Shloka 24
Jarā’s Account and the Enthronement of Jarāsandha (जरासंधोत्पत्तिः अभिषेकश्च)
(बृहद्रथं च स ऋषि: यथावत् प्रत्यनन्दत । उपविष्टश्न॒ तेनाथ अनुज्ञातो महात्मना ।।
sa uvāca munir rājā bhagavan nāsti me sutaḥ | aputrasya vṛthā janma ity āhur munisattama ||
The king said to the sage: “Revered sir, I have no son. O best of ascetics, people declare that the birth of a man without offspring is in vain.” In this moment the king voices a widely held dharmic anxiety of lineage and continuity: without a child, he feels his life’s social and moral purpose—family line, remembrance, and rightful succession—stands unfulfilled.
स उवाच मुनि राजा भगवन् नास्ति मे सुतः ।
Educational Q&A
The verse reflects a traditional dharmic view that household life and social duty are tied to continuity—offspring, succession, and remembrance. It also sets up an ethical tension: when worldly roles feel purposeless (here, kingship without an heir), one may turn toward tapas (austerity) and seek higher guidance.
After being received by the sage, the king explains the reason for his visit: he has no son and feels his life is therefore futile. This confession becomes the immediate cause for the sage’s compassion and the subsequent offer of a boon.