Shloka 12
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 181 — Svayaṃvara Aftermath: Arjuna–Karna Exchange and Bhīma–Śalya Contest
शृणु राजन् मम वचो यत् त्वां वक्ष्यामि सुव्रत । आदित्यवंशप्रभवस्त्वं हि लोके परिश्रुत:,“राजन! मैं आपसे जो बात कहती हूँ, उसे सुनिये। उत्तम व्रतका पालन करनेवाले नरेश! आपका जन्म सूर्यवंशमें हुआ है। आप सम्पूर्ण जगत्में विख्यात हैं
śṛṇu rājan mama vaco yat tvāṃ vakṣyāmi suvrata | ādityavaṃśaprabhavas tvaṃ hi loke pariśrutaḥ ||
“Listen, O king, to my words—what I am about to tell you. O ruler of excellent vows and self-restraint, you are born of the Solar dynasty and are renowned throughout the world.”
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames counsel through dharmic address: a king should listen attentively to guidance, and his noble lineage and public reputation imply a responsibility to act with restraint and uphold righteous conduct.
A Gandharva addresses a king respectfully, asking him to listen, praising his disciplined character and Solar-dynasty birth, and preparing to deliver an important message or instruction.