Mahabharata — Ashvamedhika Parva, Shloka 19
Marutta Seeks a Priest: Bṛhaspati’s Refusal and Nārada’s Guidance to Saṃvarta
Chapter 6
तं॑ गच्छ यदि याज्यं त्वां न वाउ्छति बृहस्पति: । प्रसन्नस्त्वां महातेजा: संवर्तो याजयिष्यति
taṁ gaccha yadi yājyaṁ tvāṁ na vāñchati bṛhaspatiḥ | prasannas tvāṁ mahātejāḥ saṁvarto yājayiṣyati ||
यदि बृहस्पति तुम्हें यजमान बनाना न चाहें, तो तुम संवर्त के पास चले जाओ; वह महातेजस्वी प्रसन्न होकर तुम्हारा यज्ञ करा देगा।
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Ritual authority depends not only on status but on willingness and right relationship: if a renowned priest refuses, one should seek a competent alternative who is favorably disposed, rather than forcing an unwilling preceptor.
Nārada advises the king that if Bṛhaspati will not accept him as the patron of a sacrifice, he should approach the sage Saṁvarta, who—being powerful and pleased—will conduct the rite.