Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 133
Śiva-nāmānukīrtana-prastāvaḥ
Prologue to the praise of Śiva and the Upamanyu testimony
प्रमार्जन्ती च गात्राणि मम वै मधुसूदन । दैन्यमालम्ब्य जननी इदमाह सुरोत्तम
pramārjantī ca gātrāṇi mama vai madhusūdana | dainyam ālambya jananī idam āha surottama ||
Wika ni Vāsudeva: “O Madhusūdana, ang aking ina, nilamon ng dalamhati, ay marahang nagpunas at humaplos sa aking mga sangkap. Pagkaraan, sa mapagpakumbaba at malungkot na tinig, sinabi niya sa akin ang mga salitang ito, o pinakadakila sa mga diyos.”
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds ethical tenderness within dharma: even the most exalted figure is approached through human bonds of care. The mother’s gentle touch and sorrow show that compassion and humility are integral to righteous conduct, not opposed to greatness.
Vāsudeva narrates that his mother, moved to tears and dejection, physically comforts him—wiping and stroking his limbs—and then begins to speak. The verse sets an emotionally charged preface to her counsel or request.