Shloka 24
जनक–ब्राह्मणसंवादः
Viṣaya, Mamatva, and Self-Mastery
देवेभ्यश्न पितृभ्यश्न भूतेभ्योडतिथिभि: सह । इत्यर्थ सर्व एवेति समारम्भा भवन्ति वै,मेरे समस्त कार्योंका आरम्भ देवता, पितर, भूत और अतिथियोंके निमित्त होता है
devebhyaś ca pitṛbhyaś ca bhūtebhyo ’tithibhiḥ saha | ity arthaḥ sarva eveti samārambhā bhavanti vai ||
Janaka said: “My undertakings begin with a sense of offering—directed to the gods and the ancestors, and also mindful of living beings and guests. In this way, every action I commence is meant for the welfare and honoring of all.”
जनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Janaka teaches that ethical action begins with an attitude of offering and responsibility: one’s work should be initiated with remembrance of obligations to the gods, ancestors, all beings, and guests—so that personal activity becomes socially and spiritually accountable.
In a didactic exchange within the Ashvamedhika Parva, King Janaka speaks about the proper orientation of action, explaining that his undertakings are begun for the sake of honoring devas, pitṛs, living beings, and guests—framing kingship and household life as service rather than self-centered pursuit.