Shloka 42
ययाति–अष्टक संवादः
Yayāti–Aṣṭaka Dialogue on Seniority, Merit, and Fate
वयो दास्यति ते पुत्रो यः स राजा भविष्यति । आयुष्मान् कीर्तिमांश्वैव बह्वपत्यस्तथैव च,शुक्राचार्यने कहा--नहुषनन्दन! तुम भक्तिभावसे मेरा चिन्तन करके अपनी वृद्धावस्थाका इच्छानुसार दूसरेके शरीरमें संचार कर सकोगे। उस दशामें तुम्हें पाप भी नहीं लगेगा। जो पुत्र तुम्हें (प्रसन्नतापूर्वक) अपनी युवावस्था देगा, वही राजा होगा, साथ ही दीर्घायु, यशस्वी तथा अनेक संतानोंसे युक्त होगा
vayo dāsyati te putro yaḥ sa rājā bhaviṣyati | āyuṣmān kīrtimāṁś caiva bahvapatyas tathaiva ca ||
Śukra said: “The son who will give you his youth shall become king. He will also be long-lived, renowned, and blessed with many children.” In context, this functions as a moral incentive: voluntary filial sacrifice is rewarded with legitimate sovereignty and prosperity, while the father’s extraordinary act (transferring into another body) is framed as being free from sin when done under devotional contemplation and proper sanction.
शुक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links rightful kingship to selfless filial giving: the son who voluntarily sacrifices his youth for his father is promised sovereignty along with longevity, fame, and many descendants—presenting ethical reciprocity where devotion and duty yield social and cosmic reward.
Śukra pronounces a boon/prophecy: among the father’s sons, the one who agrees to give his youth will be elevated as king and will prosper. The statement sets the stakes for a forthcoming choice and establishes the moral logic behind the succession.