Shloka 24
Sāvitrī’s Report and Nārada’s Prognosis (सावित्र्याख्यान—सत्यवान्-गुणवर्णनं तथा अल्पायुषः पूर्वसूचना)
पृथिव्यां राजराजोस्मि चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य रक्षिता । यस्तेडभिलषित: कामो ब्रूहि कल्याणि मा चिरम्
pṛthivyāṃ rājarājo'smi cāturvarṇyasya rakṣitā | yaste'bhilaṣitaḥ kāmo brūhi kalyāṇi mā ciram ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “On this earth I am the sovereign among kings, the guardian of the fourfold social order. Tell me, auspicious lady, what desire you seek to have fulfilled—do not delay.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ideal kingship as guardianship: a true sovereign is defined not merely by power but by the duty to protect and uphold dharma, here expressed as safeguarding the fourfold social order, and by readiness to hear and fulfill a rightful request without procrastination.
Mārkaṇḍeya speaks in the voice of a supreme ruler, declaring his authority and protective role, and invites an addressed woman—called “kalyāṇī”—to state her desired request promptly, setting up a boon-granting or petition scene.