Shloka 13
Akrūra in Hastināpura: Kuntī’s Lament and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Moral Instruction
नम: कृष्णाय शुद्धाय ब्रह्मणे परमात्मने । योगेश्वराय योगाय त्वामहं शरणं गता ॥ १३ ॥
namaḥ kṛṣṇāya śuddhāya brahmaṇe paramātmane yogeśvarāya yogāya tvām ahaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatā
ഹേ കൃഷ്ണാ, പരമശുദ്ധൻ, ബ്രഹ്മവും പരമാത്മാവും, യോഗേശ്വരനും യോഗസ്വരൂപനും ആയ നിനക്കു നമസ്കാരം. ഞാൻ നിന്റെ ശരണത്തിൽ എത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നു.
Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī has translated the word yogāya as “unto Kṛṣṇa, the source of knowledge.” The word yoga indicates connection and also the means to achieve something. As conscious souls, we have a connection with the Supreme Soul through bhakti, or devotion. Through that relationship we experience perfect knowledge of the Supreme Soul. Since the Supreme Soul is the Absolute Truth, perfect knowledge of Him means perfect knowledge of everything. As stated in the Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad (1.3), yasmin vijñāte sarvam evam vijñātaṁ bhavati: When the Absolute is understood, everything is understood. Thus Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, by His spiritual potency, establishes our connection with Him, and that connection is the source of all spiritual knowledge. Thus Ācārya Śrīdhara, by his thoughtful translation, stimulates us to deeper understanding of Kṛṣṇa conscious philosophy.
FAQs
This verse models śaraṇāgati by directly addressing Kṛṣṇa as the supreme refuge—Brahman, Paramātmā, and Yogīśvara—and declaring, “I have come to You for shelter,” showing surrender as the heart of bhakti.
Their love is intensely personal, yet they recognize Kṛṣṇa’s supreme position; therefore their devotion naturally expresses itself as reverent praise of Him as Brahman, Paramātmā, and the Lord of yoga.
Practice daily surrender by remembering Kṛṣṇa as the inner guide (Paramātmā), offering your actions to Him, and seeking refuge in bhakti—especially in times of fear, uncertainty, or pride.