Shloka 23
The Birth of Mahārāja Parīkṣit and Prophecies of His Greatness
पितामहसम: साम्ये प्रसादे गिरिशोपम: । आश्रय: सर्वभूतानां यथा देवो रमाश्रय: ॥ २३ ॥
pitāmaha-samaḥ sāmye prasāde giriśopamaḥ āśrayaḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ yathā devo ramāśrayaḥ
এই বালক চিত্তসমতায় পিতামহ যুধিষ্ঠির (বা ব্রহ্মা)-সম হবে। দান-প্রসাদে কৈলাসপতি গিরিশ শিবের মতো উদার হবে। আর সকল জীবের আশ্রয় হবে, যেমন শ্রীলক্ষ্মীরও আশ্রয় ভগবান নারায়ণ।
Mental equanimity refers both to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira and to Brahmā, the grandfather of all living beings. According to Śrīdhara Svāmī, the grandfather referred to is Brahmā, but according to Viśvanātha Cakravartī, the grandfather is Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira himself. But in both cases the comparison is equally good because both of them are recognized representatives of the Supreme Lord, and thus both of them have to maintain mental equanimity, being engaged in welfare work for the living being. Any responsible executive agent at the top of administration has to tolerate different types of onslaughts from the very persons for whom he works. Brahmājī was criticized even by the gopīs, the highest perfectional devotees of the Lord. The gopīs were dissatisfied with the work of Brahmājī because Lord Brahmā, as creator of this particular universe, created eyelids which obstructed their seeing Lord Kṛṣṇa. They could not tolerate a moment’s blinking of the eyes, for it kept them from seeing their beloved Lord Kṛṣṇa. So what to speak of others, who are naturally very critical of every action of a responsible man? Similarly, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira had to cross over many difficult situations created by his enemies, and he proved to be the most perfect maintainer of mental equanimity in all critical circumstances. Therefore the example of both grandfathers for maintaining equanimity of mind is quite fitting.
FAQs
This verse praises the ideal ruler as steady in equanimity, rich in mercy, and a protective shelter for all beings—reflecting divine virtues in human governance.
To highlight Parīkṣit’s balanced mind (like Brahmā) and compassionate grace (like Śiva), showing that saintly kingship mirrors the best qualities of exalted devas.
Practice fairness, protect and support dependents, and extend kindness without bias—becoming reliable refuge through integrity, compassion, and devotion.