Shloka 15
इक्ष्वाकुवंश-प्रसङ्गः, पुरंजय-दैवसाहाय्य-कथा, युवनाश्व-मांधातृ-उत्पत्तिः, सौभरि-वैराग्योपदेशः
इदं चान्यत् पुरा हि त्रेतायां देवासुरम् अतीव भीषणं युद्धम् आसीत् । तत्र चातिबलिभिर् असुरैर् अमराः पराजिता भगवन्तं विष्णुम् आराधयां चक्रुः ॥
idaṃ cānyat purā hi tretāyāṃ devāsuram atīva bhīṣaṇaṃ yuddham āsīt | tatra cātibalibhir asurair amarāḥ parājitā bhagavantaṃ viṣṇum ārādhayāṃ cakruḥ ||
And this, too, is another ancient account: in the Tretā-yuga there arose a most dreadful war between the Devas and the Asuras. There, the immortals—overpowered and defeated by Asuras of immense strength—turned in worshipful supplication to Bhagavān Viṣṇu.
Sage Parāśara (narrating) to Maitreya
Concept: When worldly power fails, the devas themselves resort to worship of Viṣṇu as the ultimate refuge.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: In crises, turn first to disciplined prayer and remembrance of God while also doing one’s duty; cultivate reliance on Bhagavān rather than mere strength.
Vishishtadvaita: Bhagavān is the accessible protector of all beings, including devas; dependence (śaraṇāgati) is central to the soul’s relation to Him.
Vishnu Form: Hari
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
It establishes Viṣṇu as the ultimate refuge and governor of cosmic order: even the Devas, when overwhelmed, restore balance by turning to the Supreme Lord rather than relying on their own power.
Parāśara presents it as an ancient yuga-based episode within sacred history, where the reversal of fortune (Devas defeated) becomes the narrative trigger for Viṣṇu’s intervention through their worship and appeal.
Viṣṇu is portrayed as Bhagavān—the sovereign Supreme Reality whose protection re-stabilizes dharma; the verse highlights dependence on Him as the decisive means for cosmic restoration.