Shloka 16
ययातिदौहित्रपुण्यसमुच्चयः | Yayāti and the Grandsons’ Consolidation of Merit
यक्षो वाप्यथवा देवो गन्धर्वो राक्षसो5पि वा । न हि मानुषरूपो5सि को वार्थ: काडुक्ष्यते त्वया
yakṣo vāpy athavā devo gandharvo rākṣaso 'pi vā | na hi mānuṣa-rūpo 'si ko vārthaḥ kāṅkṣyate tvayā ||
They asked the radiant king, whose divine splendor dazzled the assembled rulers: “Who are you? Whose kinsman are you, and in what land and city do you dwell? Are you a Yakṣa, a god, a Gandharva, or even a Rākṣasa? For you do not appear to be of human form. Tell us—what purpose do you seek to accomplish?”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent discernment: when confronted with extraordinary power or appearance, responsible leaders first seek clarity of identity and intention. Ethical action in public life begins with careful inquiry—knowing who stands before you and what purpose they pursue—before forming alliances, offering honor, or taking defensive measures.
A gathering of kings sees a figure of striking, non-human-like splendor. Uncertain whether he is a celestial being (Yaksha, Deva, Gandharva) or a dangerous being (Rakshasa), they question him directly about his identity, lineage, residence, and the objective he intends to achieve.