Shloka 9
Vyāsa’s Arrival at Janamejaya’s Sarpasatra; Commissioning of Vaiśaṃpāyana’s Recital (व्यासागमनम्)
वासुकिश्नापि तच्छुत्वा पितामहवचस्तदा । अमृते मथिते तात देवाञ्छरणमीयिवान्,तात! मेरे भाई वासुकिने भी उस समय पितामहकी बात सुनी थी। फिर अमृत- मन्थनका कार्य हो जानेपर वे देवताओंकी शरणमें गये
Vāsukiś cāpi tac chrutvā pitāmaha-vacas tadā | amṛte mathite tāta devān śaraṇam īyivān ||
Āstīka said: “Vāsuki too, having heard the words of the Grandsire at that time, later—after the churning that produced the nectar was completed—sought refuge with the gods. The episode underscores a pragmatic turn toward protection and alliance after a cosmic undertaking, suggesting that even the mighty seek shelter when circumstances demand it.”
आस्तीक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical realism that seeking śaraṇa (refuge/protection) is not weakness but a legitimate dharmic response after great undertakings and in times of vulnerability; wise beings align with protective order (the devas) when circumstances require.
Āstīka recounts that Vāsuki heard the Grandsire’s words and, after the nectar-producing churning was completed, went to the gods for refuge—indicating a shift toward divine protection following the events connected with the amṛta-manthana.