Shloka 20
Chapter 85: Suvarṇasya Janma ca Pradāna-Phalam
The Origin of Gold and the Merit of Gifting
महाभागा भवत्यो वै शरण्या: शरणागताम् । परित्रायन्तु मां नित्यं भजमानामनिन्दिताम्
mahābhāgā bhavatyō vai śaraṇyāḥ śaraṇāgatām | paritrāyantu māṃ nityaṃ bhajamānām aninditām ||
ビーシュマは言った。「おお、はなはだ幸いなる淑女たちよ。汝らはまことに、庇護を求めて来る者の拠り所である。常に我を守り給え――汝らに帰依して来た我、汝らを礼拝する我、そして咎なき我を。ゆえに我を受け入れ、護りを授け給え。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge): those who are truly ‘śaraṇya’—worthy protectors—are ethically bound to protect a sincere, blameless devotee who approaches them with humility and devotion.
Bhīṣma voices a formal plea for protection, addressing revered female protectors (implied divine or venerable ladies) as the refuge of supplicants, declaring his/her devotion and blamelessness, and asking to be accepted and safeguarded.