Shloka 3
Bhīṣma on the Śara-Śayyā: Yudhiṣṭhira and Kṛṣṇa Approach the Eldest for Śānti
गोभि: समुद्रेण तथा गोलाड्गुलर्क्षवानरै: । गुप्ता रामभयोद्विगग्ना: क्षत्रियाणां कुलोद्स्वहा:
gobhiḥ samudreṇa tathā golāḍgula-r̥kṣa-vānaraiḥ | guptā rāma-bhayodvignāḥ kṣatriyāṇāṃ kulodvahāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The foremost bearers of the Kṣatriya line, shaken by fear of Rāma (Paraśurāma), remained hidden and were protected—by cows, by the ocean, and likewise by langurs, bears, and monkeys.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that the preservation of dharma and rightful lineage may be upheld through unexpected protectors; even animals and natural forces can serve as guardians when human society is threatened by violence or persecution.
Certain eminent Kṣatriyas, frightened of Paraśurāma’s wrath, go into hiding; they are said to be safeguarded by cows, the ocean, and forest animals such as langurs, bears, and monkeys.