Shloka 59
Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
गत्वा च पितर प्राहु: प्रणम्य शिरसा तदा । सोमो वसति नास्मासु तस्मान्न: शरणं भव
gatvā ca pitaraḥ prāhuḥ praṇamya śirasā tadā | somo vasati nāsmāsu tasmān naḥ śaraṇaṃ bhava ||
Having gone to their father, they then spoke, bowing their heads in reverence: “Soma no longer dwells within us; therefore, become our refuge.” The appeal frames a moral moment of dependence and humility—when inner strength and auspicious vitality are felt to be lost, one turns to rightful authority for protection and guidance.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When one feels depleted of inner auspicious strength (symbolized by Soma), the dharmic response is humility and seeking rightful refuge—approaching an elder/authority with reverence and asking for protection and guidance rather than acting from pride or despair.
The speaker reports that certain persons, after going to their father, bow respectfully and confess that ‘Soma’—a sign of vitality/auspicious power—no longer resides in them, and they request him to become their shelter.