Shloka 12
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 181 — Svayaṃvara Aftermath: Arjuna–Karna Exchange and Bhīma–Śalya Contest
शृणु राजन् मम वचो यत् त्वां वक्ष्यामि सुव्रत । आदित्यवंशप्रभवस्त्वं हि लोके परिश्रुत:
śṛṇu rājan mama vaco yat tvāṃ vakṣyāmi suvrata | ādityavaṃśaprabhavas tvaṃ hi loke pariśrutaḥ ||
“Listen, O king, to my words—what I am about to tell you. O ruler of excellent vows and self-restraint, you are born of the Solar dynasty and are renowned throughout the world.”
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames counsel through dharmic address: a king should listen attentively to guidance, and his noble lineage and public reputation imply a responsibility to act with restraint and uphold righteous conduct.
A Gandharva addresses a king respectfully, asking him to listen, praising his disciplined character and Solar-dynasty birth, and preparing to deliver an important message or instruction.