Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 53, Shloka 8
शबलाप्रार्थना–वसिष्ठप्रतिज्ञा
The Request for Śabalā and Vasiṣṭha’s Refusal
पूजितोऽहं त्वया ब्रह्मन् पूजार्हेण सुसत्कृत:।श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि वाक्यं वाक्यविशारद।।1.53.8।।
pūjito 'haṃ tvayā brahman pūjārheṇa susatkṛtaḥ |
śrūyatām abhidhāsyāmi vākyaṃ vākyaviśārada || 1.53.8 ||
Ô brahmane, digne d’être vénéré, tu m’as honoré comme il se doit, avec grand respect. Ô maître de la parole, écoute : je vais formuler ma requête.
"O Brahman! you are worthy of worship. I was received with reverence and well-entertained by you. O Sage conversant with speech! listen.
FAQs
It stresses dharma of speech: acknowledging kindness truthfully and framing one’s intent openly before making a demand.
Viśvāmitra begins his formal address to Vasiṣṭha after receiving hospitality.
Respectful speech and outward gratitude (though the coming request tests inner restraint).