Shloka 150
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 3 — Janamejaya’s Rite, Dhaumya’s Parīkṣā, and Uttanka’s Kuṇḍala Quest (सर्पसत्रप्रस्तावना–गुरुपरीक्षा–उत्तङ्कोपाख्यान)
ततः स एन पुरुष: प्राह प्रीतो5स्मि तेडहमनेन स्तोत्रेण कि ते प्रियं करवाणीति स तमुवाच,तब वह पुरुष उत्तंकसे बोला--“ब्रह्मन! मैं तुम्हारे इस स्तोत्रसे बहुत प्रसन्न हूँ। कहो, तुम्हारा कौन-सा प्रिय कार्य करूँ?” यह सुनकर उत्तंकने कहा--
tataḥ sa ena puruṣaḥ prāha prīto 'smi te 'ham anena stotreṇa kiṃ te priyaṃ karavāṇīti | sa tam uvāca |
Then that mysterious being, pleased, said: “I am delighted with you because of this hymn of praise. Tell me—what dear wish of yours shall I accomplish?” Hearing this, Uttanka replied, preparing to state the boon he sought. The episode highlights the ethical force of sincere praise and the proper, restrained asking of a boon in accordance with dharma.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sincere, well-directed praise (stotra) and disciplined speech can elicit grace, but dharma requires that one ask for a boon thoughtfully—seeking what is right and necessary rather than what is merely tempting or excessive.
After being praised with a hymn, a mysterious being expresses satisfaction and offers to fulfill Uttanka’s cherished wish. Uttanka then begins his reply, setting up the request that will drive the next part of the episode.