Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 20
भीष्मस्योत्तरायणप्रतीक्षा तथा युधिष्ठिरागमनम् | Bhīṣma’s uttarāyaṇa moment and Yudhiṣṭhira’s arrival
शरण्य: सर्वभूतानां दीनानां पालने रत: । श्रुतवानर्थसम्पन्न: सर्वभूतनमस्कृत:
śaraṇyaḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ dīnānāṁ pālane rataḥ | śrutavān arthasampannaḥ sarvabhūtanamaskṛtaḥ ||
主说道：“他是众生的归依处，勤于护佑困苦之人；通达圣教，兼具福泽，为一切生灵所敬礼。”
ईश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises an ideal dharmic person—especially a ruler or guardian—whose greatness is measured by giving refuge to all, actively protecting the vulnerable, combining learning with resources, and earning universal respect through compassionate conduct.
Īśvara describes the qualities of an exemplary figure, listing virtues such as being a refuge to all beings, caring for the distressed, possessing śāstric learning, and being honored by all—setting a moral standard for leadership and righteous life.