Shloka 17
Marutta Seeks Saṃvarta’s Priestly Support; Conditions, Truth-Discipline, and Rival Powers
सो5हमिच्छामि भवता सर्वस्वेनापि याजितुम् । कामये समत्तिक्रान्तुं वासवं त्वत्कृतैर्गुणै:
so 'ham icchāmi bhavatā sarvasvenāpi yājitum | kāmaye samatikrāntuṃ vāsavaṃ tvat-kṛtair guṇaiḥ ||
Marutta said: “Therefore I wish to have this sacrifice performed by you—even if I must give away my entire wealth. I long, through the excellences accomplished by you, to surpass Vāsava (Indra) himself.”
मरुत्त उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical power attributed to properly performed sacrifice and the merit of a qualified officiant: a patron may be willing to relinquish all wealth to secure a righteous ritual, believing that excellence (guṇa) and correct performance can elevate one’s standing—even to the point of rivaling the gods.
King Marutta expresses his determination to have a grand sacrifice conducted specifically by the addressed person (the ritual expert), declaring that he is ready to spend everything for it and that, through the officiant’s accomplished virtues and skill, he hopes to surpass Indra (Vāsava).