Shloka 51
Omens and Consolation after Loss; Reaffirmation of the Saindhava Punishment Vow (उत्पात-दर्शनम्, आश्वासन-वाक्यानि, प्रतिज्ञा-स्थैर्यम्)
दैपायन उवाच एतच्छुत्वार्थवद् वाक्यं नारदेन प्रकाशितम् । उवाचाकम्पनो राजा सखायं नारदं तथा,व्यासजी कहते हैं--युधिष्ठटिर! नारदजीकी कही हुई यह अर्थभरी बात सुनकर राजा अकम्पन अपने मित्र नारदसे इस प्रकार बोले--
daipāyana uvāca etac chrutvārthavad vākyam nāradena prakāśitam | uvācākampano rājā sakhāyaṃ nāradaṃ tathā ||
Daipāyana (Vyāsa) said: Having heard these meaningful words, made clear by Nārada, King Akampana then addressed his friend Nārada in this manner. The scene underscores the ethical weight of well-spoken counsel and the proper response of a ruler who listens before he speaks.
दैपायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic ideal that meaningful counsel (artha-vat vākya) should be heard attentively, and that a ruler’s response ought to follow reflection—showing respect for wisdom and for the counselor.
Vyāsa narrates a transition: after Nārada has explained a significant point, King Akampana—described as Nārada’s friend—begins his reply, setting up the next speech.