Shloka 42
Satyavrata, Vasiṣṭha, and the Crisis of Dharma: Protection, Anger, and Vow-Discipline
ततश्शकास्सयवनाः काम्बोजाः पाह्नवास्तथा । हन्यमानास्तदा ते तु वसिष्ठं शरणं ययुः
tataśśakāssayavanāḥ kāmbojāḥ pāhnavāstathā | hanyamānāstadā te tu vasiṣṭhaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ
ನಂತರ ಶಕರು, ಯವನರು, ಕಾಂಬೋಜರು, ಪಾಹ್ನವರು—ಆ ಸಮರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಡೆತಕ್ಕೊಳಗಾಗಿ—ವಸಿಷ್ಠ ಮುನಿಯ ಶರಣಿಗೆ ಹೋದರು।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) as a dharmic response when overwhelmed by suffering—turning to a realized sage for right counsel, restraint, and alignment with the higher order that ultimately leads the soul toward Pati (Śiva).
Though Śiva is not named directly here, the Shiva Purana consistently frames protection and restoration of dharma as flowing through Śiva’s grace mediated by gurus and ṛṣis; approaching Vasiṣṭha functions as approaching a conduit of that saguna, accessible guidance.
The practical takeaway is to adopt śaraṇāgati with guru-smaraṇa: recite the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") while mentally taking refuge in Śiva and seeking guidance from a qualified teacher when facing turmoil.