Marutta Seeks a Priest: Bṛhaspati’s Refusal and Nārada’s Guidance to Saṃvarta
Chapter 6
श्रोतव्यं चेन्मया राजन ब्रूहि मे पार्थिवर्षभ । व्यपनेष्यामि ते मन्युं सर्वयत्नैर्नराधिप,“राजन! नृपश्रेष्ठ! यदि मेरे सुनने योग्य हो तो बताओ। नरेश्वर! मैं पूर्ण यत्न करके तुम्हारा दुःख दूर करूँगा”
śrotavyaṃ cenmayā rājan brūhi me pārthivarṣabha | vyapaneṣyāmi te manyuṃ sarvayatnair narādhipa ||
Vyāsa said: “O King, bull among rulers—if it is something I ought to hear, then tell me. O lord of men, with every effort I shall remove your anguish and inner turmoil.”
व्यास उवाच
The verse highlights ethical counsel rooted in compassion: a wise guide invites honest disclosure and commits to alleviating a ruler’s inner turmoil (manyu) through sincere effort, modeling responsible mentorship and humane kingship.
Vyāsa addresses the king respectfully, asking him to speak if the matter is appropriate to be heard, and promises to dispel the king’s distress by every possible means—setting up a consolatory or advisory exchange.