Shloka 57
Jarītā–Śārṅgā-saṃvāda: Ākhu-haraṇa and the Approach of Agni (आखुहरणं अग्न्यागमनश्च)
दुर्वाससं समाहूय रुद्रो वचनमत्रवीत् । एष राजा महाभाग: श्वेतकिद्धिजसत्तम,तदनन्तर सामग्री जुटाकर वे पुनः भगवान् रुद्रके पास गये और बोले--“महादेव! आपकी कृपासे मेरी यज्ञसामग्री तथा अन्य सभी आवश्यक उपकरण जुट गये। अब कल मुझे यज्ञकी दीक्षा मिल जानी चाहिये।” महामना राजाका यह कथन सुनकर भगवान् रुद्रने दुर्वासाको बुलाया और कहा--'द्विजश्रेष्ठ! ये महाभाग राजा श्वैतकि हैं। विप्रेन्द्र! मेरी आज्ञासे तुम इन भूमिपालका यज्ञ कराओ।” यह सुनकर महर्षिने 'बहुत अच्छा” कहकर उनकी आज्ञा स्वीकार कर ली
durvāsasaṃ samāhūya rudro vacanam abravīt | eṣa rājā mahābhāgaḥ śvetakir dhijjasattama,
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having summoned Durvāsas, Rudra spoke these words: “O best of twice-born sages, this is the fortunate king Śvetaki. By my command, conduct this ruler’s sacrifice.” Hearing this, the great seer accepted the order, saying, “So be it.” The episode underscores that even royal ambition must proceed through proper ritual authority and divine sanction, with learned Brahmins serving as responsible guides rather than mere functionaries.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Ritual and royal aims should be pursued within dharma: legitimate sacrifices require proper officiants and authorization. The verse highlights the ethical balance between royal power, priestly responsibility, and divine oversight.
Rudra (Śiva) calls the sage Durvāsas and identifies the king Śvetaki, instructing Durvāsas to conduct Śvetaki’s sacrifice. Durvāsas agrees to carry out the command.