Shloka 116
Tīrtha-yātrā: Prayāga-saṅgama and Gayaśiras—Rājarṣi Gaya’s Mahāyajña
कुरु क्षिप्रं वचो5स्माकं तत: श्रेयोडभिपत्स्यसे । “महीपाल! प्रभास आदि तीथर्थों, महेन्द्र आदि पर्वतों, गंगा आदि नदियों तथा प्लक्ष आदि वृक्षोंका हम आपके साथ दर्शन करना चाहते हैं। जनेश्वर! यदि आपके मनमें ब्राह्मणोंके प्रति कुछ प्रेम है तो आप हमारी बात शीघ्र मान लीजिये; इससे आपका कल्याण होगा
kuru kṣipraṃ vaco ’smākaṃ tataḥ śreyo ’bhipatsyase |
Vaiśampāyana said: “Do our bidding quickly; then you will attain what is truly beneficial. O protector of the earth, we wish to visit with you the sacred fords beginning with Prabhāsa, the mountains beginning with Mahendra, the rivers beginning with the Gaṅgā, and the trees beginning with the Plakṣa. O lord of men, if there is any affection in your heart toward brāhmaṇas, accept our request without delay—your welfare lies in that.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s welfare (śreyas) is linked to prompt, respectful responsiveness to brāhmaṇas and to dharmic acts such as accompanying them to sacred places; honoring spiritual counsel is presented as a source of lasting good.
The speaker urges a king to comply quickly with a request: to accompany them in visiting renowned tīrthas, mountains, rivers, and sacred trees—beginning with Prabhāsa, Mahendra, Gaṅgā, and Plakṣa—framing the request as a test of his regard for brāhmaṇas and as beneficial for him.