Shloka 4
Śukasya Janma-yoga-phalaṁ — Vyāsasya Tapasā Putrārthaḥ (Śānti-parva 310)
याज्ञवल्क्यमृषिश्रेष्ठ॑ दैवरातिर्महायशा: । पप्रच्छ जनको राजा प्रश्न॑ प्रश्नविदां वरम्,एक बार देवरातके महायशस्वी पुत्र राजा जनकने प्रश्नबका रहस्य समझनेवालोंमें श्रेष्ठ मुनिवर याज्ञवल्क्यजीसे पूछा
Yājñavalkyam ṛṣiśreṣṭhaṁ Daivarātir mahāyaśāḥ | papraccha Janako rājā praśnaṁ praśnavidāṁ varam ||
Bhīṣma berkata: Raja Janaka yang masyhur, putera Devarāta, telah mengajukan pertanyaan kepada resi terunggul Yājñavalkya—yang terbaik antara mereka yang memahami hakikat pertanyaan—demi menangkap kebenaran yang halus.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic method of learning: a responsible ruler seeks higher ethical and spiritual understanding by approaching a foremost sage and asking well-formed questions. It implies humility, discernment, and the value of guided inquiry in matters of truth and conduct.
Bhīṣma introduces a traditional teaching episode: King Janaka (called Daivarāti) approaches the sage Yājñavalkya and poses an important question, setting up a discourse where royal duty and spiritual insight are explored through dialogue.