Shloka 13
Ruru’s Lament and the Lifespan Exchange for Pramadvarā (रुरु–प्रमद्वरा आयुर्विभागः)
सौतिर्वाच ततो गन्धर्वराजश्च देवदूतश्न॒ सत्तमौ । धर्मराजमुपेत्येदं वचन प्रत्यभाषताम्,उग्रश्रवाजी कहते हैं--तब गन्धर्वराज विश्वावसु और देवदूत दोनों सत्पुरुषोंने धर्मराजके पास जाकर कहा--
Sautir uvāca: tato gandharvarājaś ca devadūtaś ca sattamau | dharmarājam upetya idaṁ vacanaṁ pratyabhāṣatām ||
Sauti said: Then the king of the Gandharvas and the divine messenger—both eminent and virtuous—approached Dharmarāja and addressed him with these words.
देवदूत उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic decorum: even exalted beings (a Gandharva king and a divine envoy) approach the rightful judge/king (Dharmarāja) respectfully and deliver their message in an orderly, ethical manner.
Sauti narrates that Viśvāvasu, the Gandharva king, and a Devadūta together go to Dharmarāja and begin speaking to him, setting up the content of their forthcoming message.