Shloka 17
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
मैत्रेय उवाच पृथोस्तत्सूक्तमाकर्ण्य सारं सुष्ठु मितं मधु । स्मयमान इव प्रीत्या कुमार: प्रत्युवाच ह ॥ १७ ॥
maitreya uvāca pṛthos tat sūktam ākarṇya sāraṁ suṣṭhu mitaṁ madhu smayamāna iva prītyā kumāraḥ pratyuvāca ha
The great sage Maitreya continued: Hearing King Pṛthu’s words—substantial, fitting, measured, and sweet to the ear—Sanat-kumāra, foremost among the celibates, smiled in full satisfaction and began to reply as follows.
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s talks before the Kumāras were very laudable because of so many qualifications. A speech should be composed of selected words, very sweet to hear, and appropriate to the situation. Such speech is called meaningful. All these good qualifications are present in Pṛthu Mahārāja’s speech because he is a perfect devotee. It is said, yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcanā sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ: “For one who has unflinching devotional faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead and is engaged in His service, all good qualities become manifest in his person.” ( Bhāg. 5.18.12 ) Thus the Kumāras were very much pleased, and Sanat-kumāra began to speak as follows.
FAQs
This verse praises speech that is essence-filled, well-formed, concise, and sweet—words that please saintly hearts and invite a favorable response.
Because Pṛthu’s words were sincere and spiritually substantial—carefully measured and nectar-like—showing humility and genuine intent, which delighted the Kumāra.
Speak truthfully and kindly, keep words purposeful and concise, and approach wise people with humility—this invites goodwill and constructive guidance.