Shloka 13
Aṣṭāvakra–Bandi Vāda at Janaka’s Assembly
Numerical Cosmology and Restitution
दिदृक्षुरस्मि सम्प्राप्तो बन्दिनं राजसंसदि । निवेदयस्व मां द्वा:स्थ राज्ञे पुष्करमालिने,द्वारपाल! मैं राजसभामें बन्दीसे मिलनेके लिये आया हूँ। तुम कमलपुष्पकी माला धारण किये हुए महाराज जनकको मेरे आगमनकी सूचना दे दो
didṛkṣur asmi samprāpto bandinaṃ rājasansadi | nivedayasva māṃ dvāḥstha rājñe puṣkaramāline ||
Aṣṭāvakra said: “I have come here, wishing to see the captive in the royal assembly. O doorkeeper, announce my arrival to King Janaka, who wears a garland of lotus-flowers.” The verse frames a seeker’s respectful entry into a court of judgment and learning, emphasizing proper protocol and truthful intent before engaging in debate or inquiry.
अष्टावक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical conduct in pursuit of knowledge: even a confident seeker approaches institutions of power and learning with clarity of purpose, respect for procedure, and truthful speech—setting a dharmic tone before debate or judgment.
Aṣṭāvakra arrives at King Janaka’s court intending to meet a person held captive in the royal assembly. He addresses the gatekeeper and requests that his arrival be formally announced to Janaka, identified by the epithet ‘lotus-garlanded.’