Shloka 39
Amba approaches the Paraśurāma context; Hotravāhana’s counsel and Akṛtavraṇa’s report (अम्बोपाख्यानम्—रामदर्शनप्रसङ्गः)
ततः कथान्ते राजर्षिमिहात्मा होत्रवाहन: । राम॑ श्रेष्ठ महर्षीणामपृच्छदकृतव्रणम्,बातचीत समाप्त होनेपर राजर्षि महात्मा होत्रवाहन-ने महर्षियोंमें श्रेष्ठ परशुरामजीके विषयमें अकृतव्रणसे पूछा--
tataḥ kathānte rājarṣir ihātmā hotravāhanaḥ | rāmaṃ śreṣṭhaṃ maharṣīṇām apṛcchad akṛtavraṇam ||
Als das Gespräch zu Ende war, befragte der königliche Rishi, der großherzige Hotravāhana, hier Akṛtavraṇa über Rāma (Paraśurāma), den Vordersten unter den großen Sehern—im Wunsch, von jener vorbildlichen Gestalt zu erfahren, deren Leben rechte Lebensführung und den angemessenen Gebrauch von Macht betrifft.
होत्रवाहन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic method of learning: after a discussion concludes, a wise ruler seeks further clarity by respectfully questioning a qualified knower about an exemplary figure (Paraśurāma), implying that ethical understanding grows through disciplined inquiry and attention to models of conduct.
A prior conversation ends, and Hotravāhana transitions the dialogue by asking Akṛtavraṇa about Rāma/Paraśurāma, setting up the next portion of the account focused on Paraśurāma’s stature and deeds.