Shloka 28
स ततो ब्राह्मुणो भूत्वा प्रहादं पाकशासन: । गत्वा प्रोवाच मेधावी श्रेय इच्छामि वेदितुम्,तदनन्तर बुद्धिमान् इन्द्र ब्राह्मणका रूप धारण करके प्रह्नादके पास गये और बोले --'राजन! मैं श्रेय जानना चाहता हूँ
sa tato brāhmaṇo bhūtvā prahrādaṁ pākaśāsanaḥ | gatvā provāca medhāvī śreya icchāmi veditum ||
Then Pākaśāsana (Indra), assuming the guise of a brāhmaṇa, went to Prahlāda. The wise one addressed him: “O King, I wish to know śreyas—the truly beneficial, the highest good.”
घतयाट्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a classical ethical inquiry: the pursuit of śreyas—true, lasting good—over transient aims. It sets up a discussion on right conduct and the principles that lead to genuine welfare.
Indra, taking the form of a brāhmaṇa, approaches King Prahlāda and asks him to explain śreyas—what should be regarded as the highest good—thereby initiating a didactic dialogue.