Subhadrā-vivāha-saṃsthāpana, Vṛṣṇi–Kuru satkāra, and Abhimanyu-janma
Chapter 213
शरणं च प्रपन्नास्मि त्वामद्य पुरुषोत्तम | दीनाननाथान् कौन्तेय परिरक्षसि नित्यश:,पुरुषोत्तम! आज मैं आपकी शरणमें आयी हूँ। कुन्तीकुमार! आप प्रतिदिन न जाने कितने दीनों और अनाथोंकी रक्षा करते हैं
śaraṇaṃ ca prapannāsmi tvām adya puruṣottama | dīnān anāthān kaunteya parirakṣasi nityaśaḥ ||
โอ้ ปุรุโษตตมะ วันนี้ข้าพเจ้ามาขอพึ่งพิงท่าน โอ้ โอรสแห่งกุนตี ท่านคุ้มครองผู้ยากไร้และผู้ไร้ที่พึ่งอยู่เป็นนิตย์
अजुन उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical ideal that strength and status obligate one to protect the vulnerable. Seeking refuge (śaraṇa) is presented as legitimate when directed to a person known for dharmic guardianship, and the addressee’s duty is invoked through reputation and compassion.
A distressed speaker approaches Arjuna, praising him as “Puruṣottama” and “Kaunteya,” and declares surrender/refuge. The appeal is grounded in Arjuna’s established habit of protecting the helpless and unprotected, thereby urging him to extend that protection here as well.