Shloka 6
ययाति–अष्टक–प्रतर्दन संवादः | Yayāti’s Dialogue with Aṣṭaka and Pratardana on Merit, Gifts, and Ethical Restraint
जनमेजय उवाच कर्मणा केन स दिवं पुन: प्राप्तो महीपति:,जनमेजयने पूछा--मुने! किस कर्मसे वे भूपाल पुनः स्वर्गमें पहुँचे थे?
janamejaya uvāca
karmaṇā kena sa divaṃ punaḥ prāpto mahīpatiḥ?
Janamejaya said: “By what deed did that king attain heaven again?” In ethical terms, the question seeks the specific meritorious action (karma) that restores a ruler’s heavenly destiny—implying that even a fallen or interrupted celestial status can be regained through a particular dharmic act or expiation.
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a key Mahābhārata ethic: destiny in the afterlife is linked to specific actions (karma). Even if a king’s heavenly status is lost or interrupted, it can be regained through a particular dharmic deed, expiation, or merit-producing act—hence the inquiry into the precise cause.
In the frame dialogue, King Janamejaya asks the sage to explain which specific action enabled a previously mentioned king to reach heaven again. The question sets up an explanatory account about merit, conduct, or ritual that restores celestial attainment.