Shloka 31
Subhadrā-vivāha-saṃsthāpana, Vṛṣṇi–Kuru satkāra, and Abhimanyu-janma
Chapter 213
शरणं च प्रपन्नास्मि त्वामद्य पुरुषोत्तम | दीनाननाथान् कौन्तेय परिरक्षसि नित्यश:,पुरुषोत्तम! आज मैं आपकी शरणमें आयी हूँ। कुन्तीकुमार! आप प्रतिदिन न जाने कितने दीनों और अनाथोंकी रक्षा करते हैं
śaraṇaṃ ca prapannāsmi tvām adya puruṣottama | dīnān anāthān kaunteya parirakṣasi nityaśaḥ ||
„O Puruṣottama, heute bin ich zu dir gekommen, um Zuflucht zu suchen. O Kaunteya, Sohn der Kuntī, du beschützt unablässig die Hilflosen und die Waisen.“
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal that strength and status obligate one to protect the vulnerable. Seeking refuge (śaraṇa) is presented as legitimate when directed to a person known for dharmic guardianship, and the addressee’s duty is invoked through reputation and compassion.
A distressed speaker approaches Arjuna, praising him as “Puruṣottama” and “Kaunteya,” and declares surrender/refuge. The appeal is grounded in Arjuna’s established habit of protecting the helpless and unprotected, thereby urging him to extend that protection here as well.