अहं स नागो विप्रर्षे यथा मां विन्दते भवान् | आज्ञापय यथा स्वैरं कि करोमि प्रियं तव
ahaṃ sa nāgo viprarṣe yathā māṃ vindate bhavān | ājñāpaya yathā svairaṃ kiṃ karomi priyaṃ tava brahmarṣe ||
नाग ने कहा—ब्रह्मर्षे! मैं ही वह नाग हूँ, जिससे आप मिलना चाहते थे। आपने मुझे जैसा पहचाना है, मैं वैसा ही उपस्थित हूँ। इच्छानुसार आज्ञा दीजिए—मैं आपका कौन-सा प्रिय कार्य करूँ?
नाग उवाच
The verse highlights ethical readiness for rightful service: the Nāga openly identifies himself and submits to the sage’s direction, modeling humility, accountability, and willingness to act for another’s legitimate good.
A Nāga addresses a brahmin seer who has been seeking him. Having been found/recognized, the Nāga confirms his identity and asks the sage to give any instruction, offering to perform whatever task would please him.