Shloka 30
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 3 — Janamejaya’s Rite, Dhaumya’s Parīkṣā, and Uttanka’s Kuṇḍala Quest (सर्पसत्रप्रस्तावना–गुरुपरीक्षा–उत्तङ्कोपाख्यान)
तदभिवादये भगवन्न्तमाज्ञापयतु भवान् कमर्थ करवाणीति,“मैं आपके चरणोंमें प्रणाम करता हूँ, आप आज्ञा दीजिये, मैं कौन-सा कार्य करूँ?”
tad abhivādaye bhagavantam ājñāpayatu bhavān kim arthaṁ karavāṇīti
“Revered sir, I bow to the Blessed One. Please command me—what task should I undertake?” With humility and readiness to serve, the speaker places himself under rightful authority, seeking clear instruction before acting.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct: one should approach a worthy authority with reverence, seek clear guidance, and act only after understanding one’s proper duty, avoiding impulsive or self-willed action.
The speaker respectfully salutes the revered person addressed as “Bhagavān” and asks for a direct command about what work he should perform, signaling readiness to serve and to act in accordance with instruction.