krishna to shun Akrura, and Akrura always advised him to shun Ahuka. Krishna valued the friendship of both and could ill dispense with either. What he says here is that to have them both is painful and yet not to have them both is equally painful.
243. The belief is still current that a wounded snake is certain to seek vengeance even if the person that has wounded it places miles of distance between himself and the reptile. The people of this country, therefore, always kill a snake outright and burn it in fire if they ever take it.
244. i.e., as long as they are paid and have in their hands what has been given to them.
245. i.e., shows these virtues in his conduct.
246. Tryavarah is explained by Nilakantha as "not less than three." The number laid down generally is five. In no case it should be less than three.
247. Water-citadels are those that are surrounded on all sides by a river or rivers, or the sea. Earth-citadels are those that are built, on plains fortified with high walls and encircled with trenches all around. Human-citadels are unfortified cities properly protected by guards and a loyal population.
248. Nilakantha says that this has reference to the second variety of citadels mentioned in the previous verse.
249. Such as banian, peepul, etc. These afford refreshing shade to sunburnt travellers.
250. 'Take wisdom,' i.e., consult with them. 'Should not always wait upon them, etc.' lest robbers should kill them, suspecting them to be depositories of the king's wealth.