Shloka 3
शान्तिकं पौष्टिक॑ रक्षा शत्रुघ्न भयनाशनम् | जप्यं यद् ब्रह्म॒समितं तद् भवान् वक्तुमहति
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | śāntikaṁ pauṣṭikaṁ rakṣā śatrughnaṁ bhayanāśanam | japyaṁ yad brahmasammitaṁ tad bhavān vaktum arhati ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dit : « Je t’en prie, dis-moi quel mantra, digne d’être répété, apporte la paix et la prospérité, accorde la protection, détruit les ennemis et dissipe la peur — un mantra tenu en vénération comme l’égal du Veda. Daigne le déclarer. »
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames mantra-recitation (japa) as a dharmic means to cultivate peace, welfare, protection, and fearlessness, and it emphasizes that such a practice should be grounded in Vedic authority (brahmasammita), not merely personal preference.
Yudhiṣṭhira respectfully questions an elder/teacher, requesting instruction about a revered, Veda-sanctioned mantra whose recitation is said to confer peace, prosperity, protection, victory over enemies, and the removal of fear.