Shloka 23
आस्तीक-उपाख्यान-प्रस्तावः | Introduction to the Āstīka Narrative
जरत्कारुर्वाच मम पूर्वे भवन्तो वै पितर: सपितामहा: । ब्रूत कि करवाण्यद्य जरत्कारुरहं स्वयम्,जरत्कारुने कहा--महात्माओ! आपलोग मेरे ही पितामह और पूर्वज पितृगण हैं। स्वयं मैं ही जरत्कारु हूँ। बताइये, आज आपकी क्या सेवा करूँ?
Jaratkārur uvāca: mama pūrve bhavanto vai pitaraḥ sapitāmahāḥ | brūta kiṃ karavāṇy adya jaratkārur ahaṃ svayam ||
Jaratkāru said: “You are indeed my forefathers—my fathers and grandfathers. Tell me what I should do today. I myself am Jaratkāru; instruct me how I may serve you.”
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds pitṛ-dharma: one should recognize one’s debt to ancestors and seek to act in ways that uphold and benefit the lineage, approaching elders (even departed forefathers) with humility and readiness to serve.
Jaratkāru addresses his ancestral fathers and grandfathers, identifies himself, and asks them to instruct him on what he should do—setting up the ancestors’ request that will guide his next action.