Shloka 46
Karṇa’s advance against the Pāṇḍava host; Arjuna’s clash with the Saṃśaptakas (कर्णस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रवेशः—अर्जुनस्य संशप्तकसंप्रहारः)
इति तस्य वच: श्रुत्वा देवा: शक्रपुरोगमा: । ब्रह्माणमग्रत: कृत्वा वृषाड्कं शरणं ययु:
iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā devāḥ śakra-purogamāḥ | brahmāṇam agrataḥ kṛtvā vṛṣāṅkaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ | tapa ugraṃ samāsthāya niyame parame sthitāḥ |
Mendengar kata-katanya, para dewa yang dipimpin Śakra (Indra) menempatkan Brahmā di depan dan pergi berlindung kepada Vṛṣāṅka (Śiva).
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When confronted with threats intensified by ascetic power and strict vows, even the mighty seek rightful refuge and higher guidance; the verse highlights śaraṇāgati (seeking protection) and the moral weight attributed to tapas and disciplined observance.
Duryodhana recounts a mythic precedent: after hearing a report, the gods led by Indra approach Śiva for protection, with Brahmā placed at the forefront, because Tārakāsura’s sons have undertaken fierce austerities and strict disciplines, creating a grave challenge for the gods.