Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 32
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
तास्तं सुविग्नमनसोऽथ पुरस्कृतार्भा: कायं निधाय भुवि भूतपतिं प्रणेमु: । साध्व्य: कृताञ्जलिपुटा: शमलस्य भर्तु- र्मोक्षेप्सव: शरणदं शरणं प्रपन्ना: ॥ ३२ ॥
tās taṁ su-vigna-manaso ’tha puraskṛtārbhāḥ kāyaṁ nidhāya bhuvi bhūta-patiṁ praṇemuḥ sādhvyaḥ kṛtāñjali-puṭāḥ śamalasya bhartur mokṣepsavaḥ śaraṇa-daṁ śaraṇaṁ prapannāḥ
Their minds greatly distressed, those saintly wives placed their children before them and, stretching their bodies upon the earth, offered full obeisance to the Lord of all beings. Seeking the liberation of their sinful husband, they folded their hands and took shelter of the Supreme Lord, the giver of ultimate refuge.
FAQs
This verse shows the wives of Kāliya prostrating and surrendering to Kṛṣṇa as the only true refuge (śaraṇa), describing Him as śaraṇadam—the giver of shelter—who can deliver one from fear and sin.
Overwhelmed with fear for their husband and family, they placed their children forward and bowed to Kṛṣṇa, appealing to His compassion and seeking protection and deliverance.
When facing anxiety, guilt, or family crises, the verse teaches humble surrender—turning to God with sincerity, offering respect, and seeking inner purification rather than relying only on pride or control.