Shloka 9
Garuḍa Learns the Cause of Vinatā’s Bondage and the Nāgas Demand Amṛta (Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 23)
तं॑ दृष्टवा शरणं जम्मुर्देवा: सर्वे विभावसुम् । प्रणिपत्याब्रुवंश्चैनमासीनं विश्वरूपिणम्,उन्हें देखकर सब देवता विश्वरूपधारी अग्निदेवकी शरणमें गये और उन्हें प्रणाम करके बैठे हुए उन अग्निदेवसे इस प्रकार बोले--
taṁ dṛṣṭvā śaraṇaṁ jagmur devāḥ sarve vibhāvasum | praṇipatya abruvaṁś cainam āsīnaṁ viśvarūpiṇam ||
Seeing him, all the gods sought refuge in Vibhāvasu (Agni). Bowing down, they addressed that seated Fire-god, the one of universal form, speaking to him in this manner.
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Approaching a protector or higher authority should be done through śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) with humility—first offering respect, then speaking. The gods model reverence and disciplined conduct even in urgency.
Śaunaka narrates that all the gods, upon seeing Agni (Vibhāvasu) in his universal form, go to him for refuge. They prostrate and then address him while he is seated, preparing to present their concern or request.