Shloka 35
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
ते राक्षसास्तथा राजन् भगवन्तमथान्रुवन् । असौ वैश्रवणो राजा स्वयमायाति तेडन्तिकम्,राजन! वे राक्षस वैसा करके भगवान् अष्टावक्रसे बोले--'प्रभो! राजा कुबेर स्वयं ही आपके निकट पधार रहे हैं
te rākṣasās tathā rājan bhagavantam athābruvan | asau vaiśravaṇo rājā svayam āyāti te 'ntikam ||
Disse Bhīṣma: “Ó rei, aqueles rākṣasas então se dirigiram ao venerável sábio e disseram: ‘Senhor, o rei Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera) vem ele mesmo ao teu encontro.’”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that genuine greatness commands respect naturally: even formidable beings speak deferentially when a truly venerable person is involved, implying that dharmic merit and sanctity outrank mere power.
Rakshasas inform a revered sage that Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera), the king, is personally coming to meet him, signaling an important encounter and the high regard in which the sage is held.