Shloka 33
दुर्वासाशापः, क्षीरसागरमन्थनम्, श्रीः (लक्ष्मी) उद्भवः तथा श्रीस्तुतिः
विजितास् त्रिदशा दैत्यैर् इन्द्राद्याः शरणं ययुः पितामहं महाभागं हुताशनपुरोगमाः
vijitās tridaśā daityair indrādyāḥ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ pitāmahaṃ mahābhāgaṃ hutāśanapurogamāḥ
Defeated by the Daityas, Indra and the other gods sought refuge with the Grandfather—Brahmā, the greatly fortunate—approaching him with Agni at their head.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya)
Concept: In defeat, even the gods abandon pride and seek higher refuge and guidance.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: When overwhelmed, turn to a higher principle—scripture, teacher, and prayer—before acting; humility restores right direction.
Vishishtadvaita: Śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) is implied as the proper response when one’s own power fails, aligning with Viśiṣṭādvaita emphasis on grace.
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
It shows the cosmic chain of authority: when the Devas lose power, they appeal to a higher presiding intelligence (Brahmā), setting up the need for divine restoration of order that ultimately culminates in Vishnu’s sovereignty.
Parāśara frames it as a recurring pattern within cosmic cycles where power shifts occur; the defeated Devas respond not merely with force but by seeking lawful refuge and counsel, indicating that dharma is restored through higher divine governance.
The verse points to a hierarchy that ultimately depends on Vishnu as the Supreme Reality: Brahmā functions as administrator within creation, while the deeper resolution of cosmic imbalance in the Purana consistently rests in Vishnu’s sustaining and restoring power.