Adhyāya 6: Kaṅka (Yudhiṣṭhira) Seeks Refuge in Virāṭa’s Assembly
अटब्यां दुर्गकान्तारे सागरे गहने गिरौ । ये स्मरिष्यन्ति मां राजन् यथाहं भवता स्मृता
aṭabyāṃ durgakāntāre sāgare gahane girau | ye smariṣyanti māṃ rājan yathāhaṃ bhavatā smṛtā ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Wahai Raja, sama ada di hutan, di belantara yang berbahaya, di lautan, di tempat yang dalam dan tidak berjejak, atau di gunung—sesiapa yang mengingati aku sebagaimana engkau mengingati aku, akan mendapati aku hadir bersamanya.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse emphasizes the power of mindful remembrance of a trusted guide: in any extreme danger—forest, wilderness, sea, deep places, or mountains—calling to mind the helper in the right spirit becomes a means of receiving support and protection.
Vaiśampāyana addresses a king and assures him that just as the king has remembered (invoked) him, so too anyone who remembers him in perilous circumstances will be met with his presence/help—an assurance of reliable aid when properly called upon.