Shloka 57
अध्याय १९० — वामदेव-वाम्य-वृत्तान्तः
The Vāmadeva Horses Episode and the Ethics of Promise
सर्वेषामेव भूतानां पिता माता च माधव: । गच्छध्यमेनं शरणं शरण्यं कौरवर्षभा:,कुरुकुलश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवो! ये माधव ही समस्त प्राणियोंके पिता और माता हैं। ये ही सबको शरण देनेवाले हैं। अत: तुम सब लोग इन्हींकी शरणमें जाओ
sarveṣām eva bhūtānāṃ pitā mātā ca mādhavaḥ | gacchadhvam enaṃ śaraṇaṃ śaraṇyaṃ kauravarṣabhāḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya disse: “Mādhava é, de fato, o pai e a mãe de todos os seres. Ele é digno de refúgio e é o doador de refúgio. Portanto, ó touros entre os Kurus, ide a Ele em busca de abrigo.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The core teaching is śaraṇāgati: recognizing Mādhava as the universal parent and ultimate protector, and therefore choosing to seek refuge in him as the highest ethical and spiritual course.
Mārkaṇḍeya addresses the Kuru heroes, urging them to turn toward Mādhava for protection. The counsel functions as reassurance and guidance, redirecting attention from human vulnerability to divine guardianship.