Shloka 39
Amba approaches the Paraśurāma context; Hotravāhana’s counsel and Akṛtavraṇa’s report (अम्बोपाख्यानम्—रामदर्शनप्रसङ्गः)
ततः कथान्ते राजर्षिमिहात्मा होत्रवाहन: । राम॑ श्रेष्ठ महर्षीणामपृच्छदकृतव्रणम्,बातचीत समाप्त होनेपर राजर्षि महात्मा होत्रवाहन-ने महर्षियोंमें श्रेष्ठ परशुरामजीके विषयमें अकृतव्रणसे पूछा--
tataḥ kathānte rājarṣir ihātmā hotravāhanaḥ | rāmaṃ śreṣṭhaṃ maharṣīṇām apṛcchad akṛtavraṇam ||
Cuando la conversación llegó a su fin, el sabio rey, el magnánimo Hotravāhana, preguntó allí a Akṛtavraṇa acerca de Rāma (Paraśurāma), el primero entre los grandes rishis—deseoso de saber de esa figura ejemplar, cuya vida atañe a la recta conducta y al uso debido del poder.
होत्रवाहन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic method of learning: after a discussion concludes, a wise ruler seeks further clarity by respectfully questioning a qualified knower about an exemplary figure (Paraśurāma), implying that ethical understanding grows through disciplined inquiry and attention to models of conduct.
A prior conversation ends, and Hotravāhana transitions the dialogue by asking Akṛtavraṇa about Rāma/Paraśurāma, setting up the next portion of the account focused on Paraśurāma’s stature and deeds.