Shloka 51
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 96: Sātyaki’s Line-Penetration, Encirclement, and Advance toward Arjuna
देवा ऊचु: प्रमर्दितानां वृत्रेण देवानां देवसत्तम | गतिर्भव सुरश्रेष्ठ त्राहि नो महतो भयात्
devā ūcuḥ: pramarditānāṁ vṛtreṇa devānāṁ devasattama | gatir bhava suraśreṣṭha trāhi no mahato bhayāt ||
The gods said: “O best among gods! The gods have been crushed by Vṛtra. Become our refuge, O foremost of the Suras; save us from this great fear.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
When overwhelmed by danger, one should seek rightful refuge and protection from a higher, capable authority; the verse models humility and collective responsibility through a direct plea for rescue from fear.
The gods, having been overpowered by Vṛtra, address a supreme deity as their last refuge, imploring him to protect them and deliver them from a great threat.