Śiva-nāmānukīrtana-prastāvaḥ
Prologue to the praise of Śiva and the Upamanyu testimony
जनन्यास्तद् वच: श्रुत्वा तदाप्रभृति शत्रुहन् प्राउजलि: प्रणतो भूत्वा इृदमम्बामचोदयम्,शत्रुसूदन! जननीकी वह बात सुनकर उसी समय मैंने उनके चरणोंमें प्रणाम किया और हाथ जोड़कर माताजीसे यह पूछा--
jananyās tad vacaḥ śrutvā tadāprabhṛti śatruhan prāñjaliḥ praṇato bhūtvā idam ambām acodayam
Having heard my mother’s words, from that very moment I, the slayer of foes, bowed down with folded hands. After offering reverence at her feet, I respectfully questioned my mother, seeking guidance on the right course to follow.
वासुदेव उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic conduct through humility and reverence: even a powerful hero should respond to a parent’s counsel with respect, self-restraint, and a sincere desire to learn the right course of action.
Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa) recounts that after hearing his mother’s words, he immediately bows with folded hands and then asks her a question—showing that her instruction prompts him to seek further guidance.