एतदिच्छामि भद्र ते श्रोतुं धर्मभूतां वर । त्वत्तो महामते व्याध तद् ब्रवीहि यथातथम्,“धर्मात्माओंमें श्रेष्ठ महामते व्याध! तुम्हारा भला हो, मैं ये सब बातें तुमसे सुनना चाहता हूँ। अतः यथार्थ रूपसे इनका वर्णन करो”
etad icchāmi bhadra te śrotuṁ dharmabhūtāṁ vara | tvatto mahāmate vyādha tad bravīhi yathātatham ||
Markandeya said: “Blessings upon you. O best among the righteous, O wise hunter—this is what I wish to hear from you. Therefore, tell it to me exactly as it truly is.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of truthful instruction: a seeker requests a teacher to explain dharma “yathātatham,” exactly as it is, emphasizing accuracy, integrity, and humility in learning.
Mārkaṇḍeya addresses the hunter (vyādha) with respect, acknowledging his wisdom and righteousness, and asks him to narrate the matter clearly and truthfully—setting up a didactic exchange on dharma.