Shloka 18
Pāṇḍu’s Marriages, Conquests, and Triumphal Return (पाण्डोर्विवाह-विजय-प्रत्यागमनम्)
स हि मामुक्तवांस्तत्र स्मरे: कृच्छेषु मामिति । त॑ स्मरिष्ये महाबाहो यदि भीष्म त्वमिच्छसि
sa hi mām uktavāṁs tatra smareḥ kṛcchreṣu mām iti | taṁ smariṣye mahābāho yadi bhīṣma tvam icchasi ||
For there he had said to me, ‘Remember me in times of distress.’ Therefore, O mighty-armed Bhīṣma, if you so desire, I shall call him to mind (and invoke his aid).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical and devotional principle of smaraṇa—remembering a trusted protector or benefactor in times of crisis—highlighting reliance on rightful support rather than despair, and the duty to honor a prior assurance.
Vaiśampāyana reports that someone had earlier instructed him to be remembered during hardships; addressing Bhīṣma, he says that if Bhīṣma wishes, he will now remember (invoke) that person, implying a request for timely assistance in a difficult situation.