Shloka 6
ययाति–अष्टक–प्रतर्दन संवादः | Yayāti’s Dialogue with Aṣṭaka and Pratardana on Merit, Gifts, and Ethical Restraint
जनमेजय उवाच कर्मणा केन स दिवं पुन: प्राप्तो महीपति:,जनमेजयने पूछा--मुने! किस कर्मसे वे भूपाल पुनः स्वर्गमें पहुँचे थे?
janamejaya uvāca
karmaṇā kena sa divaṃ punaḥ prāpto mahīpatiḥ?
জনমেজয়ে ক’লে— মুনে! কোন কৰ্মৰ দ্বাৰা সেই মহীপতি পুনৰায় স্বৰ্গ লাভ কৰিছিল?
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a key Mahābhārata ethic: destiny in the afterlife is linked to specific actions (karma). Even if a king’s heavenly status is lost or interrupted, it can be regained through a particular dharmic deed, expiation, or merit-producing act—hence the inquiry into the precise cause.
In the frame dialogue, King Janamejaya asks the sage to explain which specific action enabled a previously mentioned king to reach heaven again. The question sets up an explanatory account about merit, conduct, or ritual that restores celestial attainment.