Shloka 53
आस्तीक-उपाख्यान-प्रस्तावः | Introduction to the Āstīka Narrative
आस्तीकस्य पुराणर्षेब्राह्मणस्य यशस्विन: । शौनकजीने कहा--सूतनन्दन! पुरातन ऋषि एवं यशस्वी ब्राह्मण आस्तीककी इस मनोरम कथाको मैं पूर्णरूपसे सुनना चाहता हूँ
āstīkasya purāṇarṣer brāhmaṇasya yaśasvinaḥ |
Śaunaka said: “O son of Sūta, I wish to hear in full this delightful account of Āstīka—the ancient seer and illustrious brāhmaṇa.”
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic value of śravaṇa (attentive listening) to revered tradition: a sincere seeker requests a complete, faithful narration of an exemplary sage’s life, affirming that ethical understanding is transmitted through careful hearing of authoritative accounts.
At Naimiṣāraṇya, Śaunaka addresses Ugraśravas (Sauti), asking him to narrate fully the pleasing and significant story of the renowned brāhmaṇa-sage Āstīka, thereby prompting the continuation of the Āstīka episode within Ādi Parva.