Shloka 263
Adhyāya 6: Kaṅka (Yudhiṣṭhira) Seeks Refuge in Virāṭa’s Assembly
उपगम्य तु राजानमिदं वचनमत्रवीत् । “शरणागतोंकी रक्षा करनेवाली भक्तवत्सले दुर्गे! मुझे शरण दो।” इस प्रकार स्तुति करनेपर देवी दुर्गाने पाण्डुनन्दन युधिष्छिरको प्रत्यक्ष दर्शन दिया तथा राजाके पास आकर यह बात कही
upagamya tu rājānam idaṃ vacanam atravīt | “śaraṇāgatānāṃ rakṣā-karaṇī bhakta-vatsale durge! māṃ śaraṇaṃ dehi” | iti stutvā devī durgā pāṇḍu-nandanaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram pratyakṣaṃ darśanaṃ dadau, tataḥ rājānam upagamya idaṃ vacanam uvāca |
Lumapit siya sa hari at nagsalita: “O Durgā, mapagmahal sa mga deboto at tagapagtanggol ng mga humihingi ng kanlungan—ipagkaloob mo sa akin ang pag-ampon.” Nang purihin niya ang diyosa sa ganitong paraan, nagpakita nang hayagan si Durgā kay Yudhiṣṭhira, anak ni Pāṇḍu; saka siya lumapit sa hari at ipinahayag ang kanyang mensahe.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the dharmic ideal of protecting those who seek refuge (śaraṇāgata-rakṣā) and presents devotion (stuti, śaraṇa) as a morally charged act that invites divine safeguarding in times of peril.
A supplication is made to Durgā—asking for refuge and protection. Pleased by the praise, Durgā manifests before Yudhiṣṭhira and then approaches the king to speak, indicating divine intervention and guidance within the unfolding events of the Virāṭa episode.