Shloka 3
रावणोत्पत्तिः—तपसा वरलाभश्च
Rāvaṇa’s Origins and the Acquisition of Boons
तानब्रवीत् स राजेन्द्रो वेपमानान् कृताज्जलीन् । ब्रूत यद् वक्तुकामा: स्थ के भवन्तः किमिष्यते,वे थर-थर काँपते हुए हाथ जोड़कर खड़े थे। महाराज युधिष्छिरने उनसे पूछा --“आपलोग कौन हैं? क्या कहना चाहते हैं? आपकी क्या इच्छा है? बताइये”
tān abravīt sa rājendro vepamānān kṛtāñjalīn | brūta yad vaktukāmāḥ stha ke bhavantaḥ kim iṣyate ||
Seeing them trembling and standing with folded hands, the king—foremost among rulers—addressed them: “Speak. What is it you wish to say? Who are you? What do you seek?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A righteous king responds to fear and supplication with calm inquiry rather than suspicion or harshness. The verse highlights ethical leadership: listening first, inviting speech, and clarifying identity and need before acting.
Some people approach in a frightened, reverential posture (trembling, hands folded). The king addresses them and asks them to state who they are and what they want, opening the space for their request or message.