The Slaying of Narakāsura (Bhaumāsura), Rescue of the Princesses, and the Pārijāta Episode Begins
तस्यात्मजोऽयं तव पादपङ्कजं भीत: प्रपन्नार्तिहरोपसादित: । तत् पालयैनं कुरु हस्तपङ्कजं शिरस्यमुष्याखिलकल्मषापहम् ॥ ३१ ॥
tasyātmajo ’yaṁ tava pāda-paṅkajaṁ bhītaḥ prapannārti-haropasāditaḥ tat pālayainaṁ kuru hasta-paṅkajaṁ śirasy amuṣyākhila-kalmaṣāpaham
Inilah putera Bhaumāsura. Dengan takut dia mendekati teratai kaki-Mu, kerana Engkau menghapus duka mereka yang berlindung pada-Mu. Lindungilah dia; letakkan tangan teratai-Mu yang melenyapkan segala dosa di atas kepalanya.
Here the earth-goddess seeks protection for her grandson, who has been frightened by all the terribly violent events that just took place.
This verse describes Krishna as the remover of distress for the surrendered and shows that approaching His lotus feet in fear and humility brings divine protection.
Because Krishna’s touch is portrayed as purifying—His lotus hand on the head symbolizes protection, blessing, and the removal of all sinful reactions (akhila-kalmaṣa-apaha).
Practice śaraṇāgati—when anxious or threatened, consciously take refuge in Krishna through prayer and remembrance, trusting His protection and seeking purification of one’s actions and intentions.