Shloka 41
Inauspicious Omens and Arjuna’s Return from Dvārakā
कच्चित्त्वं ब्राह्मणं बालं गां वृद्धं रोगिणं स्त्रियम् । शरणोपसृतं सत्त्वं नात्याक्षी: शरणप्रद: ॥ ४१ ॥
kaccit tvaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ bālaṁ gāṁ vṛddhaṁ rogiṇaṁ striyam śaraṇopasṛtaṁ sattvaṁ nātyākṣīḥ śaraṇa-pradaḥ
Du bist doch der Beschützer der Schutzbedürftigen—Brahmanen, Kinder, Kühe, Alte, Kranke und Frauen. Ist es geschehen, dass jemand bei dir Zuflucht suchte und du ihm keinen Schutz gewährt hast?
The brāhmaṇas, who are always engaged in researching knowledge for the society’s welfare work, both materially and spiritually, deserve the protection of the king in all respects. Similarly, the children of the state, the cow, the diseased person, the woman and the old man specifically require the protection of the state or a kṣatriya king. If such living beings do not get protection by the kṣatriya, or the royal order, or by the state, it is certainly shameful for the kṣatriya or the state. If such things had actually happened to Arjuna, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was anxious to know about these discrepancies.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a righteous leader must never neglect brāhmaṇas, children, cows, the elderly, the sick, or women—especially when they seek shelter—because giving protection is a core duty of dharma.
Vidura was probing the cause of Yudhishthira’s anxiety after Lord Krishna’s disappearance, reminding him that neglect of the vulnerable is a grave fault for a protector-king and could bring distress to the kingdom.
Offer practical protection and care—through respect, support, charity, and non-harm—toward those who are vulnerable or dependent, and especially never turn away someone who sincerely seeks help.